I am considering a facelift but am terrified of the windswept look near the ears. How do I avoid it?

A windswept look is typically the result of too much tension placed on the skin and/or SMAS layer with the added issue of an incorrect vector or angle of lift.  The windswept look can easily be avoided by using a proper "deep plane" technique and designing incisions that are well hidden and do not place tension across the incision when the incision is closed. The attached link and website provide more information.I hope this helps.

Your fear is the most common, and it is the most justified aesthetic fear. This is because we all see people in our daily lives who have had bad facelift surgery, categorized by certain hallmarks, one of which is the face being pulled too tight, causing a "wind tunnel" look.  Other hallmarks are "Satyr ears" (when the earlobe's natural anatomy is obliterated, causing the earlobe to look as if it has melted into the face), incisions that can be seen in front of the ear (rather than sewn right along the edge of the tragus of the ear), and on and on. You have already done some excellent research, meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon, checking reviews, and looking at before and after photos. Make sure your surgeon has had decades of experience with facelifting, because there are techniques we develop after years of practice that can make the difference between a good result and a great result. (For example, I practice a specific suturing method near the ear to preserve its natural anatomy.) Study his or her education. Is your surgeon affiliated with upstanding hospitals?  You sound like you're an excellent patient, as you are an educated patient. I wish you the best. 

Scarring and associated complications related to technique can usually be avoided in a lower facelift. To keep it basic, the more tension that is placed on the skin closure around the ears (front, or back, or earlobe), the more likely there is to be scarring, pulling, distortion etc. This is unfortunately a common mistake that many plastic surgeons make. In a lower facelift and necklift, the majority of the "true work" should be on tightening the underlying muscles (SMAS layer and Platysma). The muscles can be tightened with significant tension to provide a lasting (and natural) appearance. The skin, on the other hand, needs to have much less pull and stress placed on it in the areas of closure (ie the incision lines). The less strain on the incisions, the better.When choosing a surgeon it probably would be a good idea to just ask him/her as to what their philosophy is regarding how they pull both the skin and muscle in their lift. Hope this helps! Best, Doc L.