Draining Cauliflower Ear

Draining cauliflower ear relieves pressure and returns the ear to a normal appearance. The condition, also known as Auricular Hematoma is caused by trauma to the ear and is typically seen in boxers, wrestlers and others who participate in rough sports. Non-sporting persons may incur the condition from a fight, fall or hit to the ear. Draining the hematoma is not recommended for those without medical training. Doing the procedure at home runs risk of further injury and infection. If the procedure is attempted at home, ensure that all instruments are sterile.

For draining cauliflower ear you will need:

• Syringes
• Rubbing alcohol
• Lidocaine
• Sterile gauze
• #15 scalpel
• Sterile water
• Skin Glue
• Gloves

1. Clean the area using rubbing alcohol on a piece of sterile gauze. Before draining cauliflower ear, clean the area in a circular motion starting on the inside and working out around the hematoma.
2. Inject a small amount of Lidocaine into the area. To assist in draining cauliflower ear, inject .02 or less of Lidocaine into the area. This will numb the region and assist in slowing bleeding.
3. Make a small incision in the top of the hematoma. Lay the scalpel parallel to the ear and make a 1-2 cm at the top of the hematoma. Have sterile gauze prepared as the area will begin to bleed.
4. Press out the contents of the hematoma by pressing from the bottom up. Using the tips of the gloved fingers, press on the hematoma from the bottom, expressing the contents out the small incision.
5. Fill a syringe with sterile water and irrigate the area. When draining cauliflower ear, place the tip of a syringe filled with sterile water into the small incision. Push the water in and express out using the fingers.
6. Close the incision. The final step for draining cauliflower ear is to close up the incision using a small line of skin glue.