Hao Scarlett, Angster Kristen, Hubbard Fleesie, Greywoode Jewel, Vakharia Kalpesh T
1 University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
2 Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2018 Apr;55(4):619-621. doi: 10.1177/1055665617732787. Epub 2017 Dec 14.
Untreated auricular hematomas from ear trauma can result in an ear deformation known as cauliflower ear, secondary to fibrosis and new cartilage overgrowth. Cauliflower ear reconstruction has traditionally utilized tools such as a drill or a scalpel in order to improve auricular cosmesis. We present a case report utilizing an ultrasonic aspirator to recontour the fibrosed cartilage of a cauliflower ear. The ultrasonic aspirator has advantages over traditional tools in its ability to provide finely controlled bone removal without damage to surrounding soft tissue. The patient in this case report underwent multistage reconstruction using the ultrasonic aspirator with excellent cosmetic result and patient satisfaction.