26, Finally Removing Keloids from Ear - Atlanta, GA

Bonjour !
I'm a 26 year old Mommy who is finally focusing on myself. I separated from my partner last year, which was long overdue. I'm now on a journey to reclaim my vibrancy and happiness. 2017 is my year! I'm finally getting my keloid removed & hopefully getting a BA in December.

I got an awesome industrial piercing when I was? 18. So rad. Unfortunately after two years it developed a small keloid. I've dealt with this for several years now. I try to cover it with my hair?. But now I want a cute short haircut for summer time. So it's time to fix my ear!

I booked my appointment with Lexington surgeons in Atlanta. My pre op was today. They explained everything and sent me for blood work. My surgery is Monday June 19. I'll be awake, with local anesthetic. I'll receive three radiation treatments after to keep the keloid from growing back. I'll keep y'all updated on my journey. I can't wait to have a normal ear again!

Also, I'm currently looking for a doctor to do my BA. Ladies please let me know if you recommend anyone. I live in Atlanta but will travel for the right doctor. I'm an A cup looking to be a full C. I'm abnormally narrow lol so I need a doctor who knows how to work with petite women.

Tomorrow I get my keloid removed. Im scared that the doctor won't be able to make my ear normal again. Im not too worried about the pain. Im not sure how local anesthetic works... Will they give me a shot in my ear? Ouch. I wonder if they'll allow me to take the prescription Tylenol 3 before the surgery.
I went to a tattoo parlor to get my barbell removed. I never took it out in the 9 years I had it. Im sad to see it gone :( but it had to go. I really want another piercing to replace it but I know that's not a good idea...
I uploaded a pic of my naked ear without the barbell.

Keloid-free and loving it. When I got to the surgery center, I was nervous about the pain so I asked if I could take a Tylenol3 right away. The nurse said yes. I nearly fell asleep after that XD that stuff is strong and I'm easily affected by medication.
The operation itself went smoothly. The worst part was the Novocain! That needle was huuuge. Dr. Bootstaylor injected it into my upper ear cartilage, and I was squirming in my seat from that pain. Ouch. But then the anesthetic began to spread and my ear just felt numb. I will still nervous that I'd feel pain, so I asked the nurse to test it out. She poked my ear with something sharp and I couldn't feel it, so we were good lol. I had really good conversation with the nurses. I mentioned that I want a BA in December, and they were impressed that I knew exactly what I wanted. (High profile, 300-350cc, round smooth silicone.) Surprisingly, they did not try to sell me on their own doctors... they just said to go to different consultations and go with whoever I feel good about.

Anywho, the doctor cut into my ear cartilage to remove the keloid. It was soooo weird hearing the scraping of the scalpel against my skin. Like, really really weird. But it seemed quick. She stitched me up after, and I felt fine.
My mom drove me home and I took another Tylenol3. I slept most of the day away, then woke up that night to take my math test (I'm taking online classes to finish my degree). Somehow I aced my math test (96%!) while on the drugs which is CRAZY because I really struggle with math, and my other math test grades--while NOT drugged, mind you-- have been in the 70s.
After the surgery I had three days of SRT. I think that's... "Something" Radiation Therapy. Anyway, it's like getting an xray. They apply direct radiation to the incision to keep the keloid from returning. The side effect is hyperpigmentation that lasts about 6 months and temporary flaking/irritation like a sunburn. I'm in the flaky sunburn phase now and still have my stitches in.
Even though my ear cartilage is darkened and flaky and stitched, I'm so happy with my results. I've been wearing my hair up to expose my ear, whereas I used to always keep it hidden. I'm not ashamed of it anymore.
In fact, I'm going to Puerto Rico tomorrow for 6 days! I've been told to keep my ear dry and protect it from the sun, but I also can't put sunscreen on it because that could trap bacteria apparently. So I bought a waterproof liquid bandage from Amazon Prime. I hope that was a good idea... it'll protect my ear from getting wet and keep germs out. I don't think it'll necessarily protect from the sun, so I'll have it keep it covered most of the time.
I have a BA consultation with Dr. Colgrove as soon as I get back from PR, so I'll start a new story/review for that next week.