Incisionless Otoplasty (protruding Ear Repair) simplified technique for kids, Teens and Adults

April 16, 2009 - PRLog -- Apr 17, 2009 – Toronto, Ontario, -- Renowned Toronto facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Andres Gantous is the first surgeon in Canada to perform incisionless otoplasty, an unprecedented technique that gently corrects prominent, large, or malformed ears and is suitable for both Teens, children and adults. The outpatient procedure takes about one hour and is done under general anesthesia in children and under local in teens and adults.

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. And adults can benefit, too: studies have reported similar results in terms of overall happiness and wellbeing following the procedure. Now that a simplified process - incisionless otoplasty - is available in Canada, the practice is gaining attention and popularity.

“Besides rhinoplasty, the incisionless otoplasty is one of the more rewarding procedures I offer,” says Dr. Gantous. “It can be performed on children starting at the age of five or six, when the ear is fully formed, but before they are in school full-time. Since there are no incisions, post-operative discomfort is remarkably low. The recovery time is reduced from several months to aprox a week. There is no need for long-term supportive dressings, wound care, or stitch removals. Patients can simply get on with enjoying life, or kids can simply get on with being kids.”

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 of incisionless otoplasty is dramatically low.
The Incisionless Otoplasty was developed by US cosmetic surgeon Dr. Michael Fritsch in the mid 1990’s, and is an established and safe procedure performed by placing permanent stitches under the skin behind the ear. The stitches reshape the ear cartilage to the desired form and position and the cartilage is lightly scored with a needle to promote the formation of a small amount of controlled scar tissue. This means the new ear shape is maintained permanently and looks completely natural.

“We have also received a lot of interest in incisionless otoplasty from male patients unable to hide their protruding ears beneath their hair like women can,” says Dr. Gantous, who is now performing incisionless otoplasty at his Yorkville cosmetic clinic. It’s getting rave reviews from patients, including Dr.William El Masry: “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.”

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 less pain 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.”

Dr. Andres Gantous is board certified in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and has been practicing in Toronto since 1994. He works at Toronto’s St Josephs Medical Centre and St Michaels Hospital. In addition to offering the groundbreaking incisionless otoplasty procedure at his conveniently located Yorkville clinic- which can be performed in combination with other procedures, such as rhinoplasty, scar revision, chin implants, dermal fillers, or fat grafting - Dr. Gantous offers a full range of facial cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, from advanced revision rhinoplasty and blephoroplasty (upper and lower eyelid refresher) to partial or full-face lift, neck lift, Liposuction, and endoscopic brow lift.  Gantous’ non-invasive treatments include Botox and an armament of the latest in dermal fillers: Restlylane, Perlane, Radiesse, Evolence, Teosyal, Juvederm® and Sculptra for erasing fine lines, wrinkles, lip plumping and full facial contouring. The cosmetic clinic also offers topical peels and skin care treatments. Dr. Gantous is known among his colleagues for his refined correctional rhinoplasty technique and often has difficult cases referred to his clinic.

See website for locations and information on Dr. Andres Gantous and treatments: www.torontofacialplastic.com

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Dr. Andres Gantous is board certified in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, practicing in Toronto since 1994. He works at Toronto’s St Josephs Medical Centre and St Michaels Hospital. In addition to offering the groundbreaking incisionless otoplasty procedure at his conveniently located Yorkville clinic- which can be performed in combination with other procedures, such as rhinoplasty, scar revision, chin implants, dermal fillers, or fat grafting - Dr. Gantous offers a full range of facial cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, from advanced revision rhinoplasty and blephoroplasty (upper and lower eyelid refresher) to partial or full-face lift, neck lift, Liposuction, and endoscopic brow lift. Gantous’ non-invasive treatments include Botox and an armament of the latest in dermal fillers: Restlylane, Perlane, Radiesse, Evolence, Teosyal, Juvederm® and Sculptra for erasing fine lines, wrinkles, lip plumping and full facial contouring.