1 (833) 453-5643Keloids from ear piercings are sturdy, bulky scars that can be tough to manage. Knowing the reasons they form and who is prone to getting them is key for both stopping them from happening and taking care of them if they do. Dr. Roberto J. Mendez and Dr. Gabriel Salloum, who have a lot of experience in skin care, share important tactics for stopping keloids and how to get rid of them if you already have them from an ear piercing.
We will look at ways to stop keloids from forming, options for treatment, and how to care for your ears to avoid keloids. If you’re dealing with keloids caused by ear piercings, our experts’ knowledge will help you find the right way to handle them, including the point when it’s best to get help from a professional.
Safe Ways to Remove Keloids from Ear Piercings
- Keloids from ear piercings are overgrowths of scar tissue that can follow after an injury to the skin.
- Early treatment of keloids may involve creams, pressure treatments, or silicone sheets to reduce their size.
- For more stubborn keloids, procedures such as laser therapy, steroid injections, or surgery can be effective in removal.
- Consulting with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon is important to choose the safest and most effective treatment for keloid removal.
- Keeping the piercing area clean and avoiding further irritation are crucial steps to prevent keloid formation on ear piercings.
What Causes Keloids to Form After Ear Piercings?
Keloids develop after ear piercings due to the body’s strong response to skin injury, leading to an intense healing process and scar growth. Keloids are thick, raised scars that expand beyond the original injury area. Factors influencing the likelihood of developing ear keloids include genetic predispositions and the piercing’s location, with cartilage piercings being more susceptible. Infections or extra irritation at the piercing site can also prompt growth, aka keloid formation.
Who’s at Risk of Keloid Formation Post Ear Piercing?
Genetic Predisposition
Individuals with a family history of keloid formation are more at risk. Those with darker skin are also more likely to develop keloids, this includes keloids from ear piercings.
Types of Ear Piercings More Likely to Develop Keloids
Piercings on parts of the ear with thicker cartilage, like the helix or industrial areas, are more prone to keloids. While ear lobe keloids can happen, they’re not as common.
People who decide to get ear piercings should be aware of these factors to better understand their risk of developing a keloid.
Steps to Prevent Keloids in Ear Piercings
Selecting the Best Piercing Methods
To lower the chance of getting a keloid from ear piercings, choose a piercing method that causes less damage to the original wound. Piercing with a needle rather than a gun is advisable because it makes a cleaner wound, which can boost your wound healing abilities.
Key Aftercare Tips to Avoid Keloid Formation
After getting a piercing, taking good care of the wound is crucial. Use the recommended solutions to clean it and steer clear of anything that might irritate it. Paying attention to these aftercare instructions helps the ear piercings heal better and decreases the likelihood of keloid development.
Leading Experts in Keloid Plastic
Surgery in Miami Beach
Advanced Treatments for Ear Piercing Keloid Removal
Corticosteroid Injections
Treatment with injections targets keloid scars directly, reducing their size and inflammation. We apply intralesional corticosteroid injections, a method that provides noticeable improvement.
Laser Therapy for a Clearer Appearance
Laser therapy works to make the skin around the keloid look better, making it less visible. This is a great option for those seeking a non-invasive approach.
Surgical Removal Methods
Ear keloid surgery offers a permanent solution by removing the entire keloid. The decision to go for keloid with surgery removal over less invasive options can depend on how well the keloid responds to other treatments. When dealing with larger keloids, a special technique might be required to ensure complete removal and minimize the risk of recurrence.
The Role of Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy treatment is a nonsurgical treatment option that involves freezing keloid tissue, which helps decrease its size and discoloration. This technique is particularly useful in combination with injections for smaller keloids.
Nurturing Your Ears After Keloid Removal
The Value of Consistent Follow-Up Checks
After removing keloids from ear piercings, it’s vital to have regular follow-up checks with your healthcare provider. These appointments help doctors keep an eye on your healing and spot any early signs of keloid scar recurrence. If you’re a patient with keloids, skipping these visits could mean missing early signals that keloids might be coming back, making it harder to manage any new growth.
How to Keep Your Ears Keloid-Free in the Long Run
To prevent keloids from returning, a mix of expert advice and taking care of yourself is key. Here’s what you can do to keep your ears free from keloids:
- Use of sutures: For closing the wound, surgeons use layers of sutures. It’s important to know the right type for your skin. Non-absorbable sutures, which a doctor needs to remove, can provide a precise closure and might be the go-to for some patients. Meanwhile, dissolvable sutures are an alternative that absorbs into your skin, fitting well for those who might find it hard to get suture removal done.
- Monitor for keloid scar recurrence: Keep an eye on your ears for any new lumps or discomfort. Catching a keloid coming back early can help stop bigger ones from forming.
By closely following these steps with your healthcare provider’s advice, you’ll have a better chance of keeping your ears looking good and free from keloids after they’ve been removed.
BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY
Natural & Unparalleled Results
Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle for Keloid-Free Ears
Eating Right for Skin that Thrives
Adopting a balanced diet is key to supporting your skin’s health. This can lower the chance of developing a firm keloid. By eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, your skin has a better capacity for repairing itself. This might also lessen complications from an original piercing.
Maintaining Pierced Ear Hygiene
Taking care of your pierced ears properly is crucial to avoiding infections that could lead to keloids. Clean the wound regularly with products that are gentle and won’t irritate. This step is important for your ears’ health and helps prevent keloids.
Knowing When to Get Professional Help for Ear Piercing Keloids
Spotting Infection and Complications Early
Recognizing the signs of infection in ear keloids is crucial. Look for redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and possibly pus. These are signs that you might need medical help. An infection or other complications can get worse without the right treatment.
Identifying the Limitations of Home Care
Sometimes you can manage minor keloids from ear piercings with treatments you buy without a prescription. But there are limits to what these can do. If a keloid gets large, painful, or keeps growing, it’s important to see a professional. You might need treatments like corticosteroid injections or laser therapy to properly take care of the keloid.
Consult with Keloid Experts
Are you struggling with keloids from ear piercings and need expert help? Think about making an appointment with Dr. Mendez and Dr. Salloum at The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center in Miami, FL. He is a certified plastic surgeon who focuses on treating tough and returning keloids.
Dr. Mendez and Dr. Salloum have a lot of training and believe in giving care that meets each patient’s needs, aiming for the best results. Don’t let keloids lower your confidence or affect how you live. Contact us now to take the first step towards getting rid of your keloids.