The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands in the human body, with two located on either side of the face, in front and below each ear. Their role is to produce saliva, which is delivered to the oral cavity through a duct.
In some cases, cysts or tumors develop within the parotid gland. Around 80% of parotid tumors are benign, while malignant tumors (cancer) in this area are rare.
Modern parotid surgery requires the removal not only of the tumor but also a significant portion of the healthy tissue surrounding it, to avoid potential recurrence. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the incision is the same as that used in a facelift procedure. The careful suturing of the incision using plastic surgery techniques ensures an excellent cosmetic result.
During the surgery, it is crucial to identify and preserve the anatomical and functional integrity of the facial nerve, which controls all facial muscles and passes through the parotid gland. The use of a special nerve stimulator to monitor the nerve’s trunk and branches during the surgery significantly reduces the risk of nerve injury.
The hospital stay is typically 1-2 days. A compressive dressing is applied to the area, which remains in place for several days with regular changes and care at the clinic. A small drainage tube placed along the incision line is usually removed in 2-3 days, while the stitches are removed in 12-15 days. The patient can typically return to work within two weeks.