Re-piercing after keloid (?) removal even though I had the steroid injection after surgery?

Question

I had my ears pierced for about 4-5 years before a lump on the back began to show and eventually I realised it was keloid and had them cut out, stitched, and injected with a steroid by a plastic surgeon. No other scars on my body have done that and they are all normal scars. Will it happen again? I'm not even entirely sure that it was in fact keloid on my ear lobes. Also, could I get them pierced by a surgeon and have that same steroid injected?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office repairs earlobes after a traumatic tear of earrings, gauge piercings, or after a facelift in which the earlobes are stretched. Earlobe surgery is composed of several techniques that can either repair torn earlobes (split earlobes) or correct overly redundant earlobe tissue from piercings or genetics or stretching. Our HIDEF earlobe repair includes a recontouring of the earlobe contour using multi-layered sutures to reapproximate the curvature of the earlobe; while simultaneously restoring contour to the ear. In patients with pixie ears after facelift surgery, an alternate technique is used to reduce the dependance of the earlobe on the facelift flap. Facelift surgery can reshape the earlobe and this requires restoration. Sutures are usually taken out within 10 days and the wound is repierced in 4-6 weeks thereafter. Keloid scars must be addressed in patients with known history for scarring.

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Because you have had a keloid in the past it does mean that you could have another. Unfortunately there is no way to tell if you will get another one. Having the steroid injection after piercing may not stop you from getting another keloid later on. Good luck

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

Keloids result from the body forming too much scar tissue; they're still not very well understood, but genetics and a personal history certainly contribute to keloid formation.  If you have had keloid scarring previously, you may form them again.  There's no guarantee that they will not appear after repeat ear piercing, as keloids can appear after even minor trauma.  If this is unacceptable to you, you may do best to avoid ear re-piercing.  If you do want to pursue re-piercing, I suggest you discuss this with your plastic surgeon, as watchful waiting or injections of anti-scarring medications may be in order.  Good luck!

Sunny Park, MD, MPH · Answer

The ear is a common place to develop keloids and this most commonly occurs after getting the ear pierced.  Because you've already had history of it, there is a good chance you will develop it again.  It's also unclear whether injecting with steroids after piercing will help.  For these reasons, you may want to consider not getting your ears pierced again.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Zoephilp,If you did have a keloid, you are still prone to another one if you have your ears pierced again.  Treatment with kenalog (and other treatments) can decrease the risk of it recurring, but there is no guaranty.  I'd recommend you follow up with your surgeon prior to any piercings.  I do pierce my patient's ears after earlobe repair as part of the original fee.  For my patients with keloids, I advise against repiercing the ear.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Re-piercing after keloid (?) removal even though I had the steroid injection after surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Ear keloid

Answer: Ear keloid

Answer: Re-piercing after keloid (?) removal even though I had the steroid injection after surgery?

Answer: Re-piercing after keloid (?) removal even though I had the steroid injection after surgery?

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Re-piercing after keloid (?) removal even though I had the steroid injection after surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Ear keloid

Answer: Ear keloid

Answer: Re-piercing after keloid (?) removal even though I had the steroid injection after surgery?

Answer: Re-piercing after keloid (?) removal even though I had the steroid injection after surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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