Complications of auricular cartilage harvest in rhinoplasty: Keloid and epidermal cyst formation.

Keloid scars and epidermoid cysts present unique challenges in plastic surgery, often requiring distinct diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Keloid scars result from dysregulated wound healing characterized by collagen overproduction and inflammatory states. In contrast, epidermoid cysts are cutaneous lesions lined with keratinized epithelium, with the rare complication of development into squamous cell carcinoma. A rare clinical dilemma is when epidermoid cysts arise within keloidal scar tissue. In this case, effective management involves meticulous diagnostic approaches, including ultrasonography and histopathological examination, to identify coexisting cysts within scar tissue. In the few studies reporting this rare occurrence, various treatment protocols exist consisting of various combinations of surgical excision, intralesional corticosteroid injections, chemotherapeutic agents, laser therapy, radiotherapy, isotretinoin, and tranilast. As advancements in the comprehension and treatment of epidermoid cysts within keloid scars progress, customized therapeutic approaches provide promise for enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.