The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland in the body. It is located in front of the ear and extends down to the angle of the jaw. This gland helps produce saliva, which is important for chewing and digestion.

The parotid gland develops early during embryo growth. Because of this early development, it is closely connected with the facial nerve and nearby lymph nodes. The facial nerve controls facial movement such as smiling, blinking, and frowning. This close relationship makes parotid gland surgery with facial nerve preservation very important and delicate.

What Are Parotid Tumors?

Parotid tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the parotid gland. Around 85% of these tumors are benign, which means they are not cancer. About 15% are malignant, which means they are cancer.

The most common benign tumor is called pleomorphic adenoma, also known as a mixed tumor. These tumors usually have well-defined edges and do not invade nearby tissues like cancer does. However, they continue to grow over time. If not treated, about 5% to 15% of these tumors can turn into cancer. That is why early treatment for pleomorphic adenoma of parotid gland is recommended.

Another common benign tumor is Warthin’s tumor. It is also non-cancerous and usually treated successfully with surgery. Unlike pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin’s tumor does not turn into cancer, but it can occur on both sides of the face.

Other benign tumors include oncocytomas and monomorphic tumors. Hemangiomas, which are blood vessel tumors, are the most common parotid tumors in children. Some benign lymphoepithelial lesions may appear in people with HIV and may require removal if they grow or change.

What Is Parotidectomy and When Is It Needed?

Parotidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the parotid gland. It is the main treatment for both benign and malignant parotid tumors.

There are different types of parotidectomy, depending on the size and location of the tumor:

• Superficial parotidectomy (removal of the outer part of the gland)
• Total parotidectomy (removal of the entire gland)

During surgery, special care is taken to protect the facial nerve. This is why parotid tumor removal surgery with nerve monitoring is often used. Preserving the facial nerve is very important to maintain normal facial movement.

Why Is Facelift Technique Used in Parotid Surgery?

Traditional parotid surgery can sometimes leave a visible scar and cause a hollow area near the jaw. To improve cosmetic results, many surgeons now use a facelift-style incision.

A parotidectomy with facelift incision technique hides the scar around the ear and hairline. This approach provides better cosmetic results while still allowing safe tumor removal.

In some cases, a facelift technique is also used to prevent a condition called Frey’s syndrome. Frey’s syndrome causes sweating near the cheek area while eating. Using tissue repositioning during surgery can reduce this risk.

Can Parotid and Facelift Surgery Be Done Together?

Yes, in selected cases, parotid tumor removal and facelift procedures can be combined. This is especially helpful when there is concern about facial contour after gland removal.

Combining procedures can help restore facial shape and reduce visible deformity. This approach is often referred to as combined parotidectomy and cosmetic facelift surgery. The goal is to treat the medical problem while also improving appearance.

However, the main focus is always safe tumor removal. Cosmetic improvement is considered only after proper cancer or tumor treatment planning.

What Are the Risks of Parotid and Facelift Surgery?

Like all surgeries, parotidectomy has risks. The most important risk is injury to the facial nerve. Temporary weakness is more common than permanent damage. Other risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Numbness around the ear
• Frey’s syndrome

When facelift techniques are used, there may also be swelling and temporary bruising. Choosing an experienced surgical team trained in advanced parotid and facelift surgical techniques can reduce these risks.

What Is Recovery Like After Parotidectomy with Facelift?

Most patients go home within one or two days after surgery. Swelling and mild discomfort are common during the first week. Stitches are usually removed within 7 to 10 days.

Patients are advised to avoid heavy activity for a few weeks. Facial movement is closely monitored during recovery. In most benign cases, surgery is curative, and recurrence is rare.

Long-term follow-up is important, especially for tumors that have a small risk of becoming cancerous.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Parotid Lump?

You should see a doctor if you notice:

• A painless lump near the ear or jaw
• Gradual swelling in the cheek area
• Facial weakness
• Pain or rapid growth of a mass

Early evaluation helps with proper diagnosis and treatment planning. Imaging tests and biopsy may be needed before surgery.

Parotid tumors are common and mostly benign, but they require proper medical attention. Modern parotid gland tumor surgery with facelift approach offers both safe tumor removal and improved cosmetic results.

For patients seeking specialized care for parotid and facelift procedures, treatment is available at Alpha Surgical Group, located at 9735 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, USA.