A mastoid scar is a mark on the skin behind the ear, over the mastoid bone. It commonly results from surgery or injury in that area, representing the body’s natural healing response.
Understanding the Mastoid Bone and Its Scar
The mastoid bone is a prominent bony projection located just behind the ear, part of the temporal bone. It contains air-filled spaces, known as mastoid air cells, which connect to the middle ear. The mastoid process also serves as an attachment point for several neck muscles.
A mastoid scar is a visible mark left on the skin directly over this bone. It develops after skin and tissues above the mastoid bone are cut during a medical procedure. Scar tissue forms as the body repairs the wound, indicating a past surgical intervention or, less commonly, trauma.
Reasons for Mastoid Scars
Mastoid scars primarily result from surgeries requiring access to the mastoid bone or structures behind the ear. A common reason is a mastoidectomy, surgery to remove infected mastoid air cells. This procedure is often necessary for conditions like chronic mastoiditis, an infection of the mastoid bone, or cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that can erode bone.
Another frequent cause is cochlear implant surgery, which implants an electronic device to provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe hearing loss. The incision behind the ear provides access for placing the internal components. Less commonly, other ear surgeries like tympanoplasty or stapedectomy might also use a post-aural incision, leading to a mastoid scar. While surgery is the predominant cause, trauma to the area can also result in a mastoid scar.
Characteristics and Healing Process
A mastoid scar usually appears as a linear mark, vertically or slightly diagonally behind the ear. Its length varies, often 3 to 6 centimeters, depending on the surgical incision. Initially, the scar may appear red or purplish due to increased blood flow during early healing. Over several months to a year, the color typically fades, becoming paler, often white or silvery, as the scar matures.
The healing process involves several distinct phases. Immediately after surgery, the wound undergoes an inflammatory phase, where immune cells clear debris. This is followed by a proliferative phase, where new tissue, including collagen fibers, is laid down to close the wound. Finally, during the remodeling phase, which can last for many months, collagen fibers reorganize and strengthen, leading to a more stable and less prominent scar. Individual healing capabilities, surgical technique, and post-operative care all influence the final appearance and texture of the mature scar.
Managing and Caring for a Mastoid Scar
Proper long-term care can optimize a mastoid scar’s appearance and maintain skin health. Protecting the scar from direct sun exposure is important, as ultraviolet radiation can cause hyperpigmentation, making it appear darker. Applying sunscreen or covering the area can help minimize this risk.
Once the initial wound has fully healed and sutures are removed, gentle massage can sometimes be beneficial. Massaging the scar with a mild, unscented moisturizer can help keep the tissue pliable and contribute to a smoother texture. If the scar becomes painful, itchy, shows signs of infection (like redness or swelling), or if there are concerns about excessive scarring such as keloids or hypertrophic scars, seeking medical advice is recommended.