Personal experience with an alternate incision for parotidectomy.

The paramount consideration in incision for parotidectomy is adequate exposure to facilitate preservation of the facial nerve and complete excision of a tumor, if present. The classic incision passed through the anterior neck, leaving a scar which is readily apparent and of considerable concern to some patients. Presented here is a modification of the rhytidectomy incision to allow for wide and good exposure of the operative field, while at the same time leaving scars which are much more acceptable. Allowance is made to add to or modify the incision as necessary, depending on the position of tumor and extent of required resection. Examples of the use of the incision are presented, demonstrating both the degree of operative exposure and postoperative cosmetic appearance.