Ear keloids
At a glance
Dr Mitch’s Take
Ear keloids—especially “dumbbell” keloid scars that form after piercings—are relatively common and can be tricky to treat. My approach is to categorise them by size: keloids under 1 cm and those over 1 cm. For smaller keloids, we often use steroid injections. For larger ones, we consider a surgical approach. The key is a tailored treatment plan and good compliance with compression therapy to minimise recurrence.
Understanding Ear Keloids
Ear keloids are scars that result from an overgrowth of tissue after an injury, often appearing after piercings or surgery. They extend beyond the original wound and can become raised and firm. The goal of treatment is to reduce their size and prevent them from coming back.
What the journey looks like at DERM Skin Specialists
Initial assessment
We’ll start with a thorough assessment and history to measure the keloid and determine the best treatment approach.
Treatment planning
Depending on the size, we’ll choose between steroid injections or surgery. You’ll have a patient coordinator to guide you through either a series of injection sessions or a one-time surgery.
Treatment and follow-up
After treatment, we’ll have follow-up visits to ensure you’re healing well and discuss compression therapy to help prevent recurrence.
How Ear keloids Are Managed at DERM Skin Specialists
For keloids less than 1 cm
We use intralesional steroid injections, starting with a lower dose and adjusting as needed. The procedure is quick, and you can return to normal activities right away. There might be some mild side effects like temporary redness or skin thinning, but we manage these carefully.
For keloids over 1 cm
We recommend a surgical approach. The keloid is surgically removed, and after healing for a couple of weeks, we’ll provide a compression earring to reduce recurrence. Even with the best technique, there’s about an 80% clearance rate, meaning some keloids may come back, but we do everything we can to minimize that risk.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We recommend a dermatology consultation to figure out the best treatment plan for your keloid. A nurse-led assessment may be an option for initial guidance, depending on your needs. We’ll help you find the right starting point for your care.
Before & afters
Medical disclaimer
Before-and-after images are for general information only. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. Images show outcomes for one patient only and may not reflect typical results. Any procedure or treatment should be considered only after a clinical assessment by a qualified health practitioner.
Ready to take the next step in your skincare?
Whether it’s pigmentation, scarring, rosacea or skin cancer, we’ll provide a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your skin’s needs. Call us today or book a consultation to start your specialist care.