Ear reconstruction: Why do keloids usually grow back bigger and more aggressively?

Question

I am female Caucasian I have two keloids on the tops of each ear this Friday I am getting them excised along with some upper ear reconstruction, my doctor thinks I have a good chance of them never coming back if he reduces tension also I will be wearing pressure earrings for a year or so anyways was wondering why they come back bigger if the entire keloid including the initial injury itself it taken out? I don't scar up like this anywhere else and I don't understand why it would come back bigger

Shareef Jandali, MD · Answer

Good morning illidari,

I am sorry you are having to deal with keloid scars, which can be quite a nuisance. The recurrence pattern can be somewhat unpredictable, however there have been some therapies that have been proven to decrease the likelihood of recurrence. The biggest risk of treating any injury that has healed with a keloid, is recurrence. Pressure earrings and decreasing tension are helpful in the initial excision. Should the keloid return, usually steroid injection at the time of repeat excision, followed immediately by radiation therapy to the area gives the best chance of avoiding recurrence. I would discuss with a board certified plastic surgeon the plan going forward, should the keloid recur.

Helena Guarda, MD · Answer

Think of a keloid as a scar tumor. It is scar that doesn't stop growing as a normal scar would. It is difficult to predict recurrence with keloids. Often the scar may look good for several years and then start growing, it may grow immediately or never. The larger the cut the more likely it will be larger due to the original size. Keloids grow beyond the original cut or injury. Pressure earrings can help. Other options include steroid injections and even radiation therapy.

Best of luck

Best of luck

Ear reconstruction: Why do keloids usually grow back bigger and more aggressively?

Answers (2)

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