Can I wear earrings after having my keloids removed or was it the earrings that caused the keloid? (Photos)

Question

I have keloids on both my ears and after seeing a dermatologist I was recommended to have a mammography to see if there was anything cause irritation if I did steroid shots. The doctor in charge of that noticed that the holes were still there and at home I saw that I could still put an earring on(one ear has a REALLY small keloid so I could put the earring). After having them removed and I decide to put earrings on again, without the need of repiercing my ears, will it cause other keloids?

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, the keloid formed from the procedure itself and not necessarily from the earring. Following the excision, it should be possible to avoid further keloids with compression and steroid injections. After 6-12 weeks, you should be able to wear earrings again.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the answer you provided. I advise against wearing earrings again after keloid treatment. Sometimes it is the metal itself causing irritation, or a sub clinical infection with the earring tract (hole in your ear). I would stick to press on earrings in the future.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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 multilayered 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.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Anne-Sophie Lessard, MD · Answer

Hello there! The cause of keloids is usually the ear piercing and not the earring per se. You can put clip on earrings which actually put pressure on the keloid and can help them to shrink

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Every plastic surgery office has their own set of pre and post operative instructions that they recommend their patients follow. It is most important to follow the instructions of your surgeon.

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Keloids are challenging to treat, as recurrence rate is very high. I treat these patients with excision, primary closure and serial Kenalog injections.I strongly advise against re-piercing the ears or even wearing earrings in pre-existing holes. The earring piercing likely caused the keloids to form. Best not to risk the recurrence. I hope this was helpful. Good luck!

Can I wear earrings after having my keloids removed or was it the earrings that caused the keloid? (Photos)

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Answers (6)

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