Face-lift approach combined with a superficial musculoaponeurotic system advancement flap in parotidectomy

A standard bayonet-shaped incision with no reconstruction of the parotid bed is usually used for removal of parotid tumours. Its disadvantages are often an obvious cervical sear, a conspicuous shallow contour around the angle of the mandible, and gustatory sweating. We have studied 17 patients with benign parotid tumours, who were treated by superficial parotidectomy with a combination of a face-lift approach and a superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) advancement flap. The patients were followed up every 6 months for 3 years. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome, and the depression deformity was considerably less. This approach prevented gustatory sweating. We think that this approach is simple and a useful tool in parotidectomy. (C) 2007 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.