December 13, 2011

Do your ears hang low? You may be old – Top plastic surgeon talks lobes

Dr. Nicholas Nikolov is a BeverlyHills, California board-certified plastic surgeon. As a top surgeonin his field, Dr. Nikolov blogsregularly about the latest in plastic surgery understands the subtle details that make a truly life-changing difference in a person’s looks.

One of the ways he does this is by recommending that all face-lift patients consider the ear lobe surgery in addition to their face work to create the most natural looking enhancement.

Dr. Nikolov tells Monsters and Critics that gravity takes its toll on earlobes, but is easily remedied: “Over time, earlobes can elongate and droop very similar to breasts, under upper arms (bat wings) and chins, aging you immediately. This is of course exacerbated by heavy earrings and hoops that are so popular now.”

“As we age, the fat not only begins to leave the face, but also disappears from within the earlobe, as the ear itself enlarges with age. The result is that the earlobe becomes floppier and dates you. I strongly recommend that anyone, men and women, seeking face-lifts, a neck lift or a rejuvenating liquid face-lift consider earlobe surgery. This is a simple procedure that adds so much to the finished ‘after’ look for the patient.”

An increasing number of people are heeding his advice and are considering ear lobe surgery as part of a strategy to stay competitive in the job market, and even in matters of dating over age 50.

Dr Nikolov’s surgical work involves serious facial and breast reconstruction, including entire ears, but he also repairs holes, tears and shortens lobes. Dr. Nikolov tells M&C that earlobe rejuvenation can also involve repairs from torn earlobes caused by heavy jewelry ripped out in accidents, or disfigured by large “gauges” that create huge holes in the flesh.

Earlobes – like other areas of the face and neck – lose collagen and elasticity in much the same way your face does, leading to sagging lobes. Twice as many people have earlobes that are free-hanging rather than attached. “Perky earlobes and ear shapes are created through surgical and injectable methods, and subtly take many years off of anyone’s appearance,” says Dr. Nikolov.

The first question that springs to mind is: ‘Who cares?’ But saggy earlobes are as bad as having a turkey neck in prematurely aging people. As surgeries go, the procedure is fairly quick and relatively inexpensive.