Facelifts Can Cause Pixie Ears
This article by Dr. Daniel Man (full reference below) is well worth the time spent reading it. Telltale signs of facelift procedures can include tightening across the lower face, visible scars, a distorted hairline, and the “pixie ear” deformity. Dr. Man looks at the causes of the ear deformity and ways to prevent it. (photo credit)
Dr. Man has provided a pdf file of the article on his website, so you don’t have access to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal to read the article.
Between January 2005 and November 2007, the author performed facelifts on 106 patients using a technique that included autologous fat injections to improve facial volume, hidden incisions in and around the ear, and absorbable bidirectional barbed sutures. Patient charts and photographs were reviewed retrospectively.
Pre- and postoperative angles were measured with respect to the ear and face and were documented to determine the degree of improvement or deformity.
Results: Significant improvement of the specified angles was noted in 70% of cases following facelift surgery; in these cases, the ear position was elevated. No change in ear position occurred in 10% of cases. Some distortion and lowering of the ear was seen in the remaining cases.
There are nice photos included in the article. He writes clearly about his technique.
REFERENCE
Reducing the Incidence of Ear Deformity in Facelift; Aesthetic Surgery Journal Vol 29 (4) 2009, pp 264–271; Daniel Man, MD
Dr. Yang Explains… Pixie Ears; November 2007 (good information here, too)
*This blog post was originally published at Suture for a Living*
I’m not sure I would even notice the “Pixie Ear” on someone, especially if they decided to wear their hair about shoulder-length.