Can I get anywhere in my cartilage pierced after the existing keloid is reduced?

There are certain protocols to follow if you desire additional piercings on your ear.  Keloids are partially genetic in nature and can certainly recur. Our office specializes in scar treatment and keloid treatment. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACSLos Angeles

I tell patients they should avoid any re-treatment of the area previously treated for a keloid, as the chance for recurrence is high.  However, it will not harm you to re-pierce the area.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

There is a high risk that another keloid will form with an additional piercing. You are better off not piercing your ear again. Additionally, piercing through the cartilage carries additional risks of infection.

A thickened, hypertrophic or keloid scar sometimes develops due to repetitive irritation, inflammation or infection. While your keloid may come back you can try to re-pierce the area if it is really important to you. I suggest that you use a non-reactive, gold-plated stud. Avoid nickel as it is associated with a higher rate of topical allergic reactions.