Keloid Removal with Rubber Bands? (photo)

Question

I have been stuck with this keloid for about 5 years now, and i really want to get rid of it. Its big like a size a big grape. I really want to try this method but i wonder if its going to work on big keloid? i never found my answer. please help me answer this question.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

As my colleagues have pointed out, the rubber band remedy is best avoided.  Keloids are an abnormal scarring response to injury and look different than regular scar tissue under a microscope.  The literature shows that all excisional techniques carry a roughly 50% recurrence rate.  The best approach is to use some form of injectable anti-inflammatory like kenalog in a staged series of injections prior to excising the softened and sometimes diminished keloid.  My concern is that rubber band strangulation may irritate the keloid and make it far worse.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with the sentiment of my colleagues that rubber bands will not work and you should not try this at home. With that said, there are published techniques using suture ligation of keloids that work well. This requires several visits to your surgeons office and a significant period of time for the keloid to essentially become starved of a blood supply and fall off. The best and most expeditious option, however, is to have it surgically removed in the office by a plastic surgeon. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I treat a lot of keloids and the most reliable treatment in my practice is surgical excision and closure of the keloids.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The only safe and effective method to remove the keloid from your ear is to have it surgically removed.  You should definitely not try and remove it with a rubber band, which could potentially cause other problems and even make it worse.

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

I have treated thousands of these in my career. They need surgical excision and reconstruction with adjuvant treatment

Keloid Removal with Rubber Bands? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Keloid removal with rubber bands

Answer: Keloid removal with rubber bands

Answer: Keloid

Answer: Keloid

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Keloid Removal with Rubber Bands? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Keloid removal with rubber bands

Answer: Keloid removal with rubber bands

Answer: Keloid

Answer: Keloid

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.