Unfortunately, one of the most common results of an amateurish facelift procedure is distortion of the ear. Because facelift incisions are made around and in the ear, care is required to avoid distortion of any portion of the ear or the sideburn or hairline around the ear.
When ear distortion after facelift surgery has occurred, it is often possible to improve the situation. If the earlobe is pulled down, for example, with a visible scar around it (so-called pixie ear), the cheek can often be pulled up under the lobe to correct the appearance.
Dr. Thorne is the Editor-in-Chief and the author of several chapters in Grabb and Smith's PLASTIC SURGERY, 7th Edition.
Ear Construction Chapter in PDF