UFC fighters often have misshapen ears because of the intense physical demands of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting. The constant strikes to the head can cause damage to the ears that changes their shape.
This is known as “cauliflower ear” and is a result of repeated blunt force trauma over time. It occurs when the cartilaginous portions of the ear are injured and the body responds by creating a blood clot and scar tissue.
As the blood clot forms and the tissue heals, it does not heal evenly, causing the ear to become swollen and deformed. It’s not just MMA fighters who can get cauliflower ear; any contact sport that involves headgear can cause it, including football, wrestling, and boxing.
Although cauliflower ear is generally not considered dangerous, it is still advised to seek medical attention if the ear becomes painful or is swelling significantly.
Table of Contents
Why do MMA fighters get cauliflower ears but not boxers?
MMA fighters and boxers both involve lots of contact between two people, but they are two different sports with their own unique rules and protective equipment. MMA fighters generally don’t wear headgear during the actual fight, compared to boxers who wear headgear to protect their ears.
As a result, the lack of protection against the repeated striking of their opponent, coupled with the tight squeezing of their opponent’s limbs, can cause the cartilage in their ears to break down and form a lumpy, swollen area commonly referred to as cauliflower ear.
MMA fighters may also suffer from more cauliflower ear as a result of a ground game and getting taken down to the ground. Grappling and submitting your opponent involve a lot of head movement and gripping the opponent, thus making it easier for the ear to suffer a trauma injury.
With the headgear that boxers wear, that extra protection and the fact that boxers are usually not on the ground, prevent boxers’ ears from taking too much force and eventually leading to cauliflower ear.
Does cauliflower ear ever go away?
No, cauliflower ear does not usually go away on its own. It is a permanent deformity of the outer ear caused by a blow to the ear or repeated trauma to the ear. In most cases, the deformity can only be corrected with surgery to reshape the ear cartilage.
Surgery is typically only recommended if the deformity is severe enough to cause more than just an aesthetic issue. In less severe cases, padding the ears when engaging in contact sports or activities can help reduce additional trauma that could worsen the existing deformity.
Why can’t you fix cauliflower ear?
Unfortunately, once cauliflower ear has formed, it cannot be fixed. This is because the deformity is caused by a buildup of fluid due to ruptured blood vessels beneath the skin. Once the blood vessels rupture, the fluid accumulates and the skin can no longer easily absorb it, causing the cartilage to collapse, forming a cauliflower-like structure.
This can occur from the trauma of a punch, scrape, or other blunt-force trauma to the ear, or from repeated pressure to the ear from tugging when wrestling or grappling. Treatment for cauliflower ear usually involves draining the fluid from the affected area and wearing a padded headband to prevent further injury and displacement.
In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the deformity.
Why is cauliflower ear permanent?
Cauliflower ear is a condition where the outer tissue of the ear has become irreparably damaged due to trauma or repeated trauma, causing it to look similar in appearance to a cauliflower. This condition is permanent because once the tissue has been damaged, it does not have the ability to regenerate, or realign itself back to its original shape.
This means that the ear will remain permanently misshapen, swollen and hardened, looking similar in appearance to a cauliflower. As a result, repeated blunt force or trauma to the same area of the ear can further aggravate the condition and cause further swelling.
A doctor should be consulted if cauliflower ear is suspected. Additionally, it is important for athletes, especially those involved in contact sports, to take the necessary preventive steps to avoid ear injuries and protect against the risk of permanent cauliflower ear.
How long does it take cauliflower ear to harden?
Once a person sustains an injury which causes cauliflower ear, it can take anywhere from 5-10 days for the ear to completely harden. Initially, the ear will become swollen and discolored and will be very tender to the touch.
Over the course of several days, the swollen tissue will begin to dry up and become firm as the blood and lymphatic fluid is absorbed by the body. It can take up to 10 days for the swollen tissue to fully harden, giving it the characteristic cauliflower ear appearance.
Can cauliflower ears pop?
No, cauliflower ears cannot pop. Cauliflower ear is a deformity of the outer ear which is caused by repeated impact or pressure to the ear. It is common among athletes that compete in contact sports such as wrestling and boxing, but can also occur due to other traumatic injuries.
The repeated trauma causes the cartilage that makes up the ear to become fractured and swollen, leading to a lumpy appearance with discolored skin. The excess tissue then hardens and forms a permanent shape, leading to the “cauliflower ear” look.
Because the deformity is caused by permanent damage to the cartilage, it cannot simply “pop”. Treatment options are available and involve draining the blood that has collected in the ear. Surgery may also be needed in more severe cases.
Does cauliflower ear come back after draining?
Yes, cauliflower ear can come back after it has been drained. If you allow the hematoma to remain in the ear, it is likely to lead to recurrence of the cauliflower ear. To prevent the cauliflower ear from recurring, you should take steps to prevent the hematoma from forming in the first place.
This can include wearing headgear protective sports equipment that covers the ear; avoiding rough contact sports; and ensuring adequate hydration, nutrition, and rest. If a hematoma does form, seeking medical attention to have it drained quickly, is key to preventing recurrent cauliflower ear.
Additionally, it is important to keep the site of the hematoma clean, and practice proper wound care, including cleaning the wound regularly.
Should I get my cauliflower ear drained?
It is important to consult with your doctor or surgeon to decide if draining your cauliflower ear is necessary or beneficial. And the decision can depend on the severity of the condition, your medical history, and how quickly the issue needs to be resolved.
Draining your cauliflower ear can take one to three days and involves a procedure performed in a medical office or hospital setting. In this procedure, your doctor will make a small incision in your ear and insert a needle to allow the ruptured pocket of fluid to drain.
This procedure can generally be done under general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or intravenous sedation. During the procedure, your doctor may also stitch the incision closed to help decrease the chances of continued bleeding.
If you are experiencing pain or infection in your cauliflower ear, or if the condition has been present for a long time, draining the ear may be necessary to help reduce the risk of long-term complications.
However, if the condition is relatively mild, it may be best to have it monitored rather than drained. Your doctor or surgeon can discuss the best options for you and any possible risks associated with the procedure.
What does cauliflower ear look like at first?
Cauliflower ear initially appears as a swollen, bumpy area on the ear. It often is accompanied by a lot of pain, tenderness, and redness. The lump may look similar to a bruise and may even be filled with fluid.
The bump often increases in size and begins to look like a “cauliflower”, hence the name. The ear lobe may become deformed, flattened, or pointed in certain areas. In severe cases, the ear may become hardened and look more like cartilage.
There may also be temporary hearing loss associated with cauliflower ear.
How much does it cost to fix cauliflower ear?
The cost of fixing cauliflower ear can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, fixing cauliflower ear requires reconstructive surgery, which can range anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on the region, the facility, and other factors.
Additional costs associated with cauliflower ear repair can include anesthesia and other treatment-related fees. Additionally, insurance may cover part of the cost, but there may also be a deductible or copayment.
To get an exact cost estimate, it’s best to check with your insurance provider and visit a clinic to get a more specific cost quote.
Is there a cosmetic surgery for a cauliflower ear?
Yes, cosmetic surgery is an option for cauliflower ear. Cauliflower ear is a condition where the external portion of the ear is deformed due to trauma or an injury. The deformity can be caused by direct blows, entrapment of the ear in a wrestling/mma/boxing match, or untreated infection.
The deformity causes the ear to form a lump, known as a hemotoma, on the external portion of the ear. This lump can harden and ultimately cause the ear to become disfigured.
Cosmetic surgery is the most common way to correct a cauliflower ear. During the procedure, the lump is surgically removed and the damaged cartilage is replaced with pieces of tissue from elsewhere in the body.
The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and can take up to four hours to complete. The area is then sutured and bandaged to allow the ear to heal.
Overall, cosmetic surgery is a viable option to correct cauliflower ear. It is important to note that the procedure requires a long recovery period and the results may not be permanent. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals who are prone to activities that could cause cauliflower ear be fitted with protective headgear to prevent further damage.
Who gets cauliflower ear more wrestlers or boxers?
It depends on the specific sport, as cauliflower ear is much more common in certain fighting sports than others. In general, you’re more likely to see cauliflower ear in wrestlers and boxers than other athletes.
Wrestlers are at a higher risk for developing cauliflower ear due to the fact that they continually use their opponent’s figure four headlocks and other grappling techniques which place a lot of pressure on their ears.
Wrestlers also tend to get their ears grabbed in clinches and can suffer blows to the head more often than some other athletes. Boxers, however, are also at risk for developing cauliflower ear. While they don’t use figure four headlocks and other grappling techniques, they are frequently hit in the head which can lead to internal bleeding and tears in the ear.
This buildup of blood in the ear can cause it to ‘cauliflower’ and become deformed. While cauliflower ear is common among wrestlers and boxers, there are other combat sports and athletes that put themselves at risk as well, such as judo, MMA, and kickboxing.
