Should filler be avoided if I have had a keloid in the past?

Question

I’m considiering hyaleronic acid filler in my chin. However, Im concerned about the possibility of keloids/scar tissue since I have a keloid from an ear cartilage piercing that I got as a teen. I do not have other keloids anywhere but am worried I am at risk of them developing from filler injections. Is this something that is safe to do and if so, what can be done ti reduce the risk? Thanks!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Having a keloid from a previous ear piercing does not automatically mean that you cannot have hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. However, it does indicate that you have demonstrated a tendency to develop excessive scar tissue, so I would approach any elective injectable treatment thoughtfully.

The reassuring part is that filler injections are very different from a surgical incision or piercing. The needle creates a very small puncture rather than a larger wound, and keloid formation at injection sites is considered uncommon. A history of a single keloid, particularly from an ear piercing, does not mean you will necessarily develop a keloid where filler is injected.

That said, there is no way to guarantee zero risk. In addition to keloids, injections can occasionally cause other lumps or inflammatory reactions, which can sometimes be mistaken for scar tissue.

If you decide to proceed, risk can be minimized by:

Having the filler performed by an experienced, qualified medical injector.
Using the fewest necessary needle punctures and avoiding unnecessary trauma to the skin.
Avoiding injection through an area that is already scarred, inflamed, or irritated.
Using an appropriate HA filler and conservative technique rather than overcorrecting.
Monitoring the injection sites during healing and reporting any persistent, firm, enlarging, or symptomatic bump.

For someone with a history of keloids, I would also make sure the injector knows where and how the previous keloid developed, because that history helps put your individual risk into context.

For chin augmentation specifically, HA filler is commonly used and has the advantage of being temporary and reversible with hyaluronidase if necessary. Your history of a keloid would be a reason for caution and informed consent, but by itself it isn't generally considered an absolute reason to avoid HA filler.

Should filler be avoided if I have had a keloid in the past?

Answers (1)

More Chin Filler Questions

What procedures would help balance my profile? (Photos)

Would chin or jaw filler help with the start of jowls? What would you recommend to fight the signs of aging? (Photos)

Would filler give my chin a more feminine shape? (Photos)

How can I improve chin fullness and projection? (Photos)

Should I target my chin, lips, jaw, or a combination of all? (Photos)

Deep mental crease - how can this be improved? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS