Pixie ear deformity is an unsightly though thankfully uncommon complication following
rhytidectomy procedures. This deformity is characterised by migration of the earlobe
inferiorly and anteriorly and the appearance of being ‘stuck on’ or ‘tethered’ as
wound healing progresses. It is thought to result from lobule inset under tension,
usually related to excessive resection of the rhytidectomy skin flap. A number of
corrective procedures have been described including the excision of a medially based
triangular excision pattern
1
as well as excision of tethered skin and healing by secondary intention.
2
McKinney et al.
3
advocated placement of the lobule more cephalad and dorsal in order to prevent this
deformity postoperatively.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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References
- The “pixie” ear deformity following face lift surgery revisited.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2005; 115: 1165-1171
- Correction of the pixie ear deformity.(The Cutting Edge Aesthetic Surgery Symposium) The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York2011
- Management of the ear in rhytidectomy.Plast Reconstr Surg. 1993; 92: 858-866
Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 18, 2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
