Otoplasty
In Summit, New Jersey

For those who may require a traditional otoplasty, also known as open otoplasty, a small incision is made behind the ear. The cartilage is then reshaped and repositioned, and a small amount of tissue may be removed for further correction. Stitches are typically removed within a week, and the dressing is left in place for several days. Normal activities can be resumed within several weeks following the procedure.

Otoplasty can be combined with other procedures to achieve comprehensive results. Commonly, patients undergoing otoplasty may also choose to have cosmetic mole removal, facial implants, dermal fillers, or Botox to further enhance their appearance.

The best candidates are those without a prominent “antihelical fold” (the fold within the ear is missing or flat). Patients with a high conchal wall can have a “rollout” where Dr. Carniol will use the high wall to add width to the ear. Because no skin is removed, this technique is ideal for patients seeking to pin the ears back without the downtime or scarring associated with traditional surgery.

Dr. Eric Carniol’s authority in ear surgery is rooted in his extensive background in both pediatric and adult ear reconstruction.

• University of Toronto Fellowship: Trained under world-renowned facial plastic surgeons, including minimally invasive techniques.

• Newborn Ear Specialist: As a leading provider of the EarWell system in New Jersey, Dr. Eric understands the delicate cartilage dynamics required for successful incisionless results.

• Academic Innovation: His research on ear trauma and deformity, published in journals like JAMA Otolaryngology, informs the precision-based suturing used in his incisionless cases.

Ear deformities can occur in newborns, such as floppy ears or pointy ears. It’s crucial to address these issues early, as the cartilage becomes firmer in the first few days of life, and the deformity can become permanent. At Carniol Plastic Surgery, we consider newborn ear deformity an “emergency.” Our non-invasive treatment involves using the EarWell, EarBuddies, or InfantEar Systems, which can hold the ear in normal position for a few weeks while the ear firms up. If you have a newborn with an ear deformity, don’t hesitate to call us at 908-598-1400.

Yes, incisionless otoplasty is a permanent procedure. It utilizes high-strength, medical-grade permanent sutures placed beneath the skin to hold the ear cartilage in its new, refined position. Over time, the ear naturally maintains this shape as it heals.

Recovery is significantly faster than traditional surgery. The buiaing by 6 days is usually mild without much swelling. Most patients can return to work or school in 3 days, once they feel comfortable with the bruise color. A headband isonly worn for 1 night.

Can incisionless otoplasty be performed on children? Yes, this technique is excellent for children, provided their ear cartilage is sufficiently developed (usually after age 5 or 6). Because it can be performed under local anesthesia in an office setting for mature patients, it avoids the risks associated with general anesthesia.

Dr. Carniol has published this technique in both journals and books. Between all of Dr. Carniol’s procedures on the shape of the ear, he is one of the highest volume plastic surgeons on ear deformities in NJ (all while taking significant time with every patient and family to make sure everyone understands the procedure(s), limitations, and care).

Step 1: The Digital or In-Office Consultation

Your journey begins with a precision analysis of your ear anatomy. Dr. Eric Carniol evaluates the pliability of your cartilage to ensure you are a candidate for the incisionless technique. Many patients come see Dr. Carniol from other states!

Step 2: The Preoperative Visit

Dr. Carniol is a firm believer that before surgery we deserve a “second date” to make sure we are on the same page and also learn about the full recovery from surgery.

Step 3: The Procedure (Local Anesthesia)

The procedure is performed in our Summit, NJ office. You remain awake and comfortable. The anesthesia usually lasts through most of the night thanks to extra-long acting medication. Dr. Eric uses specialized permanent sutures placed through microscopic points—not incisions—to reshape the antihelical fold.

Step 4: Immediate Recovery (The First Night)

A light wrap is used over the first night for comfort. You will take advil and tylenol, no narcotic pain medication. Most people take these over-the-counter medications the first few days.  The wrap comes off the next day in the office and

Step 4: The First Week

By day three, most swelling has peaked and begun to recede. You can return to work or school. No headband required. Exercise: Full strenuous exercise is usually cleared by week 3, significantly faster than the 6 weeks required for traditional otoplasty.