Ear keloids are caused by excessive scar tissue formation from skin injury. Keloid removal works well for patients with keloids, which are a type of skin lesion caused by abnormal healing. These lesions can often be seen after ear piercings, after C-section or other surgery, or after skin injuries to various parts of the body. Certain parts of the bodies are more common to develop keloid scars, such as the earlobes, chest, and outer shoulders. Often times, patients with more melanin in their skin (African Americans, Latinos, and Asians) are more prone to suffer from keloids. Cases are seen less commonly in Caucasian populations with less skin pigment. Our experienced doctors perform surgical keloid removals for our patients and usually add a steroid injection to minimize the chance of recurrence.

Ear keloids are raised scar tissue formations that can occur as a result of ear piercing, trauma, or other types of injury to the earlobe or surrounding area. It is common to find Ear keloids as a result of infection from ear piercing. Ear keloids are characterized by their tendency to grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound, leading to a raised and sometimes discolored appearance. It can vary in color, from flesh colored to pink to dark brown. Keloids can be itchy or painful. They may also grow to be quite large and may distort or deform the ear.

CONSULTATION

During the consultation, our doctors will first ask about the history of the keloid, including details such as how it happened, how long it has been there, and whether any alternative therapies have been previously attempted. We will examine the keloid to determine whether there is a good chance to improve the keloid with surgery. We will also ask about the patient’s medical history, including existing medical conditions, past surgeries, tobacco usage, daily medications, supplements, and allergies. If we determine the keloid has a good chance of being improved with surgery, our doctors will explain the next steps in going forth with the procedure.

If you have a large ear lobe keloid that has not responded to medical therapy, surgical keloid removal is an option. Our doctors are facial plastic surgeons with specialized training and experience in ear reconstruction. Once the keloid is removed, our doctors can perform repair and reconstruction to fix damage to the ear lobe and ear. For those who are frustrated with a keloid growth on the ear that is not responding or shrinking with medical treatment, contact our office today for free consultation.

SURGERY DETAILS

Ear Keloid removal is generally a straightforward 1 hour procedure that is performed under local anesthesia in our office. After numbing the entire area, our doctors will excise the abnormal scar, free up the skin on each side, and sew the sides together. Our doctors will use a special technique that involves multiple layers of sutures to relieve the skin tension. By freeing up the skin on both sides and using the multiple layer technique, our doctors will ensure that the new incision’s tension force on the skin will be minimized, which means less chance that the keloid will return. There is a chance that these keloids can return after surgery, so these steps are important in order to minimize that chance.

RECOVERY & POST OPERATION

– Avoid excessive activity in the immediate post-operative period.
– Apply ice packs for the first 72 hours to the operation site with 20 minutes interval.
– Keep dressings clean and dry as possible. Do not remove dressings unless instructed to do so.

– Swelling and bruising will begin to subside 2 or 3 weeks after surgery.
– Contour finalizes in several weeks to several months.

FROM OUR DOCTORS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Keloid?

Keloids are often round, oval, or oblong smooth-topped scars on the skin over sites of injury. However, they can be irregularly shaped with claw-like extensions into normal skin.

Recovery Time?

There is minimal discomfort after keloid removal. Patients can often return to work immediately following the procedure. Sutures are typically removed in 5 – 7 days. After the procedure, our doctors may schedule injections of a steroid to decrease the chance of recurrence. Other techniques to minimize recurrence may be used, such as silicone sheeting and compression therapy.

What is a Steroid Injection?

Cortisone injections (intralesional steroids) are usually given once per month until the maximum benefit is obtained. Injections are safe (very little steroid gets into the bloodstream) and usually help flatten keloids. However, steroid injections can also make the flattened keloid redder by stimulating the formation of more superficial blood vessels. The keloid may look better after treatment than it looked to start with, but even the best results leave a mark that looks and feels quite different from the surrounding skin.