A shift in the classic management of parotidectomy - the facelift approach

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Improving the aesthetic and functional outcomes of parotidectomy is a constant concern of recent studies. We describe our experience on this topic by employing techniques inspired from rhytidectomy.MATERIAL AND METHODS. We performed a retrospective study including patients that underwent parotidectomy through a facelift approach and we documented the details of the technique and the postoperative care and outcomes.RESULTS. A total of 247 patients with parotid gland tumors were operated using the facelift approach. A superficial or quasi-total parotidectomy was performed, followed by a superficial musculoaponeurotic system-plasty. The postoperative outcomes were favourable regarding both the appearance and function, with minimal complications. The advantages of the employed technique are discussed.CONCLUSION. It is possible to decrease the sequelae, simplify the postoperative care and improve the aesthetic outcome of parotidectomy cases by employing the facelift approach and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) reconstruction of the post-parotidectomy defect.