Mini-Parotid Incision

This incision can be shortened to just in front of the ear and just below the ear lobe. 

Advantages: It is a short incision with very little scar length, and it possibly provides the best cosmesis of any parotid incision.

Disadvantages: The incision can allow great access to the trunk of the facial nerve, but the rest of the surgery is performed in a “tunnel” beneath the facial skin flap, which can be difficult or disorienting to surgeons unfamiliar to this technique. This technique requires adequate lighting, and an assistant or device to hold up the skin flap. It does not allow good access for neck dissection, which may require extension of the incision, and it does not allow wide access to large tumors.