3 years post otoplasty, I have tried to remove keloids from behind my ear and they've returned. Advice?

I have treated thousands of keloid scars and feel that conservative but regimented treatments work best.  Begin with an examination and then discuss non-surgical options with your expert surgeon. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

These are very difficult to "cure" as you have found out. Based on what you said, I personally would try radiation therapy by a radiologist who does a lot of these. Check with a nearby university.

These scars can be helped with a combination of laser treatment and cortisone injections.  It may require multiple treatments, however the success rate is very good.  You need to see an expert who has a lot of experience treating scars with laser.

Unfortunately keloid scars after Otoplasty is a possible but rare side effect.  It is not really known what causes keloids so they are difficult to predict.  It is more common in African-American or Hispanic skin.  Also closing the incision with tension may contribute to it.  There is no cure for them, but they can be reduced with steriod injection.  Over time the interval between steroid injections should hopefully increase.  That is about the extent of the treatment - I would not excise them.  There are always risks with any surgery, but fortunately, keloid formation after otoplasty is uncommon.

The problem you describe is a known complication of otoplasty.  It appears you have underone excision with almost immediate recurrence.  The question is prompted whether you have other areas of scar on your body that demonstrate keloid healing.  Initiallly, an injection of a combination of a calcium channel blocker and steroid may be considered.  In addition, in some cases of hypertrophic healing and keloid formation, the topical application of a 10-15% gel of calcium channel blocker may be helpful.  Since you have recently had surgery, as a less appealing option you may ultimately require reexcision with immediate post operative radiation.  In order to coordinate this, you would likely have to consult with your surgeon and a radiation oncologist.   The post operative dose is usually fractionated over three days. I hope this is helpful.