What happens if you pop cauliflower ear?
Isabella Bartlett
Updated on May 06, 2026
Cauliflower ear is the permanent change to the shape of the ear. It occurs when an auricular hematoma is not drained appropriately. Prolonged pressure from an auricular hematoma causes permanent damage to the cartilage of the ear and leads to scarring and disfigurement of the ear's framework.
Can cauliflower ear be popped?
To quickly recap for those who have not groaned out loud in agony yet: In a preliminary card bout against fellow title contender Jessica Eye, Smith took a right hand to the side of her head, which caused her cauliflower ear to explode. Yes, her cauliflower ear exploded.Does cauliflower ear swelling go down?
After a few days, the pain and swelling generally subside. Left untreated, the ear remains lumpy and the swelling gradually hardens over the course of 7 to 10 days. This can create a permanent change to the ear's appearance. In some cases, the ear may flop over as the cartilage dies.Should cauliflower ear be drained?
An infection or fluid accumulation between the skin and cartilage may cause pain, or it may only feel thick and heavy. Either way, it needs to be drained promptly. Doing so will help you avoid the thickened, cauliflower-like appearance that can result from a delay in care.What happens if you cut cauliflower ear?
Scar tissue may form, contributing to a swollen and deformed look. Over time, the effects may become more prominent, and they may be permanent. The good news is that cauliflower ear can usually be prevented, even after such an injury occurs.Explaining MMA fighters Cauliflower Ears | With Dr O'Donovan
What's inside cauliflower ear?
Cauliflower ear, or “hematoma auris”, is a collection of blood between the cartilage of the ear and the skin. When the ear lobe is repetitively struck or bent, as in taking a helmet on and off, the underlying cartilage is traumatized.Why is cauliflower ear permanent?
Untreated, the ear cartilage contracts on itself forming a shriveled up outer ear, known as the cauliflower ear deformity. Once cartilage death and scarring (fibrosis) occurs, the resulting deformity is generally permanent.How long until cauliflower ear hardens?
Some important facts about the auricular hematoma (or “Cauliflower Ear”), and challenges you face in keeping your ears healthy and happy: It can take 5 to 10 days for a fluid filled ear to harden. It takes up to 8 weeks for the perichondrium to permanently attach to the cartilage surface.Are cauliflower ears painful?
A cauliflower ear certainly hurts at first. It is the result of a blow to the ear hard enough to form a swollen blood clot under the skin. Later, the resulting lumpy mass on the ear may or may not be sore to the touch.Should I ice cauliflower ear?
Initial treatmentIce the injury as quickly as possible. You can do this by applying ice for 15-minute intervals. That will help reduce the swelling and may prevent cauliflower ear. You should also seek medical treatment right away.