Treatment face
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
- Natural, long-lasting results that enhance facial harmony
- Boost confidence
- Alter size, shape or position of the ears
- Address prominent ears, asymmetry or irregularities
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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 patient’s needs.
Results
Before & After Gallery
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 “bat ears”, 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.
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.
Surgeon
Meet Mr Paul Wilson
Mr Paul Wilson is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with more than 35 years of surgical experience and over 16 years as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon. He specialises in facial, breast and body aesthetic surgery, with a particular interest in rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation and complex revision surgery.
In both his NHS and private practice, Mr Wilson is known for his patient-focused approach, careful surgical planning, and commitment to achieving balanced, natural-looking results tailored to each individual.
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 you’re 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 team’s 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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Open Preservation Rhinoplasty | Before & After
This patient presented for a consultation with both functional and aesthetic concerns.
She had experienced several previous nasal injuries, including a horse-riding accident, a netball incident, and a facial injury. Although she had undergone a septoplasty in 2022, she was still experiencing intermittent breathing difficulties, shifting between the right and left sides.
Aesthetically, her primary concerns were a dorsal hump and the droopiness of her nasal tip.
On assessment, her nose was reasonably straight, with a dorsal hump created by a combination of prominent nasal bones and increased septal height. There was also slight nostril asymmetry and some external valve collapse on the right side, meaning the outer wall of the nostril could collapse slightly during sharp, deep breathing.
A CT scan revealed a relatively straight septum, with only a small posterior deviation, clear sinuses, and normal-sized turbinates.
An open preservation rhinoplasty was performed.
The plan was to refine the dorsal hump, create a gentle curve to the nose, improve the tip position, and achieve as much symmetry as possible while respecting the patient`s existing anatomy.
Rhinoplasty planning is never about chasing perfection. The aim is to make a considered improvement that looks balanced, functions well, and remains in keeping with the rest of the face.
The result shown here is part of that process, with healing continuing over time.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
A rhinoplasty consultation is not just about examining the nose.
It is about understanding the patient, their anatomy, their breathing, and their reasons for considering surgery.
In this video, Mr Wilson explains what happens during a rhinoplasty consultation at Paul Wilson Aesthetics.
Patients are seen personally by Mr Wilson at Northwood Hospital in Bristol. The consultation includes a full medical history, a discussion about aesthetic concerns, breathing and functional symptoms, previous injuries or surgery, and the support available at home after the procedure.
The nose is then carefully assessed, as rhinoplasty always addresses both form and function.
Two-dimensional photographs are taken for medical records, and 3D Vectra imaging may also be used to aid in planning the procedure. This allows Mr Wilson and the patient to visually discuss possible changes and ensure expectations are aligned before surgery.
The aim is not to promise a precise, screen-generated result.
It is to understand what the patient hopes to achieve, what is surgically attainable, and how to meticulously plan the operation.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Open Septorhinoplasty | Before & After
This patient had previously undergone rhinoplasty and otoplasty at the age of 23, which included the reduction of a dorsal hump.
Over time, he began to notice increasing droopiness of the nasal tip. He had also broken his nose as a child during gymnastics, although his breathing was otherwise good.
On assessment, he presented with a long, straight nose and a dependent, droopy, and slightly asymmetric tip. There was a mild deviation of the nose to the left, but no remaining bony hump. The septum appeared straight.
One of the key findings was the acute angle between the base of the nose and the upper lip. Simply lifting the tip helped to improve the appearance of the nose and also made it appear straighter.
In this case, an open septorhinoplasty was performed under general anaesthetic.
Revision rhinoplasty requires careful planning, particularly when the nose has been previously operated on. The existing structure, scar tissue, tip support, and previous surgical changes all need to be considered before any further refinement is made.
The aim was to improve tip position and support, address the asymmetry, and create a more balanced nasal profile while working with the patient`s existing anatomy.
The result shown here is part of that process, with healing continuing over time.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
A bump on the bridge of the nose can change the entire facial profile.
For many patients, a dorsal hump is the feature they notice most in side-profile photos or from certain angles. It may be part of the natural nasal structure, or it may appear more pronounced after trauma or injury.
However, a dorsal hump is never treated as just a "bump".
The bridge, tip, septum, nasal bones, and facial proportions all need to be assessed together before any surgical plan is made.
At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, rhinoplasty planning focuses on refining the nasal profile in a way that remains balanced with the individual face.
Depending on the anatomy, this may involve preservation rhinoplasty or structural rhinoplasty.
The aim is not a perfect nose.
It is a considered, proportionate result that suits the patient.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #dorsalhump #rhinoplastybristol #preservationrhinoplasty #northwoodhospital
When rhinoplasty does not go as expected, subsequent operations are rarely simple.
Revision rhinoplasty often involves navigating scar tissue, altered anatomy, reduced cartilage support, and the outcomes of previous surgery.
In this reel, Mr Wilson explains why patients seek him out for revision rhinoplasty and why this type of surgery demands meticulous planning, extensive experience, and candid discussions.
Additional support may sometimes be required, utilising cartilage from the ear or rib, fascia, or fat grafting.
This also underscores the importance of aftercare. Should concerns arise post-surgery, patients need assurance that they will receive proper review, support, and care.
Revision rhinoplasty is not merely about re-shaping the nose.
It involves comprehending previous interventions, assessing current possibilities, and meticulously planning the subsequent stage.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #revisionrhinoplasty #rhinoplastysurgery #bristolplasticsurgeon #northwoodhospital
A blocked nose is not always "just congestion".
A deviated septum can make one side of the nose feel constantly blocked, affect airflow, and make breathing feel uneven.
The septum is the internal wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two nasal passages. When it sits off-centre, one side may become narrower, which can make breathing more difficult.
It is not always visible from the outside.
This is why assessment matters. The nose needs to be examined for both structure and function, especially when symptoms are linked with previous injury, nasal asymmetry, or ongoing obstruction.
Treatment may involve septoplasty to improve airflow, or septorhinoplasty when breathing concerns and external nasal shape need to be addressed together.
The aim is to understand what is causing the obstruction and choose the most suitable approach for the individual patient.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty | Before & After
This young patient desired refinement of her nasal profile and tip, aiming for a result that remained balanced with her facial features.
Her primary concerns included a prominent dorsum and a bulbous nasal tip.
In this case, an open tip rhinoplasty was performed, utilising piezo-electric surgery for surface reduction of the dorsum. A septal projection graft was also employed to support and define the nasal tip.
Piezo-electric surgery facilitates highly precise work on the nasal bones. This is particularly beneficial when reshaping the bridge of the nose, as it permits controlled refinement while preserving crucial surrounding structures.
The tip also necessitated meticulous planning. A bulbous tip is not merely reduced; it requires reshaping and support to ensure the final result remains stable as the nose heals.
This is where dorsal preservation rhinoplasty and tip definition must work in conjunction. The objective is not to create an entirely different nose, but to refine the existing structure in a manner that complements the individual`s face.
The result displayed here represents an stage of that process, with healing progressing over time.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #dorsalpreservationrhinoplasty #rhinoplastybristol #piezoelectricsurgery #northwoodhospital
Rhinoplasty is not a single technique.
It is a series of decisions.
In this reel, Mr Wilson explains the difference between structural rhinoplasty and preservation rhinoplasty, and why preservation techniques have become such a valuable option in suitable primary cases.
The principle is simple: where possible, preserve the natural bridge of the nose rather than dismantling and rebuilding it.
For the right patient, this can allow refinement of the nasal profile while maintaining more of the existing nasal structure.
However, suitability is crucial.
If the nose is very crooked, has been previously broken, or the patient is concerned about the frontal view, a structural or hybrid approach may be more appropriate.
That is why consultation and assessment are so important.
The technique should fit the patient, not the other way around.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
A second rhinoplasty is not simply a repeat of the first.
Revision rhinoplasty often means working with a nose that has already healed, scarred, and changed after previous surgery.
Sometimes the concern is visible; sometimes it is functional; often, it is both.
The nose may need more support, better definition, improved symmetry, or correction of breathing issues.
In some cases, grafting may be required to rebuild or strengthen areas that no longer have adequate support.
This is why secondary rhinoplasty needs time, experience, and a very clear plan.
The goal is not to chase perfection.
It is to make the next operation as careful, realistic, and considered as possible.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #revisionrhinoplasty #secondaryrhinoplasty #rhinoplastysurgery #northwoodhospital
Preservation Rhinoplasty with Septoplasty | Before & After
This patient presented with a previously fractured septum, leading to breathing difficulties, a dorsal hump, and a bulbous nasal tip.
In such cases, rhinoplasty extends beyond merely altering the external appearance of the nose; the internal structure is equally crucial.
The procedure performed was a preservation rhinoplasty with septoplasty. The objective was to enhance the shape of the nose while simultaneously addressing the septum, which had been impacting her breathing.
A preservation approach involves meticulously working with the existing nasal structure rather than simply excising tissue. The bridge, tip, septum, and overall support of the nose all require integrated consideration.
What has been particularly gratifying in this case is the post-operative feedback from the patient. She expressed continued satisfaction with her result, consistently recommends Mr Wilson, and feels the surgery made a significant difference to her. She also noted that while she occasionally experiences some breathing difficulty, she was informed that her nose had been considerably improved from its initial state.
Such feedback is always valued, as rhinoplasty is a protracted process. The outcome encompasses not only the day of surgery but also the planning, healing, trust, and long-term results.
Patient images and feedback shared with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #preservationrhinoplasty #septoplasty #rhinoplastybristol #northwoodhospital
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 — 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:
🔹 Mastopexy (breast uplift) — 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 “anchor” pattern scar.
🔹 Full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) — 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 she’s naturally slim and athletic, no liposuction was needed — tightening the muscle separation and removing the skin overhang simply revealed the toned, defined abdomen that was already there. She’s especially delighted with her new core definition. 💪
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.
📍 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 — restoring shape after hypomastia
Hypomastia is the medical term for naturally underdeveloped breast tissue. It’s a recognised developmental variation, not a flaw — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — any decision should follow a personal consultation.
📍 Address: 1400 Parkway North, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU (Northwood Hospital)
📞 Phone: +44 7480 125890
🌐 Website: paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
🕐 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
#BreastAugmentationUK #Hypomastia #NaturalResults #PlasticSurgeon #BeforeAndAfter
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