About Excision Preauricular Pits

Preauricular pits or preauricular cyst is a small hole in the front of the ear located between the face and cartilage of the ear rim that can occur in one or both ears. This hole is connected to the sinus track and shouldn’t be there creating a path underneath the skin. Sometimes a small opening can be found above the tract above the ear canal. Typically patients are born with congenital conditions due to the malformation of ear development. This condition leads to surgery because it can create pus-filled abscesses, cysts, or infections over time. 

When is this Procedures Necessary?

If you have been diagnosed with an excision preauricular pits, you may be unsure whether or not you should undergo surgery. Oftentimes this procedure is performed on children who are struggling with a range of symptoms as a result of this congenital condition. 

In many cases, patients suffering from excision preauricular pits may experience the following: 

• You have a tiny opening in the front of one or both ears
• You heaven opening that looks more like a dimpling. 
• Swelling pain or fever around the pit
• Signs of pus or infection 
• Lump around the opening
• Fever, redness, pain

Oftentimes, these conditions can be treated with antibiotics or other conservative treatments. However, if a patient continues to experience the symptoms, they may be a candidate for this procedure to remove the connected sinus track.

Preparing for Your Procedure

In most cases, this procedure is performed using a local anesthetic and numbing agents to ensure your comfort throughout the process. A patient can be discharged the same day and the scaring is typically cosmetically favorable. Typically patients are told to refrain from eating around 6 hours before the start of the procedure. Your physical will provide specific instructions to confirm fasting times for the day of the surgical procedure. 

After the procedure, your doctor will likely schedule a follow-up appointment so they can see how the area is healing after surgical treatment. Your doctor will recommend care for the excursion and to avoid strenuous activity for sometime.

Excision Preauricular Pits at Smith Medical

At Smith Medical, we understand the complexities of healthcare. Today, many procedures and treatments are unattainable due to their lofty price. Our direct pay option allows patients without insurance to have access to quality healthcare or those who would rather pay out of pocket for quality care. It is Smith Medical’s mission to provide our patients with the accessible, transparent, and quality care they deserve.

Contact the team at Smith Medical to learn more today.