I had a full facelift. Afterwards the parotid gland on left side began leaking & I was swollen. Will it go away? (Photo)

First it would be important diagnose whether you have a seroma or a parotid fluid collection. To tell the difference between parotid gland secretions and a seroma have the fluid analyzed by doing an amylase test. Amylase is an enzyme found in saliva produced by the parotid gland. In addition to the Zyrtec, a Scopolamine Patch, Botox, and staying away from spicy and sour foods are often effective to resolve fluid collection from the parotid gland (sialocele/fistula) originating from the parotid gland.Although it takes a while, for the VAST majority it will resolve. 

I have performed several thousand face ifts and I have hadtwo situation similar to yours, my patients did well after 3 weeks. Thetreatment of choice was a conservative one.Pressure dressing, drain in place, avoidance of spicy and sour diets, aswell as anti-cholinergic medications are proper treatments for leaking parotidgland. Be patience and hang in there, you’ll get better. Good luck and goodhealing.

The question you ask is a very good one. It is not common
for patients to have a facial nerve injury after a facelift procedure, nor is
it common for a patient to have reduction of the salivary glands (parotid or
submandibular). However, in some circumstances it makes all of the difference
in the overall facelift result. To ensure your recovery is complete it is
important to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding post-surgical care.
Patients who have surgery or injury to the parotid gland have notable swelling.
With the leaking that you mentioned it does sound like the pressure dressing
and Botox helped to stop the development of a fistula, but the Botox can also
weaken the facial nerve. You do not haveBell’s Palsy, but it is hard to offer greater details with the limited
information provided. Hopefully
this is helpful to you. Be healthy and be well, James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS