if I get my keloid remove from behind my earlobe, will I be able to wear earrings again ? (photos)

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

There are many options for treatment I suggest seeing an expert for an evaluation of options Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question. Keloids occur when there is trauma to the skin from something as simple as ear piercing or an incision in the skin and the scar maturation process does not occur normally. There is an overgrowth of collagen that goes unchecked. Once a keloid is excised there is a high probability that it will return. There are several additional modalities that have shown some benefit such as steroid injection, radiation therapy, and compression. The compression therapy consists of a special earring that has two halves that clip on the lobe and exert pressure on both sides.  While these different methods can decrease the risk of re-developing a keloid they cannot eliminate it completely. Mark Schoemann MD, La Jolla CA 

Excising keloids may result in another keloid developing, even if one of several methods are used to help minimize its recurrence. Re-piercing may cause a keloid to develop as well.