Auricular haematoma--treatment options.

The acute auricular haematoma following a blow to the external ear presents a number of treatment options. If a satisfactory final cosmetic result is to be obtained a minor surgical procedure of one sort or another must be performed to prevent a 'cauliflower ear'. Simple needle aspiration is often insufficient to prevent this complication. Different procedures are reviewed and a simple, reliable technique for treating the acute auricular haematoma is described.