Should I Tie a String Around my Hypertrophic Scar on my Ear to Remove It?

I just lost my job, so I have no insurance and can't afford surgery. My ear got massively infected, and after messing with it too much over the years it has become what I thought was a keloid. After research, I'm guessing it is a hyperthropic scar. People seem to have success (though a lot of pain) by tying a string around it until it turns black and falls off. What are the dangers/risks? Would this work? I'm depressed to the point I cry everyday and ALWAYS hide my ear... I want it gone.

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by ZombieRavers in Indianapolis, IN USA

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Self-treating an Ear Keloid

Regarding: "Should I Tie a String Around my Hypertrophic Scar on my Ear to Remove It? I just lost my job, so I have no insurance and can't afford surgery. My ear got massively infected, and after messing with it too much over the years it has become what I thought was a keloid. After research, I'm guessing it is a hyperthropic scar. People seem to have success (though a lot of pain) by tying a string around it until it turns black and falls off. What are the dangers/risks?... more

Not a good idea

While I understand your desire to treat yourself, you likely will end up with a worse scar from the process you described. That also places you at a higher risk for infection which would definitely end up being an expensive and potentially disfiguring event. My advice is to wait until you have the means to have this treated by a qualified physician. Perhaps you can check around and see what the costs are in your area. It might be cheaper than you think:) Good luck!... more

Prominent scar of keloid.

You should first remove your earring as this may be contributing. I have seen instances of metal allergy resulting in this scar. Furthermore, you should make sure there is no foreign body or retained earring backing in the ear lobule causing this problem. Althought tying it off could be an immeadiate solution, it is my guess that it would very likely recur without the use of steroid injections.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

That is a terrible idea...

You do have a keloid and this is not uncommon on the earlobe. Simple surgical removal is not sufficient and you will have it come back again. Plastic surgeons have been frustrated in treating these difficult problems and there is no uniformity in opinion as to what is best. One dose of radiation treatment immediately following keloid removal or steriod injections done a number of times after surgery seem to be effective treatments in some patients. A plastic surgeon who is also a wound... more

Home care for keloids

A scar that grows beyond it's initial borders is classic for keloid, as is the location you note on your picture. So first of all, this is a keloid. Second, choking that area off progressively is a mistake, and will only lead to poor cosmetic results and recurrence. There is no easy fix here that you can do on your own. So either accept the fact that it will require a cosmetic fee and prepare, or wait. But keep in mind the surgeon will likely suggest... more