Would you recommend otoplasty for someone who had a keloid?

Question

I'm considering getting an otoplasty but worried that I could get a keloid. I have a small keloid on my chest from chickenpox from 15 years ago. What are the chances I could get another keloid from otoplasty? I'm a 30 year old male of Indian origin. thanks

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you have a history of keloids, then the risk of developing one after otoplasty is high. There may be some ways to reduce the chance of developing one, or treatments that may help reduce keloids that have already developed, however they are not always effective.

Salih Aydin, MD · Answer

Hello, it is extremely rare to develop keloid behind the ear after ear aesthetics. Keloid developed in only 2 of the 350 ear aesthetics that I had previously operated on. this is a very low rate. Although ethnic characteristics are important in the development of keloid, it is the personal skin structure that is important here. If your previous skin injuries are healing with a serious keloid tissue, it may be a problem. but if your wounds are healing without any problems, the risk of developing keloid is extremely low.

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry.  If the scar is a "small" keloid, it is probably not a keloid but a hypertrophic scar which is common on the chest.  This should not be a problem with an otoplasty. However, if you wanted to avoid a scar, you could consider an "incisionless" otoplasty.  It is done under just local anesthesia in an office OR and only tiny micro-incisions are made to place the sutures. It is a very quick recovery.

Would you recommend otoplasty for someone who had a keloid?

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