Traditionally, the cervicomastoidfacial (CMF) incision is used to excise benign tumours of the parotid gland. The rhytidectomy or modified facelift (MF) incision allows an alternative approach which leaves no visible neck scar. The objective of this study was to establish the frequency of each surgical approach used and identify any difference in complication and patient satisfaction between the two incisions for benign conditions of the parotid gland.