Hard, Growing Bump on Ear After Otoplasty? (photo)

Thank you for the question and picture.

 The area of concern does look like a keloid scar, possibly associated with an underlying suture ( based on your  description of events).  I would suggest that you follow up with your plastic surgeon and discuss treatment options, which may include excision and/or the use of steroid injections.

 Best wishes.

It's difficult to give you a diagnosis without examining the lump on your son's ear.  It's possible that it could be a keloid scar, but I can't be sure without seeing it.  I would think that the only way it could be removed would be to excise it surgically.  This would be a relatively minor procedure, and depending on your son's age, it could possibly be done in the office with just local anesthesia.  Have you been back to see the surgeon who performed the otoplasty?  That would be my recommendation.  

The most common ear growth after an otoplasty in a caucasian patient would be a simple Epidermal Inclusion Cyst (EIC). They tend to change a bit with time and if squeezed extrude an often fowl smelling white cheesy material.  They are easily removed and rarely recur. The other issue as mentioned could be a Keloid. A keloid is a scar that grows out into normal tissue. They are often very difficult to illuminate. Consider returning to your surgeon for an evaluation and option. Best,

 

Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS