Lawndale Teen Struggles With Embarrassing Ear Keloid Bumps: If you notice your skin thickening after a piercing, particularly ear piercing, you could be growing an ear keloid. One wouldn’t consider an ear-piercing a serious injury, but surprisingly the body actually does. According to Dr. Sanusi Umar at Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic, keloids can develop afterbody piercing or even a tattoo. But the piercing of the ear is the most common cause of keloids.
After previous surgery at another doctor, her left earlobe keloid returned larger.
Before meeting Dr. U, also known as Dr. Bumpinator, Lawndale, Calif. teen had undergone an ear keloid removal procedure by a surgeon in Beverly Hills. Much to her chagrin, the keloids returned even more aggressive with disfiguration of her left earlobe. Frustrated, she turned to Dr. Bumpinator, for help.
“The Ear Keloids That Wouldn’t Go Away”
According to the teen, the first time she tried to remove the keloids, she was under anesthesia for a seven-hour surgery and was injected with steroids. But nothing seemed to work.
“They [administered] steroid injections and said it would go down, but it didn’t,” she recounted. “I think I may be allergic to steroid injections.”
The Rubbery Ear Keloids
It wasn’t that the steroid injections didn’t work or that she was allergic, Dr. Bumpinator explained, but in her case, she didn’t respond well to surgery. In conventional surgical methods, the keloids have higher tendency to not respond, get worse and grow much larger (1).
Rear view of left earlobe with large keloidal scar
The patient looked to Dr. Bumpinator to help with her ear keloid that wouldn’t go away despite a prior surgery and series of steroid injections.
The patient’s right ear also had a keloid from a piercing.
Aside from the left ear’s keloid, this Lawndale teen also had a right ear keloid from a piercingSeeing a second doctor to correct her first keloid surgery was not in her plans. The secondary keloids were worse than before. So worse that her left ear lobe had lost its shape – it was split with two keloids. She was frustrated and worst of all embarrassed by the unsightly bumps on her lobes.
As it turned out, Dr. Bumpinator confirmed her left ear had a massive shapeless keloid deformity caused by a split ear lobe. Her right ear also had a small keloid where once there was a piercing between the helix and snug region of the ear. Though benign, Dr. Bumpinator recommended excision of all lesions and repair of her left deformed earlobe.
Dr. Bumpinator’s Keloid Removal Approach
Earlobe keloids are the most common type of keloids. According to Dr. Bumpinator, the keloids start out as tiny bumps after a piercing. The actual act of piercing into the ear causes a wound or “small” trauma. The trauma coupled with the tension generated by the weight of the earring is enough to create a keloid during the healing. Sometimes irritation caused by the earring metals can aggravate the situation. The longer an ear keloid is present, the larger it will grow (1).
“I could tell she was stressed and disappointed by her worsen ear keloids,” Dr. Umar said.
Upon further examination of the patient’s multiple bumps, Dr. Bumpinator knew she would need two surgeries along with post-operative care. One surgery had to be dedicated to the left earlobe alone.
Dr. Bumpinator removes the left earlobe keloid without going outside the keloid lesion and creating a new area of wounding
Dr. Bumpinator cut into the keloid to remove it keeping all cuts within the confines of the keloid. He then reconstructed her earlobe using a keloid-harnessed flap.
By cutting into the keloids and using the keloid itself as a flap, Dr. Bumpinator said the procedure minimizes the potential of the keloid reforming. Because of the complex nature of the repair and the history of prior surgery, Dr. Bumpinator took the extra precaution of adding a post-surgical radiation treatment to eliminate the chance of the keloid returning.
“Conventional surgical approach would entail just cutting it out and then closing with a suture or even leaving it open to close by itself” Dr. Bumpinator explained. “What we did was to remove her keloids while avoiding cutting into new areas and then creating a new earlobe for her.”
Aside from reconstructing her earlobe, Dr. Bumpinator was faced with the next challenge of keeping the right ear’s natural curvature. Here again, he instituted several innovative techniques from his tool box of experience to accomplish the task. The result is a maintained ear’s shape and concavity.
Dr.U affixes a keloid-harnessed flap to close the remaining wound
Before and After Photos
Before and after images depicting keloid removal on the left ear
Before and after images depicting keloid removal on the left ear
FAQ
How do I know what type of procedure would be best for my keloids?
Dr. Bumpinator offers an individualized treatment plan to remove keloids. He acknowledges that not all bumps are the same for everyone. Therefore, after a consultation, he will be able to determine the best viable treatment options for your case. Schedule a consultation to find out what type of treatment you need.
I’ve had multiple surgeries and treatments to get rid of my keloids, but nothing is working. What should I do?
Unfortunately, there are so many patients that are going through their third and fourth round of treatment to permanently get rid of the pesky keloids. The good news is Dr. Bumpinators, innovative methods, have helped a hefty number of patients permanently get rid of their keloids for good.
References –
Tirgan, Michael. (2017). Massive ear keloids: Natural history, evaluation of risk factors and recommendation for preventive measures – A retrospective case series. F1000Research. 5. 2517. 10.12688/f1000research.9504.2.
Keloids are raised scars that primarily appear after trauma – a cut or wound. They’re firm, sometimes shiny, rubbery, and have fibrous nodules that are caused by the scar tissue. They range in sizes and in colors – pink, skin-colored, red, or dark brown.
What Is Keloidal Scarring?
As the body tries to repair the wound, there is a production of collagen. It’s the overproduction of collagen that forms a lump. Typically, keloids are also known as keloid disorder and keloidal scars can form in a variety of scenarios namely – severe acne, chickenpox scarring, infections, burns, vaccinations along tension during wound closure, or repeated trauma to the skin.
Keloid scar growth on patient’s earlobe
There have also been instances with something as simple as a pimple, mosquito bite, insect bite or a scratch can cause keloids. They appear on the chest, back, shoulders, earlobes, arms, pelvic region, and the collarbone. These types of keloids are not meant to be confused with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae, which has a different etiology.
How Do I Know if I Have a Keloid
Individuals of African descent may face a higher risk for keloidal scarring
Although injuries are attributed to the result of a keloid, they can appear spontaneously and prone to growth. Similarly, it can start as a small lesion on the skin and grow (slowly) with time (1). Keloids also tend to appear more so in the younger years, Dr. Sanusi Umar, also known as Dr. Bumpinator explained. Meaning that young girls between ages 10 and 20 have a higher frequency of keloids due to ear piercings.
Keloid symptoms include –
Itchy, stinging, or burning sensations on the skin.
There’s a ridged or bumpy area on the skin that’s unusually raised.
The skin is toned red or pink in color.
The scar tissue, in time, increases in size
The keloid can be unsightly or uncomfortable.
A qualified medical professional can diagnose and treat keloids. Although medical attention is not necessary to treat keloid. They’re generally benign, but seeking medical attention as a precaution is not a bad idea.
Reasons To Get Keloids Removed
Symptoms
Aesthetics
Size
Ulceration
Proximity and involvements of vital organs and functions
A keloid’s common area on the body includes – areas of high skin tension.
The Pierced Ear Keloid
Keloids are most common after ear piercing. The piercing itself causes a minor trauma on the earlobes in addition to the skin and cartilage higher on the ear. As the wound heals wider and larger than the initial pierced skin, it becomes uncomfortable and embarrassing too.
Because the way every person heals from wounds is different, the size of the developed keloid varies from person to person. This condition is commonly seen mostly among African Americans, Latinos, and Asians (1).
Ear keloids are broken down into three types (1) –
Massive ear keloid: One keloid lesion measuring greater than 10 centimeters.
Large and semi-massive ear keloid: One keloid lesion measuring 2.1-10 centimeters.
Small ear keloids: One keloid lesion measuring no greater than 2 centimeters.
Removing Keloids
Conventional methods of keloid removal call for surgical removal, but according to research, almost all ear keloids will “relapse” after surgery (1). When those keloids grow back they get worse and with time even grow larger. Ultimately, “the ear keloids will continue to relapse in many instances and at some point, the surgeon and patient or both will abandon therapeutic intervention,” research documents show.
Dr. Bumpinator disagrees. “With the appropriate treatment,” Dr. Bumpinator said. “the lesions or keloids respond well and never return.”
For this to occur special surgical and post-surgical protocols are necessary. At Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic in Manhattan Beach, he’s implemented a keloid removal procedure that helps prevent the keloid from returning. The guiding principle is to get rid of all keloid tissue while avoiding the expansion of the zone of injury by keeping all surgical injuries to within the original borders of the keloid, minimizing tension and reductive the wound created less need to form a scar in the bid to cover itself.
“I want my patients to be left with an aesthetically pleasing earlobe with fast recovery time.”
The following photos show examples of patients surgically treated by Dr Bumpinator using the espoused surgical principles:
Dr.Bumpinator is on a mission to terminate all unwanted skin bumps, including keloid scars! *
This young lady no longer has an embarrassing bump on the back of her earlobe thanks to her Dr.Bumpinator surgery *
Keloid scar bumps on the earlobe can grow to be quite large. Dr.Bumpinator not only removes them, but also refashions the final earlobe to appear as natural-looking as possible.
There are other (non-surgical) keloid removal options, including:
Cryotherapy: Freezing of the keloid. This is the better option for smaller keloids, i.e. caused by acne. Risks lightening of the skin.
Corticosteroids: Injection of medicine into the keloid. This is one of the most common approaches to remove keloids. It is also often used in conjunction with cryotherapy or post-surgery.
Medication: Though not as effective as corticosteroids, other medications that have been used to treat keloids includes: verapamil, fluorouracil, bleomycin, and interferon alfa-2b shots.
Radiation: Radiation of the Grenz zone, is the most effective if done within 24-72 hours after excisions. It is actually quite an effective treatment with a low chance of recurrence. Dr. Bumpinator uses this treatment option with more complicated wound closures.
Furthermore, Dr. Bumpinator’s unconventional method pushes for a keloid free patient who didn’t have a need for steroid injections.
Keloid Questions?
Dr. Bumpinator encourages anyone with a growth of a keloid on the ear or other parts of the body to consult with a medical professional. Ask your keloid questions at
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FAQ – Understanding Keloidal Scarring
Who is a candidate for keloid removal? Any person with a keloid can be a candidate for keloid removal.
How much does a keloid removal cost? Cost varies and depends on the size of the keloid. In other instances, at other clinics, the cost may also depend on the location of the scar and the method the doctor decides to use. The average cost could range between $350 to $3500. Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures.
What keloid removal procedures are available for Dr. Bumpinator patients? Dr. Bumpinator, an expert in bumps, also has experience in keloid removal and offers individualized treatment plans. In order to determine your procedure or best removal method, schedule a consultation:
References –
Tirgan, Michael. (2017). Massive ear keloids: Natural history, evaluation of risk factors and recommendation for preventive measures – A retrospective case series. F1000Research. 5. 2517. 10.12688/f1000research.9504.2.
Redditors share dozens upon dozens of pictures of their bumps. And in some instances, they call their bumps something other than what it is. Those bumps could be a number of things. But it could also be Acne Keloidalis Nuchae, AKN, a skin condition where bumps or papules and pustules fuse into mass bumps and lumps.
According to Medscape, “the exact etiology of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae is unclear (3).” Therefore making it difficult to properly diagnose or treat. In Redditors’ defense, they could be misdiagnosed and not know they have AKN. Considering there is limited research, information, and treatment on AKN, it may be challenging to pinpoint the type of bumps on the back of the head or scalp. Most healthcare providers have even told patients there’s no cure for their AKN.
Patient of Dr.U with AKN bumps at the papular stage of his condition
This makes the bumps harder to treat. Worse of all, with improper treatment, they often come back with an ardent vengeance. In the same vein, people with bumps on the head struggle in silence and are often embarrassed by them.
Not Acne Keloidalis Nuchae : Other Types of Bumps Found on the Back of the Head
Dr. Sanusi Umar, also known as Dr. Bumpinator pointed out that bumps on the skin are common and in some cases harmless. He explained that bumps result from a number of conditions with the appearance and type contingent upon the cause. They vary from acne, infections, allergic reactions, skin cancer, or skin disorders.
Ultimately, when dealing, particularly with bumps on the scalp or back of the head, finding the exact type is tricky. So, what happens when your bumps aren’t the same as other Redditors and home remedies aren’t working? If the bumps on the back of the head persist or get worse –
“Don’t self-diagnose,” Dr. Bumpinator said. “You could have a more serious condition and it may require special attention.”
According to Dr. Bumpinator at Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic in Manhattan Beach, Calif. –
“AKN is often associated with every other condition, but itself.“
Above all, AKN bumps, at first glance, are often confused for folliculitis more than other types of bumps.
1. The Folliculitis Debate
Living with these bumps in some instances, when trying to get a haircut, there are special requirements. For example, Reddit user, u/virgil_caine31/ said he’d been looking for a particular barber who wouldn’t get “weirded out” by his bumps.
“I’m looking for a barber who can accommodate my weird, if not embarrassing, situation. I have pretty bad folliculitis on my scalp and it gets especially bad in the summer. Basically it just causes red bumps and sometimes they scab and can bleed.”
Red-colored bumps seen on the neck area should be checked by a doctor who may confirm if they are folliculitis or not
Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell which is which, unless an expert specialist diagnoses the bumps. Nevertheless, when folliculitis occurs the hair follicles are inflamed. This skin condition is sometimes a bacterial or fungal infection that has small red or white pimples at the follicles. Common and benign, it forms bumps on the back of the scalp in the form of a rash. However, folliculitis with few pustules will resolve spontaneously within a few days, according to research (6).
Reddit user, /u/feedittothetree shared a picture of his small, but inflamed bumps and asked –
“Weird bumps on the back of my head. Anyone know [what]it is?”
“Probably folliculitis. That’s a common area for people to get it. You can try washing the area with an antibacterial soap and see if it helps. But otherwise a dermatologist would be the place to start. Usually it’s treated with antibiotics. Shaving the area can make it worse.”
According to Dr Bumpinator, there are also non-infectious causes of folliculitis. For this reason, Dr. Bumpinator recommends seeing a dermatologist instead of trying to self-treat.
2. The Bulging Boils
Concerned girlfriend, Danielle, u/daniellenicole18/, turned to Reddit for feedback on her boyfriend’s bumps –
“So my boyfriend, 25, used to have really nice hair. In 2016, he started to get these like pus filled boil/pimple type things on his head. They would burst and bleed it wasn’t pretty. He started losing hair where they would grow.”
By 2017-18, she said, he was prescribed Accutane to treat the acne/boils on the back of his head. But that’s when everything changed. If he didn’t take the Accutane, the boils would return. A recent visit to the dermatologist, Danielle explained, resulted in having to come to terms with long-term baldness.
Boils are usually large outgrowths on the skin which may be filled with pus
“My [boyfriend] is really, really sad,” she wrote.
Over 40 comments flooded Danielle’s post. While some offered diet tips, suggested supplements, and most encouraged a second opinion:
“Yeah, I don’t know if that’s acne. It’s just on his head? Sounds like a fungal or bacterial problem. Either way, Accutane is notorious for hair loss and changes in hair texture. So I’d definitely see another dermatologist for a [second] opinion on what to do. In the meantime look into supplements. Careful with biotin, too much can cause more acne and serums and shampoos help promote hair growth.” – u/EvieKnevie/
“How big are the pimples/boils? Not a doctor, but a med student lol so that still didn’t mean anything…but I’ve also had some folliculitis issues and his issue doesn’t quite sound the same. It seems like the Accutane helps but that doesn’t tell you what the underlying problem is, so it’s a good idea to get a second opinion, or chat with his derm again. I’ve seen other subs talk about switching shampoos, like ones with tea tree oil which is antimicrobial so could help if it has to do with bacteria/fungi.” – u/grilledcheeseolive/
Dr. Bumpinator said that furuncles, carbuncles, or boils may be similar to folliculitis, but often caused by bacteria. The boil usually causes the skin to swell and consists of accumulated pus and dead tissue. Above all, a furuncle is one boil on the skin, but a carbuncle is a cluster of boils. The carbuncles are typically the type of bump that needs medical attention as the infection gets deeper into the skin (5).
Furthermore, he explained, this often happens where the hair is rubbing on the skin like “the neck, breasts, groin, face and buttocks are common places where people get boils.”
“Boils on the scalp that won’t go away are a cause for concern,” Dr. Bumpinator said. “If the ‘so-called boils’ don’t go away after a short period of time. It’s time to see a doctor and if they keep returning after treatment, it’s time to consider they’re something else.”
3. The Slow Growing Bump: Sebaceous Cysts
Different types of skin bumps tend to grow at their own unique rates
Sebaceous Cysts are small growing bumps beneath the skin, but not to worry, they’re not cancerous. The good news, they are rare over the scalp (4). These types of bumps develop when the glands in the skin are damaged or blocked, and the oil is unable to leave the skin. According to Dr. Bumpinator, these types of bumps require surgical removal, and without it, the cyst will usually come back.
Despite the rarity of appearing on the scalp, it can still happen. Reddit user u/parkinglotguy/ shared with the forum’s /r/popping/ community a gruesome photograph of his “walnut-sized sebaceous cyst”: https://i.imgur.com/Gc3J5yo.jpg.
Dr. Bumpinator recommends that you should not try to self-diagnose. Always see a dermatologist for a diagnosis and management.
4. The Itchy Scalp Acne Or Allergic Reaction?
Scalp acne looks like zits and pimples, but on the scalp or back of the head. These bumps can be itchy and sometimes crusted, according to Dr. Bumpinator. Sometimes, like facial acne, there may be blackheads and whiteheads accompanied with papules and pustules or nodules and cysts. Scalp acne is treated with over the counter products, but if it lingers longer than the norm, consulting with a dermatologist is encouraged.
“…itchy acne on the scalp that turns into itchy rash/bumps on the rest of the body. I’ve had the acne type bumps for almost a month on my scalp and have been using hydrocortisone and Aloe Vera on skin but nothing seems to work and the smaller mosquito-like bumps appear sporadically throughout my body.”
“You probably need to see the derm; hard to eval the scalp with a photo. Could be folliculitis but it’s usually not super itchy. Could be psoriasis! You’ll prob need rx products” – /u/dinophile/
A Note On Psoriasis – Psoriasis is a skin condition where the cells excessively multiply and causes the skin to look scaly, dry, bumpy with red patches, and sometimes bleed (2). Dr. Bumpintor said, usually, psoriasis forms on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. With unique cases of patients experiencing similar effects on the back of their head too. However, a more severe psoriasis case causes red bumpy skin. These types of bumps require different treatments that address psoriasis.
Other times, bumps similar to /u/Skill-Key could look like an allergic reaction to hair products. For example, if there’s shampoo residue from not washing it out appropriately, the excess, in the long run, could irritate the scalp and cause bumps.
An itchy scalp may sometimes incur bumps that should be assessed by a dermatologist.
5. The Fatty Lipoma
A lipoma is a non-cancerous, fatty lump that slowly grows between the skin and muscle. It occurs when there is an overgrowth of fat cells (1). Redditor /u/tylerfmarch/ vented his frustrations and said that after two surgeries to remove a lipoma in the middle of his neck, the alleged lipoma is back, after a recent surgery dating back to five months ago.
A bump on the skin or neck may turn out to be a lipoma that should be removed by a qualified specialist
“I can feel it back again. It’s probably about the size of a dime now but it has gotten up to the size of roughly a nickel-ish before, maybe a bit bigger. I’m getting really tired of this. It’s not painful or anything, so I guess I don’t NEED it removed.. it’s just gross. I just want it gone forever. Is this potentially the error of my surgeon missing some pieces? Or am I doomed to have this thing for the rest of my life?” – /u/tylerfmarch/
“I’m curious about this too. Mine is in a similar location. My derm blames weight gain, but given that mine grew back when I was in a steep caloric deficit I’m having trouble with that explanation. Parts of mine were definitely left behind though, since it was very “diffused” in shape my derm couldn’t get it all removed since I just had local anesthetic. I’m considering seeing a general surgeon and going completely under for my next surgery.” – Anonymous Redditor
Lipomas, after surgery, can sometimes come back, often because they were not completely removed. Dr. Bumpinator said seeking a second opinion, asking for a biopsy, and seeing the results can help better understand these types of bumps.
6. The Sore Razor Burns, Bumps, and Rashes
Anyone who shaves can get razor burn and the rash to match. Razor burn can cause an irritating and painful rash of small bumps on the skin. The red spots can feel sore and inflamed. The worse part, they could get infected and with large puss-filled bumps.
“I guess a barber didn’t clean his clippers and since that day I’ve had small razor bumps in the back of my head. I can’t have a low cut because the bumps make me self conscious but I hate having long hair. Does anyone have a method or product that can get rid of razor bumps?”
His post also generated a number of comments and insight from other Redditors who suggested he may have folliculitis or sebum build-up.
“Sounds more like folliculitis than razor bumps. This can be caused through bacteria getting into the skin but if it was 3 years ago it won’t still be present from the clippers, it’s likely that it’s present in your everyday life, which is completely normal. I have it all over my legs. I’d recommend going to your doctor and they should be able to diagnose you and give you something for it.” – u/emmaheath_mua1/
“Doesn’t sound like it had anything to do with your barber, you probably shouldn’t throw them under the bus. To me it just sounds like sebum build up, use exfoliants, Tend Skin is a great one. Or try switching shampoo, if you think about how you rinse off in a shower all the oils and suds run down your neck, perhaps it’s a mild allergy to sulfates, or you’re just not giving it the scrub it needs.” – /u/NatTreav/
Even though a person may – shave with the grain, use clean clippers or razors, not repeatedly shave the same area, practice proper shave care, or use proper moisturization post-shaving, the bumps can still come back. And that’s when Dr. Bumpinator advises getting an in-depth look at these rashes or bumps. The swelling, tenderness of the skin, itchiness, red bumps, and inflammation paired with bleeding and oozing puss can be signs of acne keloidalis nuchae – AKN or something more serious. Barbers often get blamed unfairly for causing AKN on account of using dirty clippers. But individuals who get AKN following a hair cut, develop it because not from dirtiness of the clippers used, but rather from a genetic predisposition to AKN which is precipitated by shaving the hair short especially in the nape areas.
AKN tends to affect males of color
AKN tends to affect males of color
Dr. Bumpinator has reviewed hundreds of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae cases and doesn’t associate barbers with the condition.
But Did You Know It Could Be AKN?
In some instances, men are unaware that they have AKN. It’s not that these other types of bumps aren’t caused for concern, but AKN is a beast of its own that may require a more aggressive treatment approach. To get a full understanding of your bumps, ask Dr. Bumpinator:
Cavaco Silva, Joana (January 2020). What is a lipoma? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322551
Cole, Gary W., (n.d.) Scalp Psoriasis (Psoriasis of the Scalp) https://www.medicinenet.com/scalp_psoriasis/article.htm#what_is_scalp_psoriasis_when_can_scalp_psoriasis_begin
Satter, Elizabeth K (2019). Acne keloidalis Nuchae (AKN). Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1072149-overview#a7
Singla, A., Singh, M., & Singla, S. (2015). Multiple Giant Sebaceous Cysts of Scalp. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR, 9(11), PJ01–PJ2. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2015/15125.6798
What’s the Difference Between a Furuncle and a Carbuncle? (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/furuncle-vs-carbuncle#treatmen
Winters RD, Mitchell M. Folliculitis. [Updated 2020 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/
Every Superhero Has A Villain – Dr. Bumpinator’s AKN Blaster Tools To The Rescue!: It’s a story like any other featuring an aspirant evil-doer – Acne Kelodalis Nuchae, AKN for short, whose first order of business is to terrorize and painfully torture humankind with it’s oozing pus and disfiguring ever-growing lesions. Meanwhile, shiny sparks showered around Dr. Sanusi Umar at the lab, also known as Dr. Bumpinator. Sliding his welding goggles to the top of his head, he added the finishing touches to his latest innovation to help combat AKN – the Athena Tension Suture Kit™.
Dr. Sanusi Umar is providing AKN treatments to address the bumps on the back of the head to patients in the greater Los Angeles area and worldwide.
VIDEO: Through The Ashes: Athena’s Mythical Rise – The Issue of AKN Wound Healing
Like other medical advances, AKN surgery also had its transformative process. Dr. Bumpinator realized he would have to challenge the traditional surgical approaches. Any doctor can perform a surgical excision on these bumps, but the recurrence of AKN was still likely if not done correctly. Whatsmore, it must result in an esthetically tolerable finish. To return cosmetically optimal results, Dr. Bumpinator, Inspired by Batman’s bat-shaped throwing weapon, developed novel surgical excision and closure techniques and tools, including the Athena Tension Suture Kit.
Athena To The Rescue – Exceptionally Discrete AKN Wound Closures
The thrilling all-star Athena Tension Suture Kit™ is a patent-pending surgical tool invented by Dr. Umar that works to slowly and gradually pull the edges of a wound together in the desired direction while minimizing tissue tear through even in the highest tension wounds.
The Athena Tension Suture Kit™ gradually pulls the wound’s edges closer together to coax new skin tissue production in the right direction. This process typically results in a line that forms a more natural-looking border of the patient’s posterior (i.e., backside) hairline. In other words, Athena nearly eliminates the incidence of tissue tears. It directs wound closure direction for a faster, more aesthetically-pleasing wound closure and a more natural-looking posterior hairline that camouflages the new scar.
A combination of Dr. Bumpinator’s innovative tools and techniques of the bat excision and Athena Tension Suture Kit™ typically produce even in massive AKN excisions, discreet looking outcomes posterior hairline, which is straight, U or M shapedeven with large-sized bumps that leave behind more extensive wounds.
Dr. Sanusi Umar, AKA The Bumpinator, has carefully researched the bumps on the back of the head and developed innovative procedures to provide long-lasting solutions to AKN (Acne Keloidalis Nuchae), FD (Folliculitis Decalvans), keloids, and other relentless skin conditions.
The Athena Tension Suture Guard is a specially invented and patented tension suture kit by Dr. Sanusi Umar, AKA The Bumpinator, designed to help close surgical wounds from AKN removal surgery.
AKN (Acne Keloidalis Nuchae) and FD (Folliculitis Decalvans) are progressive conditions that will likely worsen over time. In some cases, such as FD (Folliculitis Decalvans), this condition can eventually lead to permanent hair loss. To minimize these damages to the scalp and hair, it is best to consult with a licensed medical professional who is experienced and successful in dealing with these relatively unknown conditions.
If you think you have AKN or FD and would like to learn more about removal surgery, click the button below to start a conversation with Dr. Bumpinator himself!
FAQ – Athena Tension Suture Kit
How long would I need to have my tension sutures following my AKN removal surgery?
It varies from person to person. Discuss this with your provider, who would decide depending on your wound’s size and location.
Can I go out in public with my Athena tension sutures on?
Patients will need to protect the sutured wound healing area with a gauze dressing and a topically applied anti-microbial medication.
In public, they can keep this area concealed with a clean head dressing approved by their surgical provider.
References
Umar, Sanusi, et al. “Innovative Surgical Approaches and Selection Criteria of Large Acne Keloidalis Nuchae Lesions.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, vol. 7, no. 5, 2019,
Los Angeles Man Gets Rid of Massive Bumps On The Back Of His Head Once and For All: He shrugged them off. It just wasn’t a big deal. According to Los Angeles native, who decided to become Dr.Bumpinator’s patient, it wasn’t the first time he’d seen these types of bumps, and just like before he expected them to go away.
These tiny bumps, he explained, formed along his hairline on the back of his head after his hair was braided too tightly.
Los Angeles patient admitted he initially ignored the bumps on the back of his head because he genuinely thought they would go on their own.
“Even that same day, I started noticing little bumps across my hairline,” he said.
Bumps after getting hair braided is typical. In fact, hairstylists and barbers sometimes inform their clients that the tightness of the braid may cause slight irritation or inflamed bumps on the edges of the hair. Some have called it barber’s rash.
Feeling uncomfortable and unwilling to suffer through the rigid tugging and pulling caused by the braids, the patient said he unraveled his braids. He didn’t think too much into it once the tension on his scalp was relieved and went about his typical routines.
Los Angeles Man Gets Rid of Massive Bumps On The Back Of His Head Once and For All
In this video, Dr. Bumpinator explains the importance of this patient’s case. Learn more about the details of his experience prior to his surgery.
Los Angeles Man Gets Rid of Massive Bumps On The Back Of The Head Once and For All
Los Angeles Man Gets Rid of Massive Bumps On The Back Of The Head Once and For All
The Bumps Kept Growing
The bumps, he thought would subside, eventually. But they didn’t. Cue the pain, drainage and neverending discomfort.
“I was treating them like regular hair bumps,” the patient explained. “Being a black male, you get hair bumps when you shave and I thought that’s what it was.”
Gradually, year-over-year, the bumps changed. Fifteen years since the day he untwisted his braids, the bumps fused into a large protruding mass that he hid with his long dreadlocks.
Mike grew his hair out to hide the large AKN bump.
Because of his long hair , not a lot of people realized that Mike was struggling with AKN.
“For some reason,” he said. “Which is unknown, it decided to develop into something else.”
Trading Supersets for Hundred Mile coffee
The massive size of the bump restricted head movements. He could not find a comfortable sleep posture. That plus all the oozing of pus and blood from the bumps called for a career change. The patient’s work as a personal fitness trainer was severely affected by the slow trickle of pus, blood, and discharge from the mass on the back of his head.
“It would discharge out of the blue,” he explained. “And me dealing with people or [helping] them; I had to completely change everything.”
“It was embarrassing,” he added.
Pondering his next career steps, Mike decided to start working as a truck driver. His life, he said, changed again. Instead of being physically active, he spent 14 hour days driving trucks.
“Part of my lifestyle was active,” he said. “I’ve always been active, but the change in my physical life changed my life more.”
Misdiagnoses, Treatment Failures, The Hopeless Journey of a Los Angeles AKN Patient With Large Bump
The patient sought treatment to no avail. He was referred to a dermatologist, but every time he went to the clinic he was seen by a different dermatologist who was unfamiliar with his case.
“I was starting over every appointment with every doctor,” he noted.
Furthermore, each doctor went through a list of medications including steroids which were being injected into the lesions. Mike was baffled. He said the steroids were affecting his bone density and teeth. “It was a domino effect,” he added.
“The medication,” he said. “Was more damaging to me than the actual bump.”
Nothing was effective. In addition, he didn’t even have an actual diagnosis. At one point, his bump was diagnosed as a keloid. He also had surgery to remove a bump on the left side of the back of his head. Unfortunately, the surgery created a bald area without removing the problem.
“Inches of my hair fell out,” he added.
He wished he hadn’t done the surgery. “They didn’t even understand what it was,” he explained. “They didn’t take the time to figure out what it was.”
After that surgery, the patient explained the bumps came back even worse. He continued to take the medications. But nothing proved effective.
“Being on the medication and being in constant pain,” he said. “My wife noticed it was changing me.”
The patient said his frustration with the constant agony over the bumps made him more reclusive. He didn’t want to be around anyone he didn’t have to. No one, but his wife, knew he was struggling with the bumps on the back of his head. In the long run, his hermit-like behavior started affecting his relationships with his family and friends. He grew long dreadlocks to cover the ever-growing bump which by then had become a massive growth on the back of his neck.
Dr. Bumpinator and Dr Pimple Popper To The Rescue!
“It’s like having a pimple on the back of your head that won’t pop,” Mike said of the bumps. Even at night if he rolled over, he’d wake up in pain.
He needed a solution. Nothing was working and now at 19-years of grappling with the immensely 6.5 inches in length and 11 inches in width fused bump, something had to give. The balloon-sized bump needed to be popped or something.
So naturally, seeing and hearing about Dr. Sandra Lee’s ability to tackle some of the most stubborn bumps, he decided to seek her help. After scheduling an appointment and seeing Dr. Lee also known as Dr. Pimple Popper, “She basically recommended that I see Dr. Umar,” he shared. “She had seen things like it but said that he had more specialty in this. She is very upfront.”
As it turns out, Dr. Sanusi Umar also known as Dr. Bumpinator has had extensive experience dealing with the specific condition which is called Acne Keloidalis Nuchae or AKN and was happy to take on this gentleman’s case as a joint patient with Dr. Pimple Popper.
“The other doctors acted like they’ve never seen anything like it before,” Mike continued. “Dr. Sandra Lee and Dr. Umar seemed to know what I was dealing with – within minutes. Seeing Dr. Umar, he knew exactly what this was.”
After seeing Mike’s large AKN condition, Dr. Sandra Lee called Dr. Bumpinator to discuss treatment options and procedures to remove his bump completely
“I ended up in a little shell,” he shared. “I stayed at home and didn’t do the things that I would normally do.”
His Bumps Had A Name
He was surprised that Dr. Bumpinator wasn’t shocked at the sight and the magnitude of the lump. The patient added “I was so used to seeing doctors who rushed through my appointments. They simply didn’t know what to do about the bump.”
According to his interview, when he saw Dr. Umar (Dr. Bumpinator) at Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic in Manhattan Beach, Calif “ he knew exactly what this was.” Bumpinator educated the patient on his condition and for the first time in 19-years, he had a real diagnosis. He told him he had Acne Keloidalis Nuchae, AKN, a condition that affects the back of the head when bumps and masses form. In addition, during his appointment, Mike was given actual treatment options. He was floored to even have such options.
In 19-years, this patient’s Acne Keloidalis Nuchae bump had fused into a massive lump measuring at 6.5 inches in vertical height and 11 inches in width.
Dr.Bumpinator measures the length of a massive AKN bump
“During Dr. Umar’s first examination, I felt confident. He didn’t look shocked,” he added. “It was a breath of fresh air and I knew that I wasn’t going to continue this wild goose chase for help.”
Trying Not To Have Expectations
“I didn’t lose my faith,” Mike admitted.
Similarly, he didn’t want to get too excited that he’d finally found Dr. Bumpinator who was confident he could eradicate the monster that taunted him for so long. His wife, Mike said, was also happy, but hesitant, too.
“We’d been down that road before,” he shared candidly. “Where we thought we had something solid that could help, but it was hot air.”
Dr. Bumpinator’s Approach For Large-Size Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Dr. Sanusi Umar, known to his patients as Dr. Bumpinator seen here performing massive AKN head bump removal on Mike. Dr Umar has spent a number of years researching and developing life-changing treatments to provide Acne Kelodalis Nuchae patients with a wide range of treatment.
Furthermore, the patient’s condition was so severe that the topical steroids, oral antibiotics, steroid injections, and previous conventional surgery were obviously not effective. He needed a more aggressive approach without all of the harsh pharmaceuticals.
First Dr. Bumpinator appropriately classified Mike’s AKN. Based on this classification which Dr. Umar himself has developed, he presented this patient with curative surgical treatment options using techniques and some tools he himself developed.
“He was upfront,” the patient recounted. “He knew how to deal with it and didn’t prescribe me medications.”
“He knew how to deal with it,” he emphasized.
AKN Surgery Procedure To Remove Large-Size Acne Keloidalis Nuchae Bump
Dr.Bumpinator and his team assess Mike’s Acne Keloidalis Nuchae bump before removing it.
During the patient’s surgery, Dr. Bumpinator removed the mass entirely along with all its discharging sinus tracks some of which were draining to both sides of the patient’s neck.
Mike’s 19 year old AKN bump left a huge, gaping wound. The challenge now, is how to close it and leave a natural looking appearance.
Dr. Bumpinator at work, applying his Athena tension sutures which allows the AKN wound to gradually close on its own, over time.
He finished the surgery by using the innovative “Athena Tension Suture Kit™” to influence an optimal healing outcome as well as to minimize the size of the final scar. Dr. Umar had himself developed the Athena tension suture kits when the conventionally available tools proved ineffective with often the occurrence of tissue tears that lead to failure and scarring.
Without the Athena Kits, the patient would have required a more invasive multi-phase procedure called balloon expansion which has a very high rate of severe complications and required many months of downtime. The Athena Kits removed the need for that Dr Bumpinator explained.
Eight weeks later, with just one surgery, the patient’s AKN was gone. In addition, to camouflage the remaining scar to match his skin complexion, Dr. Bumpinator also performed tricopigmentation.
The side-by-side comparison of the patient’s look pre- and post-surgery is truly amazing! *
VIDEO- Monstrous 19-Year-Old AKN Bump Is NO Match For Dr. Bumpinator
Want to meet the patient and hear his feedback about his procedure? Learn more about this patient’s struggle with his large-sized, class 3 AKN bump and how Dr.Bumpinator terminated this lesion on the back of his scalp.
Massive Acne Keloidalis Nuchae AKN Bump on Back Of Head Removed by Dr Bumpinator
Massive Acne Keloidalis Nuchae AKN Bump on Back Of Head Removed by Dr Bumpinator
For the patient to heal, he shared, it took the two renowned doctors to communicate with one another. He said the level of respect both doctors have for each other, out of the entire experience, made a big impact on him. Dr. Sandra Lee’s coordinating care to have Dr. Bumpinator’s input changed this patient’s life.
“I was surprised they were willing to work together,” the patient pointed out. “Or at least to share information. All the other doctors didn’t.”
In his opinion, the patient shared, “They’re both good people. Dr. Sandra Lee could have easily gone a different way about it. And I was happy that Dr. Bumpinator was willing to cross-reference, talk and come up with a solution.”
His tumorous bump is gone. He’s bump-free – just like that.
Though it’s been only nine months since his surgery, it seems like so long ago. He’s sleeping through the night. And when he’s tossing or turning, there’s no bump to awaken him.
“It worked out in a good way and I’m pleased with it,” he said.
Perhaps the most life-changing result beyond being bump-free, the patient shared, was that he was finally anxious to get back to the life he left behind. “I have now quit my truck driving job,” he said enthusiastically. “and for the first time, I am beginning to work out again. I am getting back in shape.”
With tears in his eyes, he exclaimed, “I have my life back.”Dr. Bumpinator’s diverse treatment options for men dealing with AKN bumps on the back of their heads also means there are no limitations to viable treatments that permanently clear them. It’s just a matter of proper consultation and meeting with Dr. Bumpinator to find the best solution as not one case of AKN is the same. Want a free consultation with Dr. Bumpinator, himself? Click below to get started with a free consultation!
FAQ – Commonly Asked Questions About Removing A Large-Sized AKN Bump
I am a black man and would like to treat my AKN. Why won’t medications work to get rid of my bump?
Steroid medications will only address the inflammatory aspect of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae. Also, antibiotics will only help with any bacterial infections present. In short, what this means is that drugs can only treat symptoms that cause patients discomfort. They will not actually remove the tissue growth which comprises your bump. You would need a more curative treatment using published protocols.
How do I know if my Acne Keloidalis Nuchae hard bump on the back of my head will stop growing or not?
AKN is progressive and will continue to grow and evolve over time, as shown in this patient’s case. Although it is relatively unlikely that average AKN patients will have their bumps reaching this size, affected individuals should still be aware of the ongoing nature of their condition and plan for the removal of their lesion, rather than hoping that this skin disease will reach some type of stopping point.
References
[1] Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019 May; 7(5): e2215 Published online 2019 May 16
