Can my cauliflower ear be reconstructed to look somewhat normal? (photos)

Question

I have hardened cauliflower ear in my right ear from wrestling and I was wondering if there is any chance of making it look better.

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

It is possible to get an improvement but because there is calcified scar in the cartilage it is not as easy as a typical ear pinning surgery and if enough of the the cartilage is hardened something cartilage needs to be moved around.

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD · Answer

Cauliflower ear deformity is quite common in wrestlers due to repeated ear trauma and subsequent fibrosis, calcification and thickening of the ear cartilage. It is possible to improve the appearance of the ear by lifting off the skin from the cartilage via incision behind the ear and thinning and reshaping the cartilage with sutures.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,It is possible to reshape the cauliflower cartilage to make a more flatter appearance. This may require incisions on the front and/or back of the ear with a bolster dressing.Best,Dr.S.

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Can my cauliflower ear be reconstructed to look somewhat normal? (photos)

Answers (3)

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