How high is the risk of earlobe keloids if I already have one keloid scar?

Question

I have one keloid scar on my shoulder from an immunisation as a young child. I have not developed any other keloid scars since (I am 18 years old). Is it safe for me to get my ears pierced? I am very concerned about keloid scarring. My mother developed keloid scars due to her Caesarian, however, not for anything else (including ear piercings). Please note I am Caucasian (lower risk for keloids?). Thank you.

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

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

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

HiThanks for your question.There's no way to conclusively tell if you will get a keloid from ear piercing. However if you have had a keloid elsewhere I would be concerned about also getting one from the piercing.I hope this helps.....

Paul Blair, MD · Answer

It's doubtful you will develop a keloid from ear piercing.  Your keloid at the immunization site was probably secondary to the inflammation that was caused by the immunization.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

just because you got a keloid from an immunization does not make it likely you will get keloids elsewhere, especially from just doing an ear piercing.david berman md

How high is the risk of earlobe keloids if I already have one keloid scar?

Answers (4)

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