"Cauliflower ear" is a term you may have heard but didn't quite understand. It's something that we see a lot at our Dallas, TX plastic surgery center, particularly among athletes. Cauliflower ear refers to a specific kind of deformity that's common among boxers, wrestlers, mixed martial artists, and people who participate in contact or combat sports. They are the result of scar tissue developing in the ears and altering the shape of the cartilage.

Cauliflower ears often appear bumpy, lumpy, and warped, with a puffiness and unevenness that resembles a cauliflower. These issues can be remedied through cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the ears, with excellent outcomes.

What Causes Cauliflower Ears?

The most common cause of cauliflower ears is blunt trauma to the ears themselves. When the ear is struck hard, a hematoma forms in the ear. The accumulation of blood eventually clots and prevents proper blood flow and distribution of nutrients to the ear. The tissue dies and begins to fold in on itself, leading to the formation of uneven scar tissue in the ear.

Athletes can prevent cauliflower ears from developing by wearing headgear, yet sometimes it simply cannot be avoided.

Immediate Treatments for Cauliflower Ears

If a person suffers serious blows to the ear, the swelling may be rather noticeable. Doctors can drain the fluid from the ears to prevent the hematoma from clotting. This can help avoid cauliflower ears in the future, or reduce their severity. Yet many people do not undergo early preventative treatment for cauliflower ears, assuming that the ear swelling will have no repercussions.

Otoplasty: Surgery for the Ears

When people have already developed cauliflower ear, drainage is no longer an option. The proper treatment for the condition is undergoing otoplasty. This cosmetic and reconstructive ear surgery can help reshape the cartilage of the ear, creating an even and more normal appearance in the process.

Good Candidates for Otoplasty

Good candidates for otoplasty are people who have cauliflower ears and would like to have the deformity corrected. They should be in good overall health and not suffer from medical conditions that would make an elective surgery a threat to their general health.

It's important that otoplasty patients understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure, and that they have realistic expectations about the surgery and its results.

How an Otoplasty Is Performed

Otoplasty is performed under local anesthetic, though surgeons may recommend general anesthesia. The procedure will involve an incision made behind the ear, allowing a surgeon to adjust and reshape the cartilage. The existing cartilage will be altered during the procedure. If needed, cartilage grafts may be used to help with the surgery.

The length of the surgery will depend on the severity of the cauliflower ear. Most procedures last from one hour to three hours. Multiple surgeries may be required if the cauliflower ear is especially severe.

The Results of Otoplasty

While correcting cauliflower ear can be difficult, many patients who undergo otoplasty report positive results. Their ears look less deformed and more normal, meaning reduced self-consciousness and a better overall sense of self.

Learn More about Cosmetic Ear Surgery

If you would like to learn more about different surgeries that can improve the appearance of your ears, be sure to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon today. We will develop a treatment plan that meets your needs and helps address various aesthetic issues related to your ears.