What is the best procedure for keloid removal on the ears? (Photos)

Question

I'd like to remove a coupl of keloids on my ears due to piearcings. how do you find them and what's the best procedure?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Surgical removal entails cutting out the keloids and stitching the skin together after their removal. Scalpel Sculpting, on the other hand involves simply using a scalpel to literally sculpt off the protruding portion of the keloid at its base, which can then be followed by the injection of steroids to prevent recurrence. No deep cutting is required and no stitches need be placed. And, unlike conventional excision with stitches, there is little significant post-treatment downtime. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. 
In general there are two approaches to keloids. For very small keloids, you can sometimes get these to shrink or resolve with steroid injections. The other option is to excise these keloids surgically followed by steroid injections to prevent the keloid from returning. I think either of these options would be worth considering in your situation. 
Hope this helps and best of luck,Kyle Kimura, MD

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

For keloids caused by ear piercings, the best treatment depends on their size, location, and whether they are still growing. In many cases, I recommend surgical removal (excision) combined with steroid treatment, rather than excision alone. Simply removing a keloid can have a relatively high recurrence rate, so treating the area afterward is important to reduce the chance of it returning.

For smaller keloids, steroid injections such as triamcinolone may sometimes flatten and soften them without surgery. Other treatments, including cryotherapy or laser therapy, can also be helpful in selected cases, particularly as an adjunct to injections or surgery.

When reviewing photos, I look at the lesion's size, shape, thickness, color, and exact location. However, photos cannot always distinguish a true keloid from a hypertrophic scar or another type of growth, so the treatment approach is individualized based on the appearance and history of the lesion.

Laser Skin Solutions - Portland · Answer

Dealing with keloids that develop after a piercing can be frustrating, particularly because these dense, raised scars tend to grow beyond the original boundary of the wound and carry a high risk of recurrence if treated improperly.As an advanced licensed aesthetician in Portland, I frequently consult with individuals looking for effective strategies to identify and manage these stubborn lesions. Earlobe keloids typically present as firm, smooth, dome-shaped growths that may be itchy, tender, or cosmetically distressing. They are distinct from standard hypertrophic scars or simple epidermal cysts because they do not regress on their own and often recur aggressively if treated with simple surgical excision alone.
Achieving successful long-term outcomes requires a multi-modal combination protocol rather than a single standalone treatment. The gold-standard approach typically involves:
Precision Surgical or Radiofrequency Excision: Removing the bulk of the fibrous scar tissue carefully while preserving the natural anatomy of the earlobe.
Adjuvant Corticosteroid Injections: Administering serial intralesional steroid injections (such as triamcinolone acetonide) starting around the time of the procedure to flatten the tissue and suppress excessive fibroblast proliferation.
Compression Therapy: Utilizing specialized pressure earrings or custom splints post-procedure to restrict blood flow to the site, which significantly minimizes the likelihood of regrowth.
Because every healing response is unique, a personalized evaluation with a qualified professional is essential to map out the safest course of action for your specific skin type and keloid size.

What is the best procedure for keloid removal on the ears? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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