Parotid Fistula Right After Facelift; Applying Pressure on this Ridge, Eating a Bland Diet, Scopolamine Patch the Solution?

Question

My Parotid fistula occurred immediately after facelift--the second day it was very evident. I am currently using pressure on this ridge and back to eating very bland diet and a scopolamine patch. Seems to help. I have been assured this will resolve but I am still concerned. thank you

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would recommend antisialagogues and Botox to allow the tissue to heal.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Parotid Fistulas are very uncommon after facelifts but can occur. All of the treatment modalities you mentioned are correct and proper for the treatment of a Parotid fistula following a facelift. The only other treatment choice you could consider and should discuss with your plastic surgeon is the off FDA label use of a Botox injection. A Botox injection ( of botulinum toxin type A) is a highly effective and relatively safe primary method of treatment for an acute postparotidectomy salivary fistula.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

The treatment for the parotid fistula is to do conservative treatment and if not resolved in 3 months to do exploration and repair the leake with a patch.

Richard Ellenbogen, MD (retired) · Answer

You are doing the right thing. If it doesn't stop in 3 months you need to have it explored and closed. It should close by itself before that tho.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

I agree this is a very rare issue with face Lifts and you must follow the exact instructions of your Face Lift Surgeon treating you. You could ask him/her about serial aspirations of any saliva that's accumulating from the parotid gland or duct.

Parotid Fistula Right After Facelift; Applying Pressure on this Ridge, Eating a Bland Diet, Scopolamine Patch the Solution?

Answers (7)