Common Complications in Rhytidectomy.

Complications of rhytidectomy are well known, yet often preventable. A thorough preoperative history and physical along with realistic patient expectations provide the surgeon and patient with insight into potential complications and postoperative management. Understanding of surgical pitfalls and avoidance are crucial in beginning to manage facelift complications. Possible complications of facelift techniques should not discourage surgeons from pursuing a particular technique as the majority of complications are temporary. Though, a strong patient-physician relationship is critical when complications occur. Complications may be frustrating for both the patient and surgeon, yet are overwhelmingly temporary and manageable without surgical intervention.

Auricular haematoma. / Ørehematom.

Auricular haematomas typically occur as a result of the auricle being pulled or subjected to blunt trauma in association with contact sports, accidents or violence. An auricular haematoma requires prompt surgical intervention to avoid cauliflower ear, also known as «wrestler's ear¼. A cauliflower ear is a permanent deformity made up of connective tissue and cartilage.

A novel technique for treating auricular hematomas in mixed martial artists (ultimate fighters).

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe a "bolsterless" technique for managing auricular hematomas in professional fighters. METHODS: Eight auricular hematomas were drained under local anesthesia by incising along an anatomical auricular crease. After evacuation of the hematoma and copious irrigation, the resultant skin flap was replaced in anatomical position, and through-and-through absorbable mattress sutures were used to secure the flap in place. Incision sites were left open and dressed with antimicrobial ointment. No bolsters were placed. The patients were given 1 week of oral antibiotic therapy. RESULTS: All 8 hematomas resolved without further intervention. All 8 ears returned to their preinjury cosmetic state. Fighters were able to return to training within a week of the initial injury. No postoperative infections or other complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to wrestlers, mixed martial artists (also called "ultimate fighters") do not routinely wear protective head gear. As a result, they are at increased risk of recurrent auricular hematomas, often resulting in severe auricular deformities (cauliflower ear). These patients are anxious to return to training and fighting, and are reluctant to wear a bolster after repair. At their urging, we agreed to attempt this bolsterless technique. Although 2 patients in this series already had a significant cauliflower ear before being treated for the current hematoma, in all cases the auricle returned to its preinjury condition. Bolsterless treatment using mattress sutures and cosmetically placed incisions represents a successful technique for management of auricular hematomas in this population.

Opium addiction and cauliflower ears: a case report.

The case of an elderly Chinese male opium addict with cauliflower ears is discussed. He had no history of contact sports that could have led to auricular trauma resulting in deformed ears. Besides cauliflower ears, he had features of chronic bronchitis. The association between opium addiction and cauliflower ears was first described way back in 1932. It was attributed to the prolonged opium induced sleep on hard surface subjecting the ears to repeated pressure and trauma. With the changing pattern of drug abuse, opium abuse related cauliflower ears will become a vanishing sign.

[Perichondritis of the ear caused by acupuncture]. / Perichondritis auriculae forårsaget af akupunkturbehandling.

A case of perichondritis and necrosis of the cartilage of the outer ear after acupuncture of the ear is presented. Repeated cultures showed growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite intensive antibiotic treatment and extensive surgical toilet, the patient developed a severely deformed outer ear.

Auricular perichondritis secondary to acupuncture.

Auricular perichondritis developed in a patient following acupuncture to the pinna. Poor response to high-dose antibiotics necessitated open drainage. The underlying cartilage was uninvolved, and minimal deformity ensued. Acupuncture must be considered a form of penetrating trauma that may induce a perichondritis or chondritis in the auricle.