No abstract

Background and Objective Lasers have a favorable synergistic effect when combined with other modalities of treatment against keloids. Different types of lasers have been used with triamcinolone infiltration, resulting in promising success rates. The purpose of this study is to describe our first experience treating earlobe keloids with 980 nm laser diode excision followed by triamcinolone infiltration and present our outcomes after 24 months of follow‐up. Study Design/Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review of 11 patients with 14 earlobe keloids treated with excision using a 980 nm laser diode followed by triamcinolone acetonide infiltration, between January 2015 and May 2016. Database included demographics, Fitzpatrick skin type, laterality, lesion size, and postoperative visits information. Outcomes were assessed in terms of keloid recurrence rates, complications, and patient subjective aesthetical result satisfaction after 24 months of follow‐up. Results All procedures were technically completed, and follow‐up accomplished without attrition. One (7.14%) patient experienced keloid recurrence after the third month. Four (28.57%) patients experienced early wound dehiscence, successfully treated with debridement and re‐suture. Self‐assessment of aesthetical result was considered “very good” in 64.28% of patients. Conclusion Surgical excision with 980 nm laser diode followed by triamcinolone infiltration is well‐tolerated and shows favorable results treating earlobe keloids, and can be considered a first‐line treatment. Comparison between different types of lasers and control groups in large clinical trials is warranted in order to obtain strong clinical evidence for clear indications and recommendations. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy as an adjuvant therapy to surgical resection has shown variable rates of recurrence treating earlobe keloids. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with surgical excision followed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy and present our outcomes after 24 months of follow-up. METHODS Retrospective chart of 14 patients with 14 earlobe keloids treated with surgical excision followed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy, between January 2015 and May 2016 were enrolled. Database included demographics, Fitzpatrick skin type, laterality, lesion size, and follow-up visits information. Outcomes were assessed in terms of keloid recurrence rates, complications, and patient subjective aesthetical result satisfaction after 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS All procedures were completed without complications. Three patients experienced keloid recurrence after 6 (14.28%) and 12 months (7.14%). Three patients experienced mild signs of self-limited post-radiation dermatitis. Self-assessment of aesthetical result was considered “very good” in 71.43% of patients. CONCLUSION Surgical excision followed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy is secure and effective to treat earlobe keloids, and can be considered a first line combined treatment. Larger clinical trials comparing different irradiation protocols are still needed.