Extracapsular dissection of benign parotid tumors using a retroauricular hairline incision approach

Extracapsular dissection has emerged as a more conservative approach to parotid surgery. The parotid surgery commonly begins with a modified Blair or facelift incision. Although minor, the incision scar from these incisions is visible on the face and neck. I initially developed a retroauricular hairline incision (RAHI) for the removal of benign lesions in the upper neck with a more esthetic look. The RAHI approach also may be used for selected patients with benign parotid neoplasms. Mobile benign tumors arising in the inferior superficial part of the parotid gland may be removed by the RAHI approach without compromising surgical visualization. This surgery appears to show excellent cosmetic outcomes in addition to the benefits of extracapsular dissection, lower complication rates, and preservation of secretory function. The RAHI without a preauricular incision is a feasible technique in the surgical management of parotid tumors.