To explore the clinical effect of modified cosmetic incision in superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid lesions. Methods A total of 98 patients with benign parotid gland tumors admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to February 2022 were selected as the research objects. They were divided into control group (48 patients) and observation group (50 patients) by random number table method. The control group was treated with traditional preauricular and postauricular hairline cosmetic incision in superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid lesions, the observation group was treated with modified postauricular hairline cosmetic incision in superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid lesions. The surgical indexes, scar condition, incision satisfaction and complications were compared between the two groups. Results There was no significant difference in operation time, incision length and drainage volume at 48 h after operation between the two groups (P >0.05). There was no significant difference in VSS score between the two groups (P >0.05). The incision satisfaction score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P >0.05). Conclusion The modified postauricular hairline cosmetic incision shows a better cosmetic effect and does not cause obvious postoperative complications in superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid lesions. Therefore, it is beneficial to improve patients' satisfaction.