Incisionless Otoplaty - A Simplified Technique to Correct Protruding Ears

Restore confidence and wellbeing

By Jennifer Gray, on behalf of: Dr. Andres Gantous, MD, FRCS(C)

Renowned Toronto facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Andres Gantous, is the first surgeon in Canada using an exciting technique, to gently correct prominent and/or malformed ears by reshaping and setting them back against the head without using an incision.  The procedure can be performed in both children and adults. The recovery time is usually less than a week unlike the traditional otoplasty which can take several months. Most cases can be performed under local anesthesia.

The Incisionless Otoplasty is performed by placing stitches behind the ear, under the skin. The stitches reshape the ear cartilage to the desired form and position. The cartilage is then scored with a needle through the skin to promote controlled scar tissue formation that will help maintain the new ear shape permanently  With  no supportive dressings, or stitch removals, patients can quickly get on with enjoying their new look and life, or kids can simply get on with being kids.”

A recent study (University Hospital of North Staffordshire, UK, Feb. 2009) on children aged 5-16 reported a 97% increase in happiness, 92% increase in self-confidence, 79% improved social experience, and 100% reduction or elimination of bullying after undergoing otoplasty.  The conclusion: Otoplasty is an effective way to alleviate distress in the vast majority of children with large, prominent, or malformed ears. Adults’ studies have reported similar results in terms of overall happiness and wellbeing following the procedure.
Now that a simplified technique - incisionless otoplasty – is available in Canada, the procedure is gaining attention and popularity.

Compared to traditional otoplasty, which involves making an incision and stitching, cutting, or thinning the ear cartilage in order to reshape it, the complication rate and recovery time , of incisionless otoplasty, is dramatically lower.   The Incisionless Otoplasty was originally developed by US cosmetic surgeon Dr. Michael Fritsch in the mid 1990’s.

 “Patients of all ages are showing interest in the incisionless otoplasty,” says Dr. Gantous.

Dr.William El Masry offers, “I am very pleased with the results Dr. Gantous was able to achieve. My protruding ears have bothered me for many years but as a busy doctor I never felt I had the time for recovery.  However, the healing time with incisonless otoplasty was very quick and there was little discomfort. Even wearing glasses has not been a problem. I would definitely refer patients to Dr. Gantous for this procedure, and others.”

 “Our female patients are also excited about their new look.” says Dr. Gantous.  “As promised the recovery was quick.  I am thrilled to finally be able to pull my hair back into new styles, and wear earrings, without the worry of drawing attention to my protruding ear”.  Says Melissa, mid thirties patient.

Parents of younger patients are pleased with the procedure, too. “It’s not an easy decision to make when it involves a child, but now that there is minimal discomfort, a quick recovery and virtually no trauma associated with the incisionless otoplasty, my husband and I decided it would be right for our child.” says Suzie,  mother of a seven-year-old daughter who visited Dr. Gantous for incisionless otoplasty. “My daughter is so much happier now. And we don’t have to worry about her getting teased at school, so we’re happier, too.”

“The incisionless otoplasty is one of the more rewarding procedures I offer.” adds Dr. Gantous.