02 Dec Removing a keloid from the ear

 Bulging scars can not only affect the aesthetic appearance of the skin, but can also be uncomfortably tight or itchy. Many sufferers are therefore looking for a reliable and lasting solution to get rid of such a so-called keloid. At our ENT clinic in Frankfurt, we offer specialised treatments to specifically remove these growths on the ear and soothe your skin. We can achieve the best possible results with a customised treatment concept.

Keloid on the ear: What is it?

This is a benign but excessive scar tissue that can form after an injury or irritation to the skin. Unlike normal Scars Keloids grow beyond the original wound edges and can take on a conspicuous, bulging shape. They consist of excessively produced connective tissue and are characterised by their firm, smooth and often shiny surface.

How does a keloid develop on the ear?

These excessive scars can occur as a result of an overactive healing reaction of the skin. As soon as the skin is injured, for example by piercings, cuts, burns or operations, the body sets the healing process in motion: it produces collagen to close the wound. In some people, however, the body produces too much collagen, which leads to excessive scarring. Factors that increase the risk:

• Genetic predisposition
  In some cases, the tendency to develop bulging scars is due to a predisposition.
• Skin injuries
  Ear piercings, injuries or acne can also be triggers.
• Hormonal influences
  Hormonal changes, e.g. during puberty or pregnancy, can also play a role.
• Pressure and irritation
  A piercing that is too tight or prolonged pressure on the skin can also promote the formation of a keloid.

Difference between a keloid on the ear and an ear appendage

A keloid on the ear and an ear appendage are not the same thing. They differ in their development, appearance and medical significance:

Keloid on the ear

• Origin
  A keloid is an excessive scar that occurs after an injury or irritation to the skin, e.g. from a piercing, cut or burn. It is an overproduction of connective tissue during healing.
• Appearance
  Keloids are bulging, firm and often shiny scars that can grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They can be reddish, brown or skin-coloured.
• Medical significance
  Keloids are benign, but can be aesthetically disturbing or cause discomfort such as itching or pain. They develop over time and are not congenital.

Ear appendage

• Origin
  Ear appendages are congenital, harmless skin growths that usually appear at birth. They are caused by incomplete formation of the outer ear during embryonic development.
• Appearance
  An ear tag is a soft, skin-coloured or slightly pigmented nodule of skin and sometimes connective tissue. It can occur with or without a connection to the earlobe. As a rule, an ear appendage is significantly smaller than a keloid.
• Medical significance
  Ear appendages have no relevance to disease and are usually only a nuisance for aesthetic reasons, if at all. If desired, they can be surgically removed.

Is a keloid on the ear dangerous to health?

An excessive scar is generally not a health hazard as it is a benign growth of scar tissue. However, depending on the extent and location, the tissue can cause discomfort that impairs well-being. Possible complaints caused by a keloid on the ear are

• Itching or feelings of tension
  Many sufferers report unpleasant itching or a pulling sensation in the affected area.
• Pain
  In some cases, a keloid can be painful, especially if it is constantly exposed to pressure or friction (e.g. from clothing, headphones or glasses).
• Restrictions in everyday life
  Large or unfavourably positioned keloids can be aesthetically disturbing and emotionally distressing for those affected.
• Increased risk of infection
  Although keloids themselves do not cause infection, irritation or injury to the surface can increase the risk of secondary infection.

A potential health hazard exists in these cases:

• Size growth
  In rare cases, a keloid can continue to grow if left untreated and lead to functional limitations, e.g. if it deforms the earlobe.
• Treatment complications
  Improper attempts at treatment - such as unauthorised cutting or scratching - can lead to infection or worsening of the growth.

Please consult your doctor if the keloid grows rapidly or changes suddenly, if the scar is painful, very itchy or inflamed.

Effects of a keloid on the ear on aesthetics

• Visibility and conspicuousness
  Excessive scars often grow beyond the boundaries of the original injury and can appear bulging or asymmetrical. They can be particularly noticeable in visible areas such as the earlobe or pinna and can be perceived as disturbing.
• Changes in the shape of the ear
  The contour of the ear can change with large or proliferating keloids. This often affects the earlobe, where keloids are caused by piercings and ear holes.
• Restrictions on wearing jewellery
  Bulging scar tissue on the earlobe makes it difficult or impossible to wear earrings, as the jewellery can further irritate the scar.
• Psychological and social effects
  Many sufferers find a keloid disturbing or unattractive, which can affect their self-confidence. People with visible excessive scars often withdraw, avoid social situations or feel stared at.
• Perception of scars
  While small scars are often considered inconspicuous, keloids are often perceived as "unnatural" due to their size and shape.

Removing keloids from the ear: how the treatment works at our clinic in Frankfurt

If you suffer from a Keloid scar and would like to have them removed, you are in the best hands with us. We offer a proven multimodal therapy concept consisting of injection therapy, cold therapy and a minor surgical procedure. We remove the excess scar tissue in the process. This is how the treatment works:

Counselling and examination

To begin with, we will carry out a thorough examination and discuss your medical history and any previous treatments. You will then receive detailed information about the planned treatment, possible risks and the healing process. We customise the treatment concept to the size and location of your unwanted scar tissue and your personal wishes.

Pre-treatment

If necessary, we carry out a combination of cold and injection therapy in several sessions (2-4 appointments at intervals of 3-4 weeks). This pre-treatment reduces the activity of the keloid and optimally prepares the tissue for the surgical procedure.

Surgical removal

In the next step, we remove the proliferating scar on your ear in a minor surgical procedure. You will be given a local anaesthetic for this. Using a precise incision, we carefully remove the excess scar tissue without damaging the surrounding tissue. We then suture the wound using a special technique that minimises the tension on the skin and thus reduces the risk of keloid regrowth.

To be on the safe side, we send the removed tissue for histological examination to finally confirm the diagnosis.

Aftercare

After the operation, you will receive clear instructions on wound care and follow-up appointments. We carefully monitor the healing process in order to recognise any signs of new keloid growth at an early stage. In addition, there are usually 2-4 further sessions of cold and injection therapy every 3-4 weeks to ensure the success of the treatment.

Keloid removal on the ear in Frankfurt

Thanks to the comprehensive and carefully coordinated treatment methods in our ENT clinic in Frankfurt we can significantly improve the appearance of keloid scars on the ear and minimise the likelihood of re-growth.

Make an appointment for a personal consultation!

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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