At an otoplasty consultation, ask about the surgeon’s specialist registration and training, which parts of your ears are causing the prominence, the technique and anaesthetic proposed, where the scar will be, how aftercare works and what happens if the ears move forward again. Good answers are specific to your ears and honest about limitations and risks.
About the surgeon
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery?: a good answer is yes, and you should feel free to check the online register yourself.
- What are your surgical qualifications?: FRCS (Plast) shows completion of UK specialist training in plastic surgery.
- Which professional bodies do you belong to?: BAAPS or BAPRAS membership signals commitment to standards and audit.
- How regularly do you perform ear surgery?: expect an open, factual description of how otoplasty fits into the surgeon’s practice.
For reference, Mr Nassab is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, holds FRCS (Plast) and is a BAAPS Council member.
About your ears
- What is making my ears stick out?: a good answer identifies the specific cause, such as a missing antihelical fold, a deep concha, prominent earlobes or a combination.
- Are my ears very different from each other?: you should be told about existing asymmetry and how it will be handled.
- What will the ears look like afterwards?: a good surgeon talks about a natural fold and a balanced distance from the head, not ears pinned flat.
About the operation
- Which technique do you plan to use?: the answer should explain whether stitches, cartilage scoring or setting back the bowl will be used, and why.
- Local or general anaesthetic?: most adults are suitable for local anaesthetic; you should hear the reasons behind the recommendation.
- Where will the scar be?: in the crease behind the ear, with an honest mention that some people form thicker scars.
- Where will surgery take place?: a CQC-registered hospital with appropriate facilities, where nursing staff can look after you and the surgical team can see you quickly if needed.
About recovery and aftercare
- How long is the bandage worn?: usually around a week, followed by a headband at night for several weeks.
- When can work and sport resume?: most adults return to desk work after about a week; contact sports usually wait six to eight weeks.
- Who looks after me if there is a problem?: a named team with a 24-hour contact number.
- What are the warning signs?: increasing pain in one ear needs urgent contact, as it may signal a haematoma.
About risks, relapse and revision
- What are the main risks?: haematoma, infection of the cartilage, relapse, asymmetry, over-correction, visible stitches and scarring should all be covered.
- What if the ears move forward again?: a good answer explains how likely it is in your case and what the revision policy is.
- Are there results for similar ears to see?: photographs of consenting patients with a similar ear shape help set realistic expectations.
About cost
Ask for a written quote showing what is included: surgeon, anaesthetic, facility, dressings and routine follow-up. With Mr Nassab, otoplasty under local anaesthetic is from £5,000 and the £150 consultation is separate. Ask whether finance is offered and by whom; Reza Nassab Ltd is a credit broker for Chrysalis Finance, not a lender.
Warning signs in a consultation
Be wary if you are rushed, offered a discount for booking on the day, seen only by a non-medical adviser, or told that the result cannot relapse and will be perfectly symmetrical. A surgeon who does not examine each ear closely, ask about scarring history or explain aftercare is not giving you enough information. Cosmetic ear surgery at this practice is for adults aged 18 and over, and allowing time to reflect between consultation and surgery is good practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth having a second consultation?
Yes. A second appointment gives you time to think about the information and ask anything you missed.
Should previous ear injuries be mentioned?
Yes. Previous injuries, piercings, infections or surgery can affect the cartilage and the plan.
What if only one ear bothers me?
Tell the surgeon. Sometimes only one ear needs surgery, but both are examined to make sure the result is balanced.
Is a history of keloid scars relevant?
Yes. People who form keloid or thickened scars need to discuss this, as scars behind the ear can occasionally thicken.
Can a family member attend the consultation?
Yes. Having someone with you can help you remember details and think of questions.
How much time should pass between consultation and surgery?
A cooling-off period of at least two weeks is good practice for cosmetic surgery. It allows time to consider the information, discuss it with people you trust and return with any further questions before committing.
