Parotid Surgery

Micro-Parotidectomy

A minimally invasive procedure pioneered by Dr. Larian, micro-parotidectomy provides patients with the best possible outcomes. The parotid tumor is removed through a very small incision, which minimizes scarring, reduces pain, and decreases recovery time, and great care is taken to preserve the facial nerve and greater auricular nerve during the surgery. Additionally, every micro-parotidectomy includes facial reconstruction so the hollow left from the tumor removal is addressed and facial symmetry is achieved.

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Facial Nerve Preservation

The facial nerve – which is responsible for one’s ability to smile, close your eyes, speak, and make facial expressions – passes directly through the parotid gland. Given its delicate nature and critical functions, the preservation of the facial nerve is one of the most important aspects of a successful parotid surgery. Our team of surgeons includes Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Slattery, world-renowned facial nerve specialists, to preserve the function and integrity of the facial nerve.

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Parotid Reconstruction

Following the removal of the parotid gland due to tumor or infection, a portion of the face is left hollow where the gland was located. Our team includes a facial plastic surgeon so that following the removal of the parotid tumor, the hollow in the face is corrected to recreate a symmetrical aesthetic of the face.

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Revision Parotid Surgery

Infrequently, parotid tumors re-occur after being removed. The experience of the surgeon and the type of tumor dictate this possibility. A second (or revision) parotid surgery is significantly riskier for the facial nerve and more complex to reconstruct. Facial nerve expertise is vital for this type of surgery.

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DEEP LOBE TUMOR REMOVAL

Deep lobe parotid tumors present a unique set of surgical considerations, as the tumor is located deep, near delicate and important structures of the head and neck, including the facial nerve. Guided by their extensive experience and technical expertise, Dr. Babak Larian and his team of specialists are able to remove the mass while preserving the surrounding nerves and structures. The decision as to the appropriate surgical approach is based on size, type and location of the tumor.

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Sialendoscopy

Salivary and parotid stones develop when chemicals, debris, and calcium build up in the salivary and parotid glands, thus blocking the duct and resulting in swelling, inflammation, and infection. A sialendoscopy, or endoscopic salivary stone removal, is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove salivary gland stones using small cameras (endoscopes) that go through the duct of the gland to reach and remove the stone without making external incisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Parotid Surgery:

At the Center for Advanced Parotid Surgery, our team of medical professionals specializes in performing minimally invasive parotidectomy with a focus on facial nerve preservation and facial reconstruction. Here we’ve put together the most common questions we get from patients.

How Should I Prepare for Surgery?

• Ensure all your questions are answered. Write them down when you think of them.
• You should have a clear idea of exactly what surgery is planned, what will be done, the risks, all your options and what the expected benefits are.
• You should also have a clear expectation of results that is in alignment with the doctor’s expectations as well.
• You should tell your surgeon what medications and supplements (including herbal and OTC medications like ibuprofen) you are currently taking.
• Ensure that you have stopped taking any medication or supplement that our surgeon asks within the proper timeframe.
• If you are not already leading a healthy life, it is best to start doing so several weeks before the surgery, not just before. Be active, eat healthy and quit smoking (if you smoke).

How Long Will I Be Hospitalized?

It really depends upon exactly what was done during the surgery. In most cases, a brief hospital stay of four days or less may be required.

Can a Facelift Be Performed at the Same Time as a Parotid?

In many cases, yes. In fact, it is often safer to do the surgeries concurrently because the parotid surgical procedure carefully traces the facial nerve and positions it safely. Doing a facelift at the same time lowers the chance of accidentally damaging this nerve at a later time because of its shifted position. Depending on the size of the tumor removed, there may be excess skin on one side of the face that will need to be tightened. To maintain facial symmetry, the other side of the face may also need tightening. So a facelift at this time may be an ideal choice. Dr. Larian and his team will advice you if a facelift is an option for you.

How long does Parotid surgery take?

Most parotidectomies take between 3 and 4 hours.

Do Benign Parotid Tumors Need to Be Removed?

The most common approach to dealing with parotid tumors, even benign ones, is to surgically remove them. These tumors can grow to abnormal sizes that can disfigure the face. More importantly, even a benign parotid tumor can become cancerous if left alone to grow.

Do salivary gland stones go away on their own?

There are a number of non-surgical procedures that often help the stones go away without surgery. If that doesn’t work and the salivary gland is completely blocked and swelling, surgery is the next best step.

How long does it take for a Parotidectomy to heal?

You can plan on one to two weeks for initial incision healing and about six weeks for complete incision healing. Scar creams are advised for use to hasten healing and should be used for the first six weeks. Incisions may continue to change in form for up to two years after surgery, but most scars are hidden behind the jawline and ear and not readily noticeable.