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The "pixie" ear deformity following face lift surgery revisited
Arian Mowlavi1, D Garth Meldrum, Bradon J Wilhelmi
1Plastic Surgery Institute, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, Springfield, USA. amowlavi@hotmail.com
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|March 29, 2005
Summary
The pixie ear deformity, characterized by a pulled appearance, can now be objectively defined by measuring earlobe segments. A simple surgical technique offers effective treatment for this rhytidectomy complication.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Facial Anatomy
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- The "pixie" ear deformity presents as a "stuck on" or pulled appearance of the earlobe.
- This deformity results from extrinsic tension on the earlobe attachment (otobasion inferius) during procedures like rhytidectomy.
- Objective criteria for defining the pixie ear deformity have been lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively define the pixie ear deformity using measurable earlobe parameters.
- To assess the incidence of this deformity after rhytidectomy.
- To present a surgical treatment for the pixie ear deformity.
Main Methods:
- Earlobe components (attached cephalic and free caudal segments) were analyzed.
- Objective parameters were established to define the pixie ear deformity.
- The deformity was assessed in 44 rhytidectomy patients; cadaver dissection and clinical cases demonstrated treatment.
Main Results:
- Pixie ear deformity is defined by an increased attached cephalic segment and a 0 mm free caudal segment (otobasion inferius to subaurale distance).
- The incidence of pixie ear deformity following rhytidectomy was 5.7% in the study cohort.
- A specific surgical approach was demonstrated to be effective.
Conclusions:
- A medially based triangular excision of the attached cephalic segment is a simple and accurate surgical treatment.
- Objective definition aids in improved detection, avoidance, and management of pixie ear deformity.
- This objective criterion enhances clinical assessment and surgical planning.
