Article Updated August 2022
This patient from Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, had a rare combination of conditions affecting her earlobes. She had a tear and keloid combination on her left ear. She also had a keloid on her right earlobe, another on the ear plate fold, and one on the back of the ear. She initially sought surgery from a Beverly Hills surgeon, but the treatment failed to resolve the issues. After seven hours of surgery, her problems were still present. Nearly disillusioned, she found help at the Dr. U Skin Clinic. Dr. Sanusi Umar, aka Dr. U, was able to recommend a comprehensive, effective treatment plan to treat her earlobe keloid and perform a split ear repair.
Keloid Scar Ear Repair for Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles Patient – Before Photos:
The Manhattan Beach patient presented her situation to Dr. U at his Los Angeles-based clinic. After an initial consultation, he decided on a course of action to exercise and repair both earlobes using keloid harnessed flaps. He coordinated with the radiation treatment team that administered the Genz zone radiation.
When the body receives a cut or becomes wounded, keloids develop on the skin within the scar tissue. The body tries to compensate by growing scar tissue, which often forms a lump.
The symptoms of keloids in the ears are:
- Bumpy area of the earlobe skin is usually raised
- An area of scar increased in size over time
- Itchy skin on the earlobe
- Itchy, stinging, and burning sensations
A split ear is caused when the earlobe is severed into two halves that heal separately. The most common cause of a split ear is over-wearing heavy earrings. Even though there are other causes, heavy ear jewelry is the most common perpetrator. The heavy earring eventually wears down the middle of the ear, causing a gradual breach in the ear. It is permanent unless treated by a doctor. Dr. U has developed a comprehensive approach to cases where earlobes develop keloids and split.
How to Get Rid of Keloids on Ear Procedure Photos
Split Ear Treatment
First, Dr. U applied a local anesthetic by way of local injection in the affected area. Once this is done, the patient will be awake during the procedure. Next, Dr. U reopened the wound and removed a small amount of tissue from the surrounding area. This allows him to create a fresh wound that can be sewn back together using a scalpel and surgical tools.
Finally, Dr. U used thin sutures to stitch the open area via a specialized technique to retain the earlobe’s natural appearance. While functioning fully, Dr. U used reconstruction and radiation since the patient had undergone surgery before.
The entire split ear surgery takes about one to two hours. There is minimal downtime, and the post-surgery treatment is minimal at best.
Any pain from the procedure or healing process can be quelled with over-the-counter medication. Recovery is typically quick and can be encouraged by keeping the area clean and touching it as little as possible. After one week, the stitches will be ready to come out. This includes one more visit to Dr. U’s Los Angeles-based clinic.
In six months, the patient reported only noticing a cosmetically insignificant thin line where her ear was once torn, consistent with other patient results for repairing split earlobes.
Keloid Removal Treatment
Dr. U’s approach to the patient’s earlobe keloid removal was made in several stages. Initially, she developed a split earlobe, which morphed into keloid skin. Early on, she unsuccessfully visited a plastic surgeon who had failed to meet her expectations.
Treatment of keloids involves removal, but the type often depends on the patient’s age. Options include surgical excision, pulsed dye laser treatment, corticosteroid and antimetabolic injection (not recommended for children), cryotherapy, and Genz zone radiation. The likelihood of the resulting surgery scars has a more than 50% percent chance of becoming a keloid.
Surgical excision is the most common way to remove keloids. This procedure uses the keloid scar to close the keloid itself. Dr.U uses this method to help minimize the scarring and help keep the scarring from returning.
The Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles patient was happy with her keloid-free earlobe, achieved without requiring steroid injections.
How to Get Rid of Keloids on Ear: Before and After Results Photos:
This Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles patient came to Dr. U with a split earlobe on her left ear and keloids on her right ear. Dr. U preserved the earlobe and accepted the challenge of maintaining the degree of collagen needed in the ear. The keloid was removed, and the earlobe was repaired, keeping the shape of the earlobe intact.
The patient was happy with the result of the treatment.
Video: Manhattan Beach Patient Finally Free of Earlobe Keloid
Watch Manhattan Beach patients seek split ear and earlobe keloid repair at Dr. U’s Skin Clinic in Los Angeles. After having previously undergone a lengthy procedure in another clinic, the patient was beginning to lose hope when her keloids returned. However, Dr. U’s unique approach proved effective, making her another happy patient.
Read Frequently Asked Questions – Earlobe Keloid
What are some home remedies for keloids on earlobes?
Home remedies for keloids have not been proven to work. In fact, some DIY treatments may make the condition worse. If you are concerned about the presence of keloids on your ears, consult a dermatologist.
How much to get rid of keloids on the ear?
A keloid removal procedure can vary depending on the method used, clinic, and doctor’s expertise. Many insurance providers consider keloid removal a cosmetic procedure unless there is a medical necessity component. You should check your insurance policy and research dermatology clinics near you to find the best fit.
How do you get rid of keloids from ear piercings?
The treatment method for keloid removal will vary from case to case, depending on the patient’s age. The most common treatment method is surgical excision. Due to the possibility of keloids recurring from the surgical scar, it is recommended that you seek an expert in this type of procedure. After an initial consultation, a dermatologist can go over treatment options in more detail.
Don’t see your questions about earlobe keloids answered above? Use the button below to ask Dr. U directly.
Further Reading
Learn about Dr. U’s approach to cyst removal.
See more ear keloid removal results by Dr. U.
References
- Keloid scar – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/keloid-scar/symptoms-causes/syc-20520901#:~:text=A%20keloid%20is%20usually%20larger,shoulders%2C%20cheeks%20or%20the%20chest. Published 2022. Accessed August 11, 2022.
