Treatment face
Ear reshaping surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure designed to alter the shape, position or proportion of the ears by reshaping or repositioning the underlying cartilage. It can be performed in both adults and children and is commonly used to address concerns such as prominent ears or asymmetry.
At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, otoplasty is performed by Mr Paul Wilson, a surgeon with extensive experience in facial aesthetic surgery. He combines advanced techniques with a considered aesthetic eye to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to each patientβs needs.
About
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as ear reshaping, is a procedure performed to improve the position, shape or projection of the ears. Prominent ears, sometimes referred to as βbat earsβ, are usually the result of natural variations in ear anatomy, such as a poorly defined antihelical fold, an enlarged conchal bowl, or a combination of both.
Although prominent ears do not affect hearing, they can influence confidence and self-esteem, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Otoplasty addresses these structural characteristics by reshaping or repositioning the ear cartilage to achieve a more balanced appearance that sits naturally in proportion with the rest of the face.
benefits
What are the benefits of ear reshaping?
Ear reshaping surgery may offer a number of benefits, including:
- Improved balance and symmetry of the ears in relation to the face
- Reduced prominence of the ears for a more proportionate appearance
- Natural-looking results tailored to individual ear anatomy
- Long-lasting results
- Increased confidence
candidates
Who is a good candidate for otoplasty?
Ear reshaping surgery may be suitable for individuals who:
- Are in good overall health
- Are non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about results and recovery
- Are concerned about prominent, protruding or asymmetrical ears
- Feel that the appearance of their ears affects their confidence
- Have ears that are fully developed (typically from around age five for children)
What to expect
What to expect during otoplasty?
Consultation
During your consultation, Mr Wilson will assess the structure, position and asymmetry of your ears. He will discuss your concerns, review your medical history and explore your aesthetic goals to determine whether ear reshaping surgery is suitable for you.
This consultation is your opportunity to ask questions, explore your options and ensure you feel fully informed and confident before deciding whether to proceed.
Anaesthesia and Procedure Time
Ear reshaping surgery typically takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the extent of correction required.
For adult patients, the procedure is most commonly performed under local anaesthesia with sedation to ensure comfort throughout surgery. In children, otoplasty is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. Mr Wilson will confirm the expected duration of your procedure during your consultation.
Surgery
During otoplasty, incisions are placed discreetly behind the ear to minimise visible scarring.
Depending on the ear’s anatomy, surgery may involve creating or refining the antihelical fold by reshaping or reinforcing the inner ear cartilage with sutures to achieve a natural curve.
In cases where the conchal bowl is overly prominent, a small amount of excess cartilage may be removed and the remaining cartilage repositioned closer to the head. Often, both the antihelical fold and the conchal bowl are addressed during the same procedure to achieve the desired result.
Closure
Mr Wilson carefully reshapes the ear cartilage and secures it in its new position with permanent clear nylon sutures. Once the desired correction has been achieved, the incisions are closed, and a protective bandage is applied to support healing.
Recovery
Recovery and results of ear reshaping
Recovery following ear reshaping surgery varies between individuals.
What to expect
After surgery, it is normal to experience mild swelling, bruising and tenderness around the ears. These effects are usually most noticeable during the first few days and typically settle within one to two weeks. A protective dressing or headband may be worn for several days to support healing and protect the ears while the tissues stabilise.
Initial results are often visible once the bandages are removed, revealing a more proportionate ear shape and position.
Activity and movement
Most patients can return to work and light daily activities within five to seven days. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and contact sports should be avoided for several weeks to reduce the risk of complications and protect the ears during healing. Your surgeon will advise when it is safe to gradually resume normal activities.
Follow-up care and long-term results
Follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor healing and ensure recovery is progressing as expected. Final results are typically achieved within 6-12 weeks, once swelling has fully settled.
With proper care, otoplasty delivers long-lasting results, allowing patients to enjoy renewed confidence and satisfaction with their appearance.
Risks & complications
Risks and potential complications of otoplasty
As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding or haematoma (blood collection under the skin)
- Delayed wound healing
- Swelling or fluid build-up (seroma)
- Temporary changes in sensation around the ear, including numbness or tingling
- Scarring or asymmetry
- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks during your consultation, ensuring you are fully informed before deciding to proceed.
Fees
How much does ear reshaping cost?
The cost of otoplasty depends on the complexity of the procedure. Factors such as the extent of correction required and the type of anaesthesia used may also influence the overall cost.
Your surgeon will discuss all pricing details during your consultation, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what is required before making any decisions.
Results
Otoplasty before and after photos
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does otoplasty take?
Otoplasty typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the correction required. The duration may vary based on whether one or both ears are being treated and the surgical techniques used. During your consultation, Mr Wilson will provide a tailored estimate based on your specific requirements.
When can I return to work after ear reshaping surgery?
Most patients can return to work or school within 7 days after otoplasty, depending on the type of work they do and their overall recovery process. For office-based or non-strenuous jobs, this timeline is typically sufficient. However, those with physically demanding jobs may require additional time to heal. Mr Wilson will assess your recovery during follow-up appointments and advise you when it is safe to resume your normal routine.
What is the expected downtime required after ear reshaping surgery?
The downtime after otoplasty is usually around one week. During this period, patients may experience swelling, bruising and mild discomfort around the ears. A supportive bandage or headband is often worn to protect the ears and maintain their new position. While light activities can be resumed within a few days, strenuous exercises and contact sports should be avoided for 4-6 weeks to ensure optimal healing.
When will follow-up appointments be scheduled after ear reshaping surgery?
The first follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within 7 days after surgery to remove any dressings and check the healing progress. Additional follow-ups may occur at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months, depending on your recovery and specific case. Mr Wilson and his team will monitor your healing and ensure youβre satisfied with the results, providing guidance throughout the recovery process.
Will I need to repeat ear reshaping (otoplasty) in the future?
In most cases, otoplasty results are permanent, and patients do not need to repeat the procedure. The cartilage in the ears is reshaped and secured during surgery, ensuring long-lasting improvements. However, significant trauma or injury to the ears could alter the results. Following post-operative care instructions and avoiding activities that may risk ear damage can help maintain the outcome. Mr Wilson will discuss these aspects during your consultation.
How long should I wear a headband after ear reshaping (otoplasty)?
Most patients are advised to wear a supportive headband for several days to one week after surgery to protect the ears and maintain their new position. In some cases, Mr Wilson may recommend continuing to wear the headband at night for an additional period to support healing. The exact duration will depend on your individual procedure and how your ears are healing.
How do I sleep after an otoplasty?
After otoplasty, patients are advised to sleep on their back with their head slightly elevated to minimise swelling and avoid pressure on the ears. Sleeping on your side should be avoided during the early stages of recovery as this can affect healing and cause discomfort. Using extra pillows or a travel pillow may help keep your head in a stable position while you sleep.
How long after an otoplasty can I exercise?
Light activities such as gentle walking can usually be resumed within a few days after surgery. However, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and contact sports should be avoided for 4-6 weeks to reduce the risk of swelling, bleeding or injury to the ears. Mr Wilson will advise when it is safe to gradually return to exercise based on your recovery at follow-up appointments.
Schedule your consultation
Book a consultation with Paul Wilson Aesthetics
Patients choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics not only for the teamβs surgical expertise, but also for their thoughtful, honest and patient-centred approach to aesthetic care. To get started, book a consultation where our team will discuss your concerns, outline your goals and determine if ear reshaping surgery is the right option for you.
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Mommy Makeover | Mastopexy + Full Abdominoplasty
After two pregnancies, this patient was left with skin laxity and a change in shape to both her breasts and tummy β despite returning to a stable, healthy weight. She was happy with her breast volume but troubled by the drooping and excess skin, and by the loose skin and stretch marks across her abdomen.
We planned a combined approach:
πΉ Mastopexy (breast uplift) β excess skin removed and the nipple repositioned higher to lift and reshape the breast, while keeping her own natural volume, exactly as she wanted. This uses an βanchorβ pattern scar.
πΉ Full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) β removal of the loose skin and stretch marks below the belly button, with repair of the separated tummy muscles (diastasis recti) that so commonly follow pregnancy.
Because sheβs naturally slim and athletic, no liposuction was needed β tightening the muscle separation and removing the skin overhang simply revealed the toned, defined abdomen that was already there. Sheβs especially delighted with her new core definition. πͺ
Every patient and every result is individual. Surgery carries risks, and a full consultation is essential to understand whether a procedure is right for you.
π Surgery by Paul Wilson @ Northwood Hospital, Bristol Consultations via the link in bio.
#MommyMakeover #Abdominoplasty #TummyTuck #Mastopexy #BreastUplift PlasticSurgery CosmeticSurgery BristolSurgeon PaulWilsonAesthetics NorthwoodHospital PostPregnancyBody DiastasisRecti
Breast Augmentation
A natural increase in volume β restoring shape after hypomastia
Hypomastia is the medical term for naturally underdeveloped breast tissue. Itβs a recognised developmental variation, not a flaw β but for many women it affects how comfortable and confident they feel in their own body.
This patient, a mum of two with a completed family, had thought about augmentation for several years. Her request was simple and one I hear often: a natural, modest increase in volume and improved shape β not a dramatic change. On examination she had reduced upper-pole fullness in both breasts with good underlying symmetry.
Rather than reaching for a number, we planned this properly. Measurements, 2D and 3D imaging morphed to her chosen implant, external sizers tried on in clinic, and a home rice test to let her feel the volume for herself. Her choice: a 275cc round, moderate-profile Mentor micro-textured implant, placed subfascially through an inframammary incision β a plan designed to add soft upper-pole fullness in proportion to her petite frame.
You can see in the lateral and oblique views how the goal was balance, not bulk.
The psychological side matters just as much. In appropriately assessed patients, augmentation for hypomastia is consistently associated with improvements in body image, self-confidence and quality of life β and that outcome means as much to me as the surgical one.
Shared with this patientβs full consent.
Results vary from person to person. This is educational and not a recommendation to undergo surgery β any decision should follow a personal consultation.
π Address: 1400 Parkway North, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU (Northwood Hospital)
π Phone: +44 7480 125890
π Website: paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
π Hours: MondayβFriday, 9:00 AM β 5:00 PM
#BreastAugmentationUK #Hypomastia #NaturalResults #PlasticSurgeon #BeforeAndAfter
Breast Augmentation
A natural increase in volume β restoring shape after hypomastia.
Hypomastia is the medical term for naturally underdeveloped breast tissue. It`s a recognised developmental variation, not a flaw β but for many women it affects how comfortable and confident they feel in their own body.
This patient, a mum of two with a completed family, had thought about augmentation for several years. Her request was simple and one I hear often: a natural, modest increase in volume and improved shape β not a dramatic change. On examination she had reduced upper-pole fullness in both breasts with good underlying symmetry.
Rather than reaching for a number, we planned this properly. Measurements, 2D and 3D imaging morphed to her chosen implant, external sizers tried on in clinic, and a home rice test to let her feel the volume for herself. Her choice: a 275cc round, moderate-profile silicone micro-textured implant, placed subfascially through an inframammary incision β a plan designed to add soft upper-pole fullness in proportion to her petite frame.
You can see in the lateral and oblique views how the goal was balance, not bulk.
The psychological side matters just as much. In appropriately assessed patients, augmentation for hypomastia is consistently associated with improvements in body image, self-confidence and quality of life β and that outcome means as much to me as the surgical one.
Shared with this patient`s full consent.
Results vary from person to person. This is educational and not a recommendation to undergo surgery β any decision should follow a personal consultation.
π Address: 1400 Parkway North, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU (Northwood Hospital)
π Phone: +44 7480 125890
π Website: paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
π Hours: MondayβFriday, 9:00 AM β 5:00 PM
#BreastAugmentationUK #Hypomastia #NaturalResults #PlasticSurgeon #BeforeAndAfter
Happy Friday! Cycle to work day! #paulwilsonaesthetics #northwoodhospital #cycletowork #happyfriday #starbucks
Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty: Whatβs the Hype?
Traditional rhinoplasty shaves the hump off the top of your bridge, then rebuilds the roof. DPR lowers the bridge from underneath β keeping your natural dorsum fully intact. π
Why people love it π
β
More natural front view (no widening!)
β
Preserves your dorsal aesthetic lines
β
Fewer grafts needed
β
Quicker recovery & less bruising π€
β
Smoother long-term results
The fine print π
β οΈ Hump recurrence is the #1 risk
β οΈ Best for straight noses with small/medium humps
β οΈ Technically harder β surgeon experience is everything
β οΈ Rare risks: saddle nose, radix step-off, asymmetry
The hype is real β if youβre a candidate. Always consult a surgeon fluent in BOTH techniques, not just the trendy one. π€
#rhinoplasty #dorsalpreservation #nosejob #facialplasticsurgery rhinoplastyjourney noseaesthetics
π¦From tension to transformation! This patient came to Mr Paul Wilson at Northwood Hospital with a classic tension nose β high radix, dorsal hump, an over-projected tip and a hanging columella. βοΈ The result? A natural dorsum, lowered radix, elevated tip and a normalised columella-labial angle.
Why choose Mr Paul Wilson at Northwood Hospital, Bristol? π
β
Accredited BAAPS Plastic Surgeon
β
Dual-qualified
β
Preservation rhinoplasty specialist β less disruption, more natural outcomes
β
Brand new, state-of-the-art CQC registered hospital
β
Perfectly located in Bristol β easy reach from London & the South-West
Nature, meet refinement. π₯β¨
#Rhinoplasty #NoseJob #paulwilsonaesthetics #NorthwoodHospital #BAAPS #preservationrhinoplasty #aestheticsurgery #BeforeAndAfter #BeforeAndAfterRhinoplasty #FacialHarmony
Your nose is the focal point of your face β and even the subtlest refinement can bring everything into harmony. At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, our rhinoplasty procedures are tailored to your unique anatomy, enhancing your natural beauty rather than erasing it.
Performed under general anaesthetic at Northwood Hospital, each procedure typically takes 2β4 hours, with most patients returning to everyday life within 2β3 weeks. Final results continue to refine beautifully over the following months.
Whether you`re looking to refine a bump, reshape the tip, or improve overall facial proportion, Mr Paul Wilson brings a meticulous, artistic eye to every consultation and procedure.
BOOK A CONSULTATION β
#Rhinoplasty #NoseJob #RhinoplastyUK #FacialAesthetics #PlasticSurgery #NoseReshaping #CosmeticSurgery #PaulWilsonAesthetics #NorthwoodHospital #FacialSurgery #NaturalResults #SurgicalAesthetics #FacialHarmony #BristolSurgeon #Rhinoplasty2026 #BeforeAndAfter #ConfidenceRestored #AestheticSurgery #FacialRefinement #CosmeticSurgeonUK
Precision in motion. π¦΄β¨
Meet Paul Wilson β one of the rare surgeons holding dual qualifications in both dentistry and plastic surgery. That unique combination is on full display here, as Paul interprets dental imaging in real time while placing mandibular angle and chin implants.
Facial implant surgery is as much about artistry as it is anatomy. Having a deep understanding of the underlying bony architecture β the kind of knowledge that comes from a background in dentistry β allows for implant placement thatβs tailored, precise, and harmonious with each patientβs natural facial structure.
From reading the CBCT scan on screen to refining the jawline and chin projection in the OR, every detail is considered. This is what dual expertise looks like in practice. π
β
Facial implants for jawline and chin enhancement should always be performed by a qualified surgeon following a thorough consultation. Individual results vary.
#FacialImplants #JawlineSurgery #ChinImplant #PlasticSurgery #FacialAesthetics MandibularAngleImplant SurgicalPrecision PaulWilson AestheticSurgery FacialContouring. Ready to take the first step?
π Call us today to book your private consultation
π¬ Or send us a DM β weβre happy to answer your questions
π Tap the link in our bio to learn more and enquire
VASER 3D Liposuction @northwood_hospital goes beyond fat removal β itβs full-body sculpting. By targeting fat layer by layer, the technique works with your natural muscle structure to reveal definition, contour, and shape that looks athletic, not just slimmer.
Total definition. Considered from every angle.
Performed by Paul Wilson Aesthetics, every procedure begins with a detailed consultation to map your anatomy, understand your goals, and design a result that suits your body.
βοΈ 3D high-definition contouring
βοΈ Sculpting that follows your natural lines
βοΈ Consultant-led, fully personalised
VASER is a surgical procedure. Results vary between individuals and a consultation is required to assess suitability.
π Northwood Hospital
π© DM us or book your consultation via the link in bio
#vaser #HighDefinitionLipo #BodyContouring #PaulWilsonAesthetics #NorthwoodHospital
It was a great honour to present my experience on #hairlinelowering at the Royal College of Surgeons of England at the British Aesthetic Meeting, among esteemed colleagues. #northwoodhospital #plasticsurgery #hair #brow
βPatient Testimonyβ #deepplanefacelift #cheekimplants #necklift #blepharoplasty #northwoodhospital
Gynaecomastia | Before & After
This procedure addresses excess fullness in the male chest caused by gland, fat, or a combination of both.
The aim is not simply to remove tissue, but to improve the overall chest shape for a balanced and natural appearance. As with any operation, success depends on choosing the right technique for the individual`s anatomy and careful surgical planning from the outset.
The initial result is just one stage of the process. Swelling gradually subsides, and the chest continues to refine as healing progresses.
Please take a moment to view the outcome.
Patient images shown with consent.
π₯ Paul Wilson Aesthetics
π Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
π 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
π§ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
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