It Is Normal To Cut Off The Tragus During A Facelift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was wondering if I could get a quick opinion on the tragus and a SMAS facelift? Is it typical for a surgeon to cut off the top of the tragus during a facelift? Mine did and I’m not sure why? Photos attached. (Before pics are with yellow lines.) Wondering what your thoughts are. Thank you!

A:The goal of any facelift technique where a retrotragal incision is used is to preserve the tragal cartilage and shape. That obviously did not happen in your case. The why of it is a question for your surgeon to answer.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon