Can I Get my Ears Repierced with a Needle After Keloid Removal and Radiation?

Question

I've had two keloids surgically removed after injections failed to work. My keloids are responding well and I've been getting steroid injections to soften up the tissue. The keloids are where my second holes used to be and my one keloid stretched to the first hole. I woukd just like to grt the first hole repierced. If I go to a tattoo parlor and get my ears pierced with a needle will the keloid reform or affect the treatment of the second hole? Thanks!

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

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

I would strongly advise against repiercing.  It will lead to development of a new keloid.  Therapeutic radiologists in my area are now declining to irradiate post-excision and, if this is the case in your area as well, you may find yourself in a worse situation.

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS · Answer

With your history of recurrent keloids and earlobe piercing I would recommend against re piercing. Keloids are normal histological (under the microscope) scars that grow outside the area of surgery  or trauma (ear piercing). You have a near 100% chance of having a recurrent keloid. Each time you have a keloid respected some normal tissue is removed and you have increased chance of keloids from the surgery, distortion of the ear lobe and loss of the normal shape of the ear. Specialized clasp ear ring are often used after keloid resection to prevent recurrence.

Can I Get my Ears Repierced with a Needle After Keloid Removal and Radiation?

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Can I Get my Ears Repierced with a Needle After Keloid Removal and Radiation?

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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