What is a Cauliflower Ear?

After the auricle is closed or damaged by compression or contusion, hematoma is formed due to bleeding from the subchondral membrane, resulting in ischemia and necrosis of the ear cartilage. Necrotic tissue gradually becomes mechanized into connective tissue, and fibrous connective tissue is prone to contraction. Gradually thickened and shrunk, there are many irregular shaped protrusions on the surface, and there are shrinking gaps of varying depth between the protrusions, shaped like cauliflower, so it is called cauliflower ear deformity. ^[1] Plastic surgery for cauliflower ear deformities should be performed after the inflammation has completely subsided and the condition is stable. Cauliflower ear surgery is a very difficult plastic surgery, and it usually takes multiple times to complete. The final result is also unsatisfactory, and almost no perfect repair is seen clinically. Therefore, it is very important to prevent ear infections and early treatment after pinch pinching or injury.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower Cauliflower Ear Introduction

After the auricle is closed or damaged by compression or contusion, hematoma is formed due to bleeding from the subchondral membrane, resulting in ischemia and necrosis of the ear cartilage. Necrotic tissue gradually becomes mechanized into connective tissue, and fibrous connective tissue is prone to contraction, resulting in auricle Gradually thickened and shrunk, there are many irregular shaped protrusions on the surface, and there are shrinking gaps of varying depth between the protrusions, shaped like cauliflower, so it is called cauliflower ear deformity. ^[1] Plastic surgery for cauliflower ear deformities should be performed after the inflammation has completely subsided and the condition is stable. Cauliflower ear surgery is a very difficult plastic surgery, and it usually takes multiple times to complete. The final result is also unsatisfactory, and almost no perfect repair is seen clinically. Therefore, it is very important to prevent ear infections and early treatment after pinch pinching or injury.

The treatment of cauliflower ears is difficult, and it is not appropriate to achieve good results. Surgery needs to be completed after the inflammation has completely disappeared and the disease is stable. It usually takes at least half a year. Surgery is to peel the skin and cartilage to form a flap, reveal thickened fibrous tissue and deformed cartilage, thin it appropriately, and loosen and flatten or sculpt it to conform to the original anatomical shape. Because the range of skin peeling cannot be too large, so as to avoid necrosis due to impaired blood flow, it often takes several operations to complete. For those with more cartilage necrosis and relatively loose skin, autologous rib cartilage transplantation can be used to form an ear stent to repair. If the skin is relatively inadequate, auricle reconstruction can be used according to the situation.

Cauliflower ear cauliflower symptoms

1. There are numerous irregular protrusions on the surface of the ear, and there are creased gaps between them, like cauliflower

2. Hard to touch

3. There is often tenderness ^[2] surgery

Plastic surgery of cauliflower ear deformity is a very difficult operation, usually after the inflammation has completely dissipated and the disease is stable. An incision can be made on the anterior lateral surface of the auricle along the edge of the ear wheel 0.5 cm. Carefully peel off between the uneven skin and cartilage to form a flap to expose the deformed cartilage, and then thin the thickened cartilage appropriately, Relax and relax or sculpt and shape it to conform to the original anatomical shape. Finally, the opened flap was smoothed over the cut cartilage surface, and excessive parts were removed. After suture the incision, according to the convex and concave shape of the auricle, use cotton balls or soft gauze to pack and paste, and then apply pressure. The peeling range of the flap should not be too wide, otherwise it will cause necrosis due to impaired blood flow. Therefore, it is often necessary to perform several operations to complete the shaping of the cauliflower ear. The final surgical result is often disappointing. Perfect repair effect.

Severe cauliflower ear deformities, although the cartilage is more necrotic, but the skin tissue is often relatively loose, so autologous rib cartilage transplantation can be used to form an ear scaffold to repair. For cauliflower ears with relatively inadequate skin, because the earlobe is often intact, the upper part of the deformed auricle can be removed, and the earlobe is retained for auricle reconstruction.

Postoperative care

1. After ear surgery, patients should prevent sewage (washing, showering, swimming) from entering the ear to avoid secondary infection in the operating cavity.

2. Keep warm and try not to catch a cold to avoid otitis media.

3. If face paralysis occurs, eyes cannot be closed tightly. To protect the cornea, eye ointment and goggles should be worn at night.