What is this lump that appears on my pierced ear? (Photo)

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

Thank you for your question and photograph. It does appear that you have a keloid scar from your piercing. Not uncommon, this can be treated with surgical excision and closure, with close follow up to minimize the risk of recurrence

This requires surgical removal, you could try steroid injection/5fu but that may not get rid of it completely. I suggest speaking to a dermatologic surgeon with experience in treating scars.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question.  You have a keloid scar on your ear.  It can be treated with excision.

Keloids may develop on genetically predisposed patients who undergo ear piercing.Keloid formation is more likely if there is an infection or chronic irritation from the ear ring.Several methods of treatment are available including injections, LASER, cryotherapy and surgery.Torn earlobe holes tend to heal to some degree when there is recurrent trauma.History tends to repeat itself; earlobes that have torn due to various factors will tear again unless changes are made. If the hole tears completely through the lobe this can be repaired in a similar manner as repairing a hole. The future will be shaped by your decisions.Please use this information to consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.

Keloids are scars that continue to grow outside the initial site of injury (in your case, the ear piercing). Treatment is with steroid injections.  If the injections are successful, then nothing further is required.  If they are unsuccessful, then surgical excision of the keloid with additional steroid injections will be required.  Remember, surgical excision of a keloid will make the keloid worse UNLESS it is performed in conjunction with steroid injections.

It does appear that you've developed a keloid on your earlobe piercing. I would not typically jump straight to surgery as a first recommendation. Injections treatments can significantly reduce scarring and in some cases avoid the need for surgery. Seek a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has alot of experience and interest in treating scars. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon