Mr. Onur Gilleard
Qualifications & Experience
Mr Onur Gilleard is a distinguished consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC specialist register. He previously held an NHS consultant post at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, specialising in skin cancer and microsurgical reconstruction. In 2021, Mr Gilleard transitioned from the NHS to dedicate himself fully to private practice, allowing him to focus exclusively on providing personalised, high-quality care to his patients. He is recognised as an expert in laser treatments, having conducted research and developed advanced treatment protocols using cutting-edge laser technology to optimise both clinical outcomes and cosmetic results.
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In short, no, a split or torn earlobe is almost never repaired on the NHS, because it is treated as a
cosmetic problem rather than a medical one. There are rare exceptions where there is a genuine functional or medical
reason, which your GP would assess. For the typical stretched, torn or gauged lobe, the repair is done privately: at
London Skin Clinic that is £550 for one earlobe and £900 for both (consultation £100), with no GP
referral and usually no waiting. Here is how NHS funding works and what your options are.
Why the NHS Does Not Usually Fund It
The NHS funds treatment that is medically necessary. A split, torn or stretched earlobe, even though it can be
distressing and affects how you feel about your appearance, is almost always classed as a cosmetic
concern rather than a health problem. Because the lobe is not causing illness, pain or loss of function, NHS funding is
generally not available, and most GPs will explain this at the outset. This is the same position taken for most
appearance-related procedures, so it is not specific to your case.
The Rare Exceptions
Occasionally there can be a functional or medical reason that changes the picture, for example a
significant injury, a recurring infection, or a deformity following trauma. In those situations your GP can assess
whether a referral is appropriate, though approval is far from guaranteed and the threshold is high. It is always worth a
conversation with your GP if you think your situation is more than cosmetic. For the great majority of earring-related
tears and stretches, however, a private repair is the realistic route.
The Private Route, and What It Costs
Having the repair done privately means no referral, no waiting list, and a date that suits you, often
with the repair carried out the same day as your consultation. It is a minor procedure under local anaesthetic, around
30 minutes for a single lobe, done by a consultant plastic surgeon, and you go home the same day. At London Skin Clinic
the cost is £550 for one earlobe and £900 for both, after a £100 consultation; a heavily gauged lobe
that needs a flap is a little more. The full breakdown, including what is and is not included, is in our
guide to split earlobe repair cost,
and the procedure itself is covered in the
complete earlobe repair guide.
Private Medical Insurance
Because earlobe repair is treated as cosmetic, private medical insurance does not usually cover it, and we do not bill
insurers directly. If you would like to try to claim the cost back from your insurer, we are happy to provide a letter or
complete a form for you to submit yourself, where your policy allows. Payment for the repair is by debit or credit card
on the day, and there are no payment plans.
Common Questions
- Can I get a split earlobe repaired on the NHS?
- Almost never. A split, torn or stretched earlobe is treated as cosmetic rather than medical, so the NHS does not usually fund the repair. Rare exceptions exist where there is a functional or medical reason, which your GP would assess.
- Should I see my GP first?
- You can if you think your situation is more than cosmetic, for example after a significant injury or recurrent infection, and your GP can advise whether an NHS referral is realistic. For a private repair you do not need to see your GP or get a referral at all.
- How much is it privately?
- At London Skin Clinic it is £550 for one earlobe and £900 for both, after a £100 consultation, with a heavily gauged lobe priced a little higher. See our cost guide for the full breakdown.
- Will my insurance cover it?
- Usually not, as it is considered cosmetic, and we do not bill insurers directly. We can provide a letter or form so you can try to claim back from your insurer yourself, where your policy allows.
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