What's the Best Treatment to Reduce/eliminate a Hypertrophic Scar on a Cartilage Piercing?

Question

I got a cartilage piercing w/ a needle 1.5 years ago in order to min. possibility of scarring. I always kept it clean w/ sea salt and was putting dil. tea tree oil on it. At first I thought the bump was temporary but then I came to realize it was probably a hypertrophic scar.I've read all the answers regarding hypertrophic scars but the least expensive options seem are best suited for larger areas. Can I apply silicone sheets to such a small area or are other options more recommended for this?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Silicone sheets area great place to start.  After 3-4 months of that, see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon if the area is not resolved, and you need a surgical option to consider.

Julian Henley, MD · Answer

At times the underlying cause of the excessive scar reaction is bacterial infestation of the cartlige itself. Continued inflamation triggers reactive scar formation aiming to sequester inflamed cartlige. The carlige itself has limite blood circulation and therefore prone to bacterial invasion if penetrated by decorative hardware.

	In my experience the best approach for long term correction is small surgical removal of offending scar and infected cartlige as well. This can be performed under local in office setting. Perioperative antibiotics and injectable steroids may be helpfull. Once healed leave the piercings to the young and uninformed. Hopefully this experience has helped you move away from body piercing. Body priercing is seldom advocated by physicians because not one of them wants to bear the responsibility for their numerous sequela.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

Silicone gel sheeting can be used in a small area because you can cut the size you need.  Also intralesional injections of Kenalog, a corticosteroid medication, will also help flatten the scar.

What's the Best Treatment to Reduce/eliminate a Hypertrophic Scar on a Cartilage Piercing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Treatment for post-piercing hypertrophic scar

Answer: Treatment for post-piercing hypertrophic scar

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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

What's the Best Treatment to Reduce/eliminate a Hypertrophic Scar on a Cartilage Piercing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Treatment for post-piercing hypertrophic scar

Answer: Treatment for post-piercing hypertrophic scar

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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