In Russia, a new cosmetic trend is coming up as men line up to have their ear cartilage deliberately deformed to mimic the battered look of professional MMA athletes.
Cauliflower ear, long considered an occupational hazard of combat sports, occurs when repeated trauma to the ear causes swelling and a buildup of blood and fluid beneath the skin. Among wrestlers, boxers, and mixed martial artists, the gnarled, lumpy appearance has become something of an unofficial badge of honor.
According to sources, a growing number of Russian men now want that same look, minus the years of training and punishment that typically come with it.
The trend was first flagged by Baza, a popular Russian Telegram channel, which reported that “entire queues” are forming and appointments are being booked “months in advance” to get ears “broken” by cosmetic specialists.
One practitioner who spoke with Baza explained that the procedure involves squeezing the ear with enough force to create a fracture. Clients can reportedly customize the results, selecting exactly where they want the fracture placed and how “intense” the break should be.
The price for this unusual transformation comes in at around 6,000 rubles per ear (approx $80 USD), making it a surprisingly accessible procedure.
Medical professionals, however, are raising serious concerns. Otolaryngologist Marat Gasanov, an ENT specialist, warned that the procedure can cause “hearing loss, cartilage inflammation, and possible purulent inflammation that progresses to hematomas,” meaning clotted blood pooling beneath the skin.
The appeal of the look appears to be rooted in the cultural cachet that MMA has built over the years. Athletes who have spent time in the octagon often wear their cauliflower ears as proof of their dedication and toughness.
