Can I Get my Ear Repierced After a Keloid?

Question

I have a tiny, tiny keloid on my earlobe (about the size of a flax seed) and have gotten the steroid shots. I had it compressed and it is now completely flat. Can I get that ear re pierced? I now wear only one earring and find clip ons to be very uncomfortable. Thanks for your help!

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

Sarah Mess, MD · Answer

Earlobe piercing after keloid treatment has a high risk of keloid recurrence. You are fortunate that your keloid responded to steroid injection alone. Take care!

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

You can have your ear re-pierced. That doesn't mean that you should. The main risk is that the keloid could recur and could be more severe this time. It sounds like you required fairly intense intervention and if you want to avoid going through that again it might be worthwhile to avoid repiercing your ear. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Sapna A. Patel, MD · Answer

You can definitely get it repierced but you do risk the possibility of getting keloid scarring after the repiercing. There are ways to minimize the chance of getting a keloid again including steroid injections, silicone taping, and compression with magnets or clip ons. It is difficult to predict whether it will happen again but you can decrease your chances by using the above techniques. Hope this helps!

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

While it is certainly possible, it does carry risk.  Make sure you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a full evaluation and confirm this is a Keloid versus a Hypertrophic Scar.  Although they both have risks of coming back, the though process and decision process will change based on the diagnosis.Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACSWirthplasticsurgery.com

Can I Get my Ear Repierced After a Keloid?

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Can I Get my Ear Repierced After a Keloid?

Answers (10)

Answer: Keloid on ear

Answer: Keloid on ear

Answer: Can I Get my Ear Repierced After a Keloid?

Answer: Can I Get my Ear Repierced After a Keloid?

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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