Restore the Natural Shape of Your Ear with Otoplasty
Cauliflower ear can leave the ear looking swollen, uneven, and misshapen after repeated trauma or injury. The condition is common among athletes—especially wrestlers, boxers, MMA (mixed martial artists), and jiu jitsu practitioners—but can affect anyone who’s suffered an ear injury.
At John Hilinski, MD Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego, California, Dr. John Hilinski, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and reconstructive ear surgeon, performs advanced otoplasty procedures to repair cauliflower ear and restore a more natural, balanced appearance.
Dr. Hilinski, Nicole, and team are absolutely amazing! Dr. Hilinski is very knowledgeable, takes the time to thoroughly explain procedures, and has gone above and beyond with patient care during my procedure and throughout all of my follow-ups.
What Is Cauliflower Ear?
Cauliflower ear is a deformity that develops when the ear sustains a blunt injury or repeated friction, leading to a collection of blood or fluid (auricular hematoma) between the ear cartilage and the overlying skin. When left untreated, this separation cuts off the blood supply that keeps the cartilage healthy. Over time, the cartilage hardens, thickens, and develops the bumpy, irregular shape that gives cauliflower ear its name.1,2
The condition is typically permanent unless corrected surgically, making early evaluation and treatment important.
Causes and Risk Factors
Cauliflower ear can result from many forms of trauma or irritation. Common causes include:
- Contact sports injuries such as wrestling, boxing, MMA, or jiu jitsu.
- Untreated or poorly drained ear hematomas.
- Repetitive friction or pressure from tight headgear.
- Blood-thinning medications that increase the risk of bleeding after injury.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Immediate treatment following an ear injury can prevent long-term deformity. When swelling or hematoma is present, draining the blood and applying compression allows the cartilage to heal correctly. Without timely care, fibrous scar tissue forms, distorting part of the ear permanently.3
Prompt treatment helps:
- Preserve the ear’s normal contour and prevent damage to ear cartilage.
- Reduce the risk of infection or abscess formation.
- Maintain proper ear function and comfort.
Untreated cauliflower ear can make patients feel self-conscious about their appearance and may even impact self-esteem, making timely care essential.
Otoplasty for Cauliflower Ear
Once a cauliflower ear deformity has formed, otoplasty (ear reshaping surgery) is often the most effective way to correct it.
During the procedure, small incisions are made behind the ear or within its natural folds to access the cartilage. Dr. Hilinski carefully removes or reshapes excess scar tissue and/or cartilage, then repositions the skin for a smoother, more natural contour. The sutures are placed precisely to secure the new shape and minimize visible scarring.
His meticulous approach focuses on symmetry, proportion, and subtle, natural-looking results. Some patients combine cauliflower ear repair with procedures like ear pinning, rhinoplasty, or a face lift to achieve balanced facial harmony.
Dr. Hilinski’s reconstructive training allows him to address even complex cases—restoring both the appearance and integrity of the ear while minimizing visible scarring on the earlobe and surrounding tissue.
Who Is a Candidate for Cauliflower Ear Repair?
You may be a good candidate for cauliflower ear correction if you:
- Have a persistent deformity after trauma or untreated hematoma.
- Are in good overall health and can safely undergo minor surgery under local or general anesthesia.
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome of surgery.
- Have stable ear tissue (the injury has fully healed).
During your consultation, Dr. Hilinski will examine the extent of damage and create a personalized surgical plan based on your anatomy and goals.
Recovery After Otoplasty
Recovery from cauliflower ear surgery is generally straightforward. Patients can expect:
- Mild swelling or soreness for one to two weeks.
- A protective dressing or headband for several days to support the new ear shape.
- Limited activity for several weeks—especially avoiding contact sports or activities that could impact the ear.
Dr. Hilinski provides detailed aftercare and post-operative care instructions, including how to care for your sutures and reduce swelling. Follow-up visits allow him to monitor healing and make sure your results continue to improve over time.
Expected Results
After otoplasty for cauliflower ear, most patients notice:
- A smoother, more symmetrical ear shape.
- Improved facial balance and confidence.
- Permanent correction of the deformity, provided future trauma is avoided.
While minor differences between ears are natural, most patients find the improvement both noticeable and long-lasting.
Preventing Cauliflower Ear
Because cauliflower ear is often preventable, taking precautions is essential:
- Wear protective headgear during contact sports.
- Seek medical attention immediately after any ear trauma or swelling.
- Have hematomas drained promptly by a qualified professional to prevent cartilage damage.
Why Choose Dr. John Hilinski for Earlobe Reshaping?
As a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Hilinski combines surgical precision with an artistic eye for proportion and detail. His background in complex ear reconstruction and facial surgery allows him to restore the ear’s natural form with results that blend seamlessly with your features.
Patients appreciate his personalized approach, meticulous technique, and commitment to safety and comfort at every stage of care.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Hilinski
If you’re considering earlobe reshaping to correct torn, stretched, or enlarged earlobes, schedule a consultation with Dr. John Hilinski, San Diego’s leading expert in ear surgery. With his extensive experience and commitment to patient satisfaction, Dr. Hilinski can help you achieve natural-looking, balanced results. Contact our office today to learn more about your options for earlobe reshaping.
FAQs About Cauliflower Ear and Otoplasty
Cauliflower ear develops when blood or fluid collects between the cartilage and skin of the outer ear after trauma. Without proper drainage, the tissue hardens, resulting in permanent deformity.
No. Once the cartilage hardens, the deformity is permanent. Early drainage of a hematoma can prevent it, but established cauliflower ear requires surgical repair.
Otoplasty involves reshaping or removing scarred cartilage and redraping the skin to restore a natural ear contour. The goal is a smooth, symmetrical result that looks proportional and balanced.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort, managed easily with oral medication. Dr. Hilinski uses local anesthesia or sedation for comfort during surgery.
Initial healing typically takes one to two weeks, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days. Contact sports should be avoided for four to six weeks to protect the results.
Yes, results are long-lasting. However, additional trauma to the ear can cause recurrence, which is why preventive care is important.
In most cases, the condition affects only the external ear’s shape, not hearing. However, severe deformity can narrow the ear canal or cause discomfort when wearing hearing aids.
As with any surgical procedure, risks may include infection, bleeding, or minor scarring. Dr. Hilinski’s experience and attention to detail help minimize these risks.
Ready to Restore Your Ear’s Natural Shape?
If you’re living with the effects of cauliflower ear, surgical repair can help you regain a balanced, natural look—and your confidence. Dr. John Hilinski combines advanced reconstructive techniques with an artistic approach to restore symmetry and improve ear contour.
Schedule your personalized consultation at John Hilinski Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego to learn more about otoplasty for cauliflower ear. Dr. Hilinski will evaluate your condition, discuss your treatment options, and design a plan tailored to your goals.
Take the next step toward feeling comfortable and confident again. Book your consultation today.
Sources
1 Cleveland Clinic. Cauliflower Ear. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23146-cauliflower-ear. Accessed October 20, 2025.
2 Patel BC, Hohman MH, Hutchison J, et al. Cauliflower Ear. [Updated 2024 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470424/. Accessed October 20, 2025.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Cauliflower Ear. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23146-cauliflower-ear. Accessed October 20, 2025.