BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Management of keloids of the pinna, in particular, those located in the helix and antihelix and lobule that occur as complications of ear piercing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of 49 patients treated with extralesional surgical excision of keloids localized to the ear followed by the application of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to wound site and postoperative in-office superficial radiation therapy (SRT). Radiation protocol consisted of 1 to 3 fractions, with a cumulative dosage ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 cGy. Average follow-up was 24 months to assess for evidence of recurrence and adverse side effects.

RESULTS Fifty ear keloids were treated with this method, age from 15 to 66 (mean = 32, SD = 16) of which 14 were male and 35 female. Almost 30% (n = 14) of patients acknowledged the source of injury that led to the development of the keloid was ear piercing. Treatment protocol achieved a 94% success rate with 3 patients who reported recurrence.

CONCLUSION Surgical excision combined with intraoperative PRP, adjuvant postoperative in-office SRT achieved a 94% nonrecurrence rate on follow-up over a 2-year period. Outcomes provide preliminary, albeit, strong evidence to support this multimodal method as a viable alternative in the management of keloids localized to the ear.

The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.