Auricular keloids can lead to significant aesthetic and functional impairments. Cryosurgery has been described as an adjuvant treatment following excision.

We detail this procedure combined with active follow-up, its impact on outcomes, and factors potentially associated with recurrence.

This retrospective single-centre study encompassed all patients treated with excision-cryosurgery (ExCS) for auricular keloids from September 2010–March 2021, with outcome data after 2 years. The standardized procedure involved excision followed by immediate freezing. Thinning >80% was considered complete remission (CR).

Of the 87 patients treated during the period, 61 were included with a total of 79 auricular keloids. With a median follow-up of 30.5 months (range 24–148), the CR rate was 90% at the last evaluation. The recurrence rate was 38% (n = 30) with a median time of 6 months (range 2–68). Most relapses (63%) were controlled using intralesional steroids or vascular laser.

The retrospective nature of the study and the number of non-included patients without data at 2 years.

The recurrence rate after ExCS was comparable to the published series, and the CR rate at the final follow-up was higher, emphasizing the importance of regular follow-up and potential preventive treatments. ExCS is a simple, well-tolerated, effective method for the treatment of auricular keloids.