What is Earlobe Filler and Should I Offer This Aesthetic Treatment?

Earlobe filler has been coming up a lot recently but many aesthetic practitioners don’t know much about it. As it starts to gain media traction, it’s important to be aware of what’s involved so you can address patient queries.

Here we explain what it’s used for, who’s suitable for this treatment and whether it’s something you should add to your aesthetic practice.

Read on to learn more about this trending filler treatment…

What is earlobe filler used for?

Earlobe filler is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that uses a hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal filler to:

• Restore volume: As we age, earlobes can lose volume and become thinner or droopy. Filler can help restore a more youthful appearance
• Support heavy earrings: For individuals who wear heavy earrings frequently, filler can provide extra support to the earlobe, preventing tearing and stretching
• Improve earring placement: Filler can help earrings sit more securely and prominently, especially for those with smaller or less defined earlobes.

Who is suitable for earlobe filler?

The best candidates for earlobe filler are generally:

• Individuals with thin, droopy or stretched earlobes
• Those who wear heavy earrings regularly
• People seeking a non-surgical way to improve the appearance of their earlobes.

Indications for a suitable candidate

During your patient consultation, you should assess the following to determine whether your patient is a suitable candidate for earlobe filler:

• Earlobe condition: Examine the earlobe's shape, size and any existing issues such as tears or stretching. Tears cannot be rectified with filler
• Desired outcome: Determine your patient's goals for the treatment, whether it's volume restoration, support for heavy earrings or improved earring placement
• Medical history: Review your patient's medical history, including any allergies, bleeding disorders and any recent, ongoing or upcoming dental work
• Expectations: Ensure your patient has realistic expectations of their results and is fully briefed on the potential side effects of this treatment.

Assessing your patient for this treatment 

The assessment typically involves:

• Visual examination: You’ll need to carefully examine the earlobes to identify areas that could benefit from this treatment as well as to understand why the patient is requesting it. Assess the skin quality and look out for issues such as asymmetry, tears and stretching, as mentioned previously
• Palpation: You should gently touch the earlobes to assess their texture and feel for any underlying issues
• Discussion: Discuss your patient's concerns, goals and answer any questions they may have.

See our article on perfecting your patient consultations for guidance on this last aspect.

Earlobe filler injection techniques

The following are commonly used for earlobe filler injections:

• Filler: An HA dermal filler with a medium to high G' prime and a moderate viscosity is typically used. Using a ‘spongy-textured’ filler ensures adequate support and a natural-looking result
• Needle: A fine-gauge needle is used for precise injection. Due to the size of the treatment area, a cannula is unsuitable here.

Injection points and techniques

The number of injection points varies depending on the individual's needs and the desired outcome. Typically, a few small injections are made strategically around the earlobe.

The linear threading method is typically used. This involves injecting filler in a linear fashion along the desired areas to provide support and volume.

Earlobe filler is a relatively simple procedure, but it requires a good understanding of facial anatomy and experience with injecting delicate areas. It's generally recommended that aesthetic practitioners have experience with other facial filler treatments before offering earlobe filler. Your insurance may also require you to complete specific aesthetics training in any treatment you plan to offer.

Please note that, at present, none of Harley Academy’s filler courses cover the earlobes.

How long does earlobe filler last?

Results from earlobe fillers tend to last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. As with any type of HA filler, how long the results will last is multifactorial and largely dependent on the individual. For example, their metabolism, lifestyle factors such as smoking and whether they regularly wear heavy earrings, will all contribute.

Cautions for injecting the earlobe with filler

Successful administration of earlobe filler requires a thorough understanding of the relevant facial anatomy. 

Additionally, there are three main areas where caution is advised.

Injection technique

Precise and gentle injection techniques are necessary to avoid overcorrection and bruising. Don’t forget the earlobes are also prone to bruising!

Patient selection

Careful patient selection is important to ensure this filler treatment is suitable for the individual in terms of both their physical and mental health. They should fit the criteria previously outlined above for good candidates. 

If a patient has extensive drooping or stretching of the earlobe, talk to them about whether this is the right treatment for them. Explain the limits of what earlobe filler can achieve for them and discuss whether surgery may be a more appropriate option. 

Potential earlobe filler complications

As an ethical aesthetics practitioner, it's important to be aware of the potential risks involved in this treatment. Ensure you take appropriate precautions to avoid them and understand how to manage them should they occur.

Potential complications from earlobe filler can include:

• Bruising
• Swelling and/or redness
• Infection
• Nodules or lumps
• Vascular events, such as vascular occlusion. 

Whilst the earlobes are not covered specifically, we recommend our online filler complications course to deepen your understanding of preventing and managing dermal filler complications. 

This knowledge - the ability to prevent and deal with any complications that arise - and your medical background, which feeds into this, is something that can help you to stand out as an aesthetic practitioner. Not only does it differentiate you from competitors, but it also instils your patients with confidence and trust in you.

This eLearning course can be purchased on its own. It’s also available free of charge to our trainees taking our Level 7 Diploma in Cosmetic Injectables courses.

Should you offer earlobe filler at your aesthetic practice?

Earlobe filler is a growing trend, but it also offers real benefits for many individuals. It can address concerns about ageing, support heavy earrings and improve the overall appearance of the earlobes.

When deciding whether or not to offer this procedure, these are the key considerations:

• Do you have the right training? 
• Are you sufficiently confident in being able to deliver this treatment safely and effectively?
• Are you insured to carry out this treatment? Does your cover have any requirements or restrictions in this regard?
• Is this treatment something your patient cohort would benefit from or be interested in? Consider your current patient roster as well as those you hope to attract. 

At present, we do not offer earlobe filler at our training clinic, The Academy Clinic. However, if it's something you're interested in, you can have a consultation for this treatment at our private clinic chain, run by our Board members, Drs Emily, Marcus and Tristan Mehta.

STORY Clinics is based in Marylebone, London and Southwell, Nottingham. Whilst STORY does not offer this treatment as standard, as highly-skilled and experienced aesthetics experts, they can certainly consider treatment after an in-depth consultation.

Is this filler treatment just a trend?

We’ve previously shared our opinions on aesthetics trends and whether injectors should follow them.

Earlobe filler is certainly increasing in popularity and could be considered a trend, but whether it’s a passing trend remains to be seen. 

Aesthetic trends tend to be more about beautification and, although earlobe filler does qualify here, it does have other benefits. Just as our hands can ‘give away’ our true age, so can our earlobes, especially if they become stretched over time from wearing earrings.

As such, this somewhat niche filler treatment may well have a place in rejuvenation plans. However, it’s important to manage your patients’ expectations in this regard. Whilst earlobe filler can plump the area, making it look more youthful, if there is significant stretching or sagging, this will not be greatly improved without surgical intervention.

Will you be adding earlobe filler to your treatment menu? Let us know by commenting on our Instagram post about it!

All information correct at time of publication