Combination of different techniques for the treatment of earlobe keloids

Management of keloids is still controversial. Many different treatment modalities may be used for this purpose, however, no one method has been found completely successful. Therefore, we combined these techniques to improve therapeutic outcomes for earlobe keloids. Nine patients with earlobe keloids of a total number of 12 with auricular keloids were treated with a combined approach between 1995 and 2001. The keloids varied in size 2 x 1 to 5 x 3 cm and the patient age ranged 15-63 years. The patient group consisted of nine females, three males. Ear piercing was the main etiological factor for females. In the first session, surgical excision of the keloids was performed. It was followed with triamcinolone acetonide injection to the surgical field on the postoperative second week. Slight pressure was applied by silicone gel sheet coated earring for four months. No recurrence was noted in eight patients over longterm followup. One of nine patients had keloid recurrence. The authors found the results promising a combination of four techniques for treatment of ear lobe keloids is recommended even for recurrent lesions.