{"id":8850,"date":"2025-10-06T09:12:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T09:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/?post_type=kennisbank&#038;p=8850"},"modified":"2026-01-05T15:23:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T15:23:26","slug":"cauliflower-ear","status":"publish","type":"kennisbank","link":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/kennisbank\/cauliflower-ear\/","title":{"rendered":"Cauliflower ear"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does cauliflower ear develop?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When the ear receives a hard blow or is exposed to long-lasting pressure, small blood vessels in the ear cartilage can tear. This causes bleeding under the skin, exactly between the cartilage and the thin layer of tissue that supplies it with nutrients. This is called an auricular haematoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the haematoma is not drained quickly, the cartilage loses its blood supply. As a result, part of the tissue dies, and the body replaces it with scar tissue. This scar tissue is stiffer and more irregular than normal cartilage, causing the natural shape of the ear to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases the deformity appears after a single injury, but most of the time it develops due to repeated trauma. Athletes are at the highest risk, especially when they train or compete without proper protection. It can also occur in people whose work or hobbies involve long-lasting pressure or friction on the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recognising the first signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the early stage, cauliflower ear can still be treated effectively. The first symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Swelling or a bump on the ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discolouration of the skin, often red, blue or purple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain or tenderness when touching the ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A tight or full sensation in the ear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At this stage, the deformity is not yet permanent. The swelling is caused by blood collecting under the skin. If this blood is removed in time and the skin is fixed firmly back onto the cartilage, the natural shape of the ear can be preserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without treatment, scar tissue begins to form within days to weeks. The swelling slowly becomes a hard, deformed area, and the mis-shapen appearance becomes permanent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do when fresh swelling appears?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your ear starts to swell after a blow or impact, it is important to seek medical advice within a few days. Treatment is relatively simple in the acute phase. Under local anaesthesia, the blood is drained from the haematoma through a small incision. After this, a pressure bandage is applied so the cartilage stays in contact with the surrounding tissue. This prevents new blood buildup and helps the ear heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The healing period usually takes a few days. During this time it is important to protect the ear and keep the bandage on as instructed. This significantly reduces the risk of permanent deformity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if the deformity has already developed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the swelling was not treated in time, scar tissue forms in the ear. The deformity then becomes permanent and is often visible and noticeable. The ear may look asymmetrical, become larger on one side, or lose its natural contours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In these cases, plastic surgery can help. During a corrective procedure, the surgeon removes the hard scar tissue and restores the natural shape of the ear as much as possible. The final result depends on the severity of the damage. Achieving 100% symmetry is always difficult. This operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the deformity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recovery after surgical correction normally takes one to two weeks. During this time the ear must be protected from pressure. A follow-up appointment and additional aftercare may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is suitable for treatment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Treatment may be suitable for anyone with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A fresh swelling of the ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An existing deformity that is bothersome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain, discomfort or difficulty wearing glasses, helmets or earplugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cosmetic concerns or insecurity about the appearance of the ear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>During a consultation, the plastic surgeon will discuss symptoms, medical history and expectations. Based on your situation, a suitable treatment plan is created. Damage from cauliflower ear is challenging to fully correct, and some difference in the shape of the ear compared to people without cauliflower ears may remain. At Kliniek Het Bolwerk, we always aim for a result that suits your face as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can cauliflower ear be prevented?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, cauliflower ear can be prevented. Prevention is especially important for people who participate in high-risk sports or activities. Protective ear guards or head protection can greatly reduce the chance of injury to the ear. Recognising swelling early and acting quickly also plays a key role in preventing permanent damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For trainers, coaches and sports clubs, it is important to inform athletes about the risks and the value of protective measures. By staying alert to symptoms, many cases of cauliflower ear can be prevented or treated early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Long-term effects and psychological impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although cauliflower ear is not dangerous from a physical standpoint, it can affect self-image and quality of life. When the ear becomes clearly asymmetrical or noticeable in social situations, people may feel insecure about their appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There can also be practical complaints, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Difficulty wearing glasses or earplugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pressure pain when sleeping on the affected ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sensitivity to cold or touch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In such cases, surgical correction can improve both the appearance and daily comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cauliflower ear is a deformity of the ear caused by an untreated haematoma after trauma. In the early phase it can be treated well, but without intervention scar tissue forms, leading to a permanent deformity. The result is a misshapen, asymmetrical ear that can be both cosmetically and practically bothersome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Early treatment is essential to prevent permanent damage. If the deformity is already present, plastic surgery can help. At Kliniek Het Bolwerk, we always aim for a treatment that fits your situation, with attention to detail and a natural result. Whether it concerns acute care or reconstructive surgery, we are here to guide you professionally and personally.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"kennisbank-categorie":[49],"class_list":["post-8850","kennisbank","type-kennisbank","status-publish","hentry","kennisbank-categorie-face-neck"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank\/8850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/kennisbank"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank\/8850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8851,"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank\/8850\/revisions\/8851"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"kennisbank-categorie","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank-categorie?post=8850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}