Korean J Dermatol.  2002 Sep;40(9):1105-1110.

Three Cases of Earlobe Keloids Treated with Carbon Dioxide Laser Vaporization and Pressure Earring after Partial Keloidectomy

• You DO
• Youn NH
• Cha SH
• Park SD

Abstract

Keloid is proliferative fibrous growths that result from an excessive tissue response to trauma. The earlobe is a common site for the formation of keloid and the frequent cause is ear piercing. Many modalities are available for the treatment of earlobe keloid. Surgical excision has been the most commonly used therapeutic modality but recurrence following excision is common. Intralesional triamcinolon, radiation therapy, compression device, cryosurgery, D-penicillamine or any combination of them were reported to be successful in the treatment of earlobe keloid. We report three cases of earlobe keloid treated with partial surgical keloidectomy of upper part and carbon dioxide laser vaporizing the residual keloid tissue. And then the defect was covered with a primary closure with flap. Pressure earrings were fitted 2 weeks after surgery, and were maintained for 3 months. There was no recurrence of keloid for follow-up period at least 9 months. We suggest that combined modality of CO2 laser vaporization and pressure earring after surgical keloidectomy may offer a better cosmetic and functional improvement in the treatment of primary and recurrent earlobe keloid.

Keyword

Earlobe keloid; Carbon dioxide laser, Pressure earring

MeSH Terms

Body Piercing
Carbon Dioxide*
Carbon*
Cryosurgery
Ear*
Follow-Up Studies
Keloid*
Lasers, Gas*
Penicillamine
Recurrence
Volatilization
Carbon
Carbon Dioxide
Penicillamine