[Selection of the approach to the TMJ under esthetic aspects]

The esthetic results of 128 TMJ surgeries are reported. 81 TMJs were treated via the preauricular, 47 via the retroauricular approach. The preauricular approach with a curved or modified line of incision is characterized by an almost unnoticeable scar, particularly if the incision is placed into a preauricular crease or pit. Leaving the scar in an invisible area, the retroauricular approach is esthetically superior to all other procedures. Both approaches involve a minimum risk for complications, if the correct technique avoiding traumatization of the marginal branch of the facial nerve is used. Considerations related to the choice of the different approaches are discussed with respect to their characteristic features.