I have a keloid in my left ear that is 5 years old and was pierced incorrectly. is it possible to get another piercing? (Photos)

Question

had my ears pierced 5 years ago but it was complicated.my ear was pierced with a gun but,needle in the gun got stuck half way in my ear.he said he had 20years experience and nothing like it had ever happened.he had to menuver the needleout.it was bleeding badly and remained red,itchy.he said it would heal, to come back in 2weeks to repierce.went back got it redone in almost same exact area.all went smoothly.about a year later got a keloid on the ear that was repierced.haven’t done anything to it

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

It is possible to get your ear pierced again. I would first remove the keloid and repair the earlobe surgically. After this I would wait 12 weeks and have your earlobe pierced either at a physician's office or at a piercing establishment where they have experience piercing torn and repaired earlobes.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Keloid scars are characterized by their growth potential and increased degree of inflammation within the skin. Unlike non-inflamed scars, keloids have the potential for growth beyond the original footprint of injury. Our office specializes in the management of keloids, whether single or multiple, using a combination platform that includes lasers, RF, scar modulation, Parke-Davis Scar Protocols, and injection therapy. Some keloids will require surgical intervention as an initial step for treatment.

Massaging your scar can reduce inflammatory mediators that are responsible for chronic inflammation and scar overgrowth. It’s a rather simple technique that inactivates celluar inflammation mechanisms that can lead to keloid and hypertrophic scars. Start by applying a thin coat of Plato's Scar Serum twice daily to the scar and gently massaging the scar footprint. Be gentle, taking care not to slough off newly formed skin and reducing shear force on the dermis. This is ideal for new and old scars. 
•	Twice daily application of a scar gel. 
•	Scar modulation with gentle massage.
•	Intralesional injections in case there is overgrowth of scar tissue.
•	Vascular lasers for neovascularization of scars.
•	Stimulatory injections for scar atrophy. 
Scar gels work well, but should be combined with a physician-directed protocol to reduce scar formation and reduce scar visibility.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
The Scar Doctor
Realself100 Surgeon

Thomas J. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Keloids are a challenging problem.  We have many therapies including excision, steroids, and radiation that can help minimize the bulk of keloids.  For a patient that has a history of keloids, the risk of a new keloid is very high.  This can happen even with the small trauma caused by an ear piercing.

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Hello,  Keloids are not uncommon with non-standard earlobe piercings. I agree with the other comment, if you are prone to keloids, one or a series of kenalog injections can help to ensure keloids will not form again after excised. Meet with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon near you so that they can consult you on the excision process, and ask about using a kenalog injection afterward to help restrict another keloid from forming. thanks!

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe keloids are common after ear piercings, especially after problematic ear piercings. I recommend having the keloid excised in addition to having Kenalog (steroid injections).  This should help prevent recurrence of the keloid, however, recurrence rates are high.  Once you have developed an earlobe keloid after piercing, you should avoid any future piercing. Good luck!

I have a keloid in my left ear that is 5 years old and was pierced incorrectly. is it possible to get another piercing? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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