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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.
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.
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 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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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.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
A neck lift is designed to address laxity beneath the chin and along the jawline.
Some patients are less concerned with their face itself, and more with the way their neck has changed over time. Loss of definition, heavier tissue, or loose skin in this area can affect overall facial balance.
A neck lift focuses on restoring a more defined contour through careful surgical planning, with the aim of achieving a result that looks natural for the individual.
As with any procedure, suitability depends on anatomy, skin quality, and the changes being treated.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Augmentation Mastopexy | Before & After
Her primary concern was not size, but rather the degree of ptosis (drooping) and the altered shape of her breasts.
This distinction is important, as it fundamentally changes the surgical approach.
In this instance, the breasts required lifting and reshaping, not merely augmentation. We discussed achievable outcomes, the degree of support the existing tissues could provide, and the appropriate implant volume to achieve optimal results once the breasts were repositioned. The procedure combined a mastopexy with implants to address these issues concurrently, with the aim of creating a more balanced overall appearance.
These procedures require a meticulous approach. The patient`s initial anatomy, tissue quality, and the extent of lift required all influence the surgical plan.
The result shown here is the outcome of that process, although healing continues well beyond the initial stages.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #augmentationmastopexy #breastliftwithimplants #breastsurgerybristol #northwoodhospital
Abdominoplasty | Before & After
The abdomen can be one of the most challenging areas to restore after the tissues have been stretched. Even in individuals who are otherwise fit and healthy, excess skin and reduced support can persist.
In a suitable patient, abdominoplasty can improve the abdomen`s shape by removing excess tissue and addressing the underlying support where necessary. The aim is not to create an artificial appearance, but to restore a contour that feels more proportionate to the rest of the body.
As with any surgery, healing is an integral part of the process. Swelling subsides over time, scars soften gradually, and the final result continues to improve.
See the result in more detail.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
INDIRECT LIP LIFT + TRANSNASAL ALAR CINCH — REVISION CASE ✨
Top: before. Bottom: after revision.
This patient presented after a previous lip procedure left him with an excessively long upper lip at 18mm, minimal vermillion show, and a wide alar base disrupting central facial harmony.
Post-revision: philtral length reduced to 12mm — a 6mm correction into ideal proportion (12–15mm is the youthful range for men) — paired with a refined, narrower nasal base.
Two procedures, one harmonious result:
🔸 Indirect Lip Lift (Subnasal Bullhorn) — precise excision of skin beneath the nose to shorten the upper lip, increase pink lip show, and restore the cupid’s bow. No filler.
🔸 Transnasal Alar Cinching Suture — a rhinoplasty technique specialised by Mr Wilson. A hidden suture passed through the nose draws the alae medially, narrowing flared nostrils with no visible external scarring — a major advantage over traditional alar base reduction.
Revision work demands exact measurements, respect for existing scar tissue, and meticulous management of altered tension vectors. There is no margin for over-correction.
The synergy is what creates harmony: a shorter lip without a refined base looks disproportionate; a narrowed base alone leaves the lower face heavy. Together — balanced, masculine, natural.
Procedure by Paul Wilson Aesthetics at Northwood Hospital.
📍 Consultations — link in bio
#LipLift #BullhornLipLift #AlarBaseReduction #TransnasalCinch #Rhinoplasty RevisionSurgery PaulWilsonAesthetics NorthwoodHospital FacialHarmony MaleAesthetics BeforeAndAfter
✨ Revision Rhinoplasty at Paul Wilson Aesthetics ✨
Precision. Expertise. Artistry.
Revision rhinoplasty is one of the most technically demanding procedures in facial plastic surgery — and it’s a cornerstone of our practice at Northwood Hospital. Patients travel to us from across the country because secondary nasal surgery requires a level of skill, planning, and experience that few surgeons offer.
Every revision case is unique. Scar tissue, altered anatomy, and previous structural changes mean there’s no room for a one-size-fits-all approach. We rebuild with care — restoring both function and the natural, balanced result patients hoped for the first time.
🔬 National experts in revision rhinoplasty
📍 Northwood Hospital
👃 Functional + aesthetic refinement
💙 Patient-centered care from consultation to recovery
If your first rhinoplasty didn’t deliver the result you deserved, a second opinion can change everything.
📩 DM us or visit the link in bio to book a consultation.
#RevisionRhinoplasty #Rhinoplasty #PaulWilsonAesthetics #NorthwoodHospital #FacialPlasticSurgery NoseJob SecondaryRhinoplasty PlasticSurgery BeforeAndAfter FacialHarmony
✨ Hairline Lowering / Foreheadplasty ✨
Measuring up for a beautifully balanced result 📏
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
🔗 Link in bio to book your consultation
Welcome to Paul Wilson Aesthetics — where surgical precision meets artistry. Led by Mr Paul Wilson, our clinic specialises in advanced facial and aesthetic procedures designed to enhance your natural features and restore facial harmony. With years of expertise and a meticulous, patient-first approach, we’re proud to be a trusted name for those seeking refined, natural-looking results.
All surgical procedures are carried out at Northwood Hospital, Bristol 🏥 — a private hospital known for its exceptional standards of care, comfort, and clinical excellence.
One of our signature procedures? Hairline lowering surgery (foreheadplasty).
A high or elongated forehead can throw off the natural proportions of the face — and for many of our patients, it’s something they’ve felt self-conscious about for years. Hairline lowering brings the hairline forward in a single procedure, instantly restoring balance to the upper third of the face.
What it can do:
🌿 Reduce forehead height by up to 2.5cm in one procedure
🌿 Create softer, more feminine facial proportions
🌿 Frame the face beautifully
🌿 Deliver immediate, natural-looking results
Every journey at Paul Wilson Aesthetics begins with precise measurements and a personalised consultation — because no two faces are the same, and careful planning is what turns a good result into a stunning one.
Ready to feel more confident in your reflection? 💌
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
🔗 Link in bio to book your consultation
#HairlineLowering #Foreheadplasty #PaulWilsonAesthetics #BristolSurgeon #NorthwoodHospital FacialHarmony AestheticSurgery CosmeticSurgery FacialProportions HairlineSurgery BristolAesthetics ConfidenceBoost BeforeAndAfter
Sometimes, the first signs of ageing appear around the eyes.
Excess skin or heaviness in the upper eyelids, or puffiness beneath the eyes, can make the face look more tired than it feels. Blepharoplasty is designed to address these changes with a careful, tailored approach to the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
The aim is not to change the eyes` appearance, but to restore a fresher, more open look while ensuring the result is natural and in harmony with the rest of the face.
As always, the most suitable surgical plan depends on the individual, their anatomy, and the underlying cause of their concerns.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Foreheadplasty | Before & After
This type of surgery is less about changing a feature and more about restoring balance.
Where the forehead feels too dominant, lowering the hairline can alter the proportions of the upper face in a meaningful way. The procedure, often referred to as forehead reduction or hairline lowering, advances the scalp to reduce forehead height, with the plan carefully tailored to the individual.
As always, what matters most is choosing the right operation for the right reason, then allowing time for healing and scar maturation afterwards.
See the results for yourself.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
The setting matters, but so do the people within it.
At Northwood Hospital, patients are supported by a team whose role goes far beyond logistics. Their priority is to create an environment that feels calm, professional, and reassuring from the moment you arrive.
Excellent surgical care is never delivered by one person alone. It depends on experienced theatre staff, nursing teams, hospital support, and clear communication at every stage.
This is the team that helps make that positive experience possible.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Augmentation Mastopexy | Before & After
Over time, she felt her breasts had lost fullness, shape, and position. Her main concern was not simply size, but the way her breasts sat and the lack of support in the upper part of the breast.
We discussed the changes she had noticed and the type of result that would feel balanced for her figure. The plan was to restore upper fullness and improve breast position in a way that looked proportionate and in keeping with her frame. To achieve this, I combined a breast lift with implants, allowing both shape and volume to be addressed in the same operation.
Augmentation mastopexy is a procedure that requires precision and judgement. The tissues need to be managed carefully, and the surgical plan must be tailored to the individual anatomy, rather than following a standard formula.
The early result is only part of the process. The breasts will continue to settle, soften, and refine as they heal over time.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Abdominoplasty | Before & After
Changes to the abdomen can involve multiple concerns simultaneously. Excess skin, reduced abdominal wall support, and an altered overall contour can all affect how this area sits in relation to the rest of the body.
In this case, the aim of surgery was to improve the abdominal contour in a way that looked balanced and suited the individual. As always, this begins with a careful assessment, a clear plan, and an honest discussion about what surgery can realistically achieve.
Healing takes time. Swelling settles gradually, scars continue to mature, and the result refines over the following months.
Take a closer look at the result.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
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