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Radiofrequency tissue volume reduction for treatment of auricle keloids
Kai Fruth1, Haralampos Gouveris, Christoph Kuelkens
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. kai.fruth@unimedizin-mainz.de
Objectives/Hypothesis:
Keloids are often refractive to treatment, and recurrences occur quite frequently. Radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (RFTVR) is a surgical technology that induces extensive fibrosis at the target tissues.
Methods:
We applied RFTVR in 14 patients (19 auricles, 5 patients treated bilaterally; 9 female, 5 male; range, 10-66 years) with keloids of the auricle. Keloids were located at the earlobe in 4 patients (5 auricles), helix in 9 patients (12 auricles), and at both earlobe and helix in 1 patient (2 auricles). In 6 patients (8 auricles) RFTVR was the sole treatment modality applied, and in 7 patients (10 auricles) intralesional steroid injection was also performed. Patients underwent one to seven sessions of RFTVR. Patients were followed up between 2 and 92 months postoperatively (median, 24.5 months).
Results:
Good cosmetic results were achieved in 10 of 14 patients (13 auricles). Three patients (5 auricles) were refractive to treatment, and 1 patient (1 auricle) showed progressive disease despite treatment.
Conclusions:
Radiofrequency tissue volume reduction may be considered as a new, minimally invasive treatment option for keloids of the auricle.