Management of the ear in rhytidectomy

We have found that patients evaluate the results of their rhytidectomy on the basis of the frontal view. Failure to visualize the ear from the side may result in "ear neglect" on the part of the patient. The surgeon's impression of patient satisfaction may contribute to the lack of attention paid in the aesthetic literature to the ear in rhytidectomy. We present our approach for an increased awareness of the role of the ear in rhytidectomy. Our technique for analysis of the ear is based on a long-standing aesthetic standard of the ear with a well-documented surgical and anatomic basis. This paper discusses how attention and consideration to the incision, axis of the ear, and size and position of the ear lobule will lead to an improved result in rhytidectomy.