I got my cartilage pierced in the summer of 08. Good place in LA, not with a gun. I got 2 of them at the same time, right next to eachother. Followed everything the piercer said, but my ear was pretty red for the next 6 months. Then, a few months ago, I started to notice a bump coming out of the back of the lower piercing. It got bigger and bigger, and I ended up asking 2 piercers and a dermatologist about it, they said it was hypertonic scarring and that it would go away on its own. Well it hasent. Now, its huge, the bump has continued to the front of the piercing, and one is forming on the back of the upper one. I read online that asprin paste and sea salt soaks will help, so I started doing those today. Can anyone help me out? Am i doing the right thing? or would taking it out be the best option? They dont puss or anything. Just a hardish bump that is very unattractive. Thansk!

Front of ear

Back of ear

Those look like keloids, you'll want to visit a dermatologist to discuss removal options. Don't apply aspirin, additional trauma or irritation could cause an increase in size.

I like the last photo's background.

 Yeah, once the scarring extends that far from the piercing i'm pretty sure it's safe to call it a keloid. Definitely a good idea to go to a dermatologist again and have them look at it. I believe hypertonic scarring doesn't ever extend that far. 

Sorry I don't have any better news.. good luck tho!

 Would taking out the rings help at all?

 I doubt theyd go at this point, they look like they may have to be cut off, but even then they could grow back.