What Can I Do to Help Repair my Salivary Gland Excretions After Mini Facelift?

Question

After my facelift 8 had excess swelling after eating. My doctor removed the excess and said that my gland must have been affected. I am now on medication but is this a fix? How long will it last.

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

Parotid gland issues are very rare after facelift surgery, but they do happen and most experienced facelift surgeons have experience in managing this issue. The methods to manage are extrapolated from other, non-cosmetic surgeries that purposefully involve the parotid. 
First and foremost, this is almost always temporary. Conservative management, as outlined below, is your best option while it resolves. Occasionally when the parotid duct is injured, it needs to be repaired, but this is usually a process of elimination, and it can be looked at with a radiology study. 
Conservative treatment includes means to stop saliva production:Botox into the glandScopolamine patchesAntihistaminesEating a bland diet and avoiding sour, acidic or spicy foods
In addition, any fluid accumulation needs to be drained regularly. A temporary drain and compression may be useful. 
To ensure you are receiving the highest level of care, seek out a modernly trained, new-school dermatologic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is board certified and fellowship trained in one of these "core four" cosmetic specialties. Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery help to identify a highly trained surgeon.
Cameron Chesnut #realself500 Physician

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling can affect you from 6-12 months after surgery.  The key is to not cause any inflammation., and allow you face to heal, and return to normal function gradually.  Avoid chewing difficult foods.  I hope this helps.

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

A salivary fistula after facelift can be treated with a number of methods depending on how quickly it resolves. Many times repeat drainage of the collection and pressure dressings can get a small leak to resolve quickly. Antisialagogues are effective in conjunction with this treatment to lessen the production of saliva. Botox has also been shown effective in the treatment of salivary fistula, and usually will require repeat injections. I suggest you follow up with your surgeon regularly to have your recovery closely monitored. Good Luck

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If your doctor has placed you on an antisialagogue (reduces saliva), that is a good treatment.  Botox can be used as well or in combination.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Parotid fistulas are very rare after Facelift.  After initial drainage, the parotid gland can be effectively treated with Botox to reduce salivary flow.

Kamran Jafri, MD · Answer

There are many options for helping with this unfortunate occurrence:

	1. Drain the saliva and use a pressure dressing. This is the most common and effective way of treating this problem.

	2. Oral medications that reduce saliva secretions. This can be used in combination with the above. Can have some side effects though.

	3. Botox injections have become an increasingly effective and popular way to treat this condition. Works quite well and easy to do. Best done after the saliva has been removed and drainage has slowed down.

	4. Surgery to place Alloderm (cadaver skin) between the salivary gland and the skin. Reserved for extreme cases.

	All the best to you and rest assured you should do well,

	Dr. J

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

There is peer reviewed literature documenting the dimishing production of saliva from the parotid gland after treatment with Botox.

	Two to three injection sessions will usually correct this issue.

	This has been my personal experience as well.

	Please consult in person with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making any treatment decisions.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

Hi Legal Eagel 1954

	I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing excess swelling after eating.  There are new treatment involving neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport injections into the parotid gland that can help reduce hypersalivation or excessive spit production. Of course, you would need an in-person evaluation by a physician to determine the nature of the swelling after eating and whether a neuromodulator injection is right for you.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Salivary fistula is not very common but can happen after facelifts.

	Treatment is drinage, including inserting a drain, and usualy resolves without any surgical intervention.In case of the rare occaision of injury to the salivary duct, it can heal by conservative measures, rarely may need surgical repair.

Thomas A. Narsete, MD (retired) · Answer

Your problem may be related to a salivary gland that takes time to resolve.You may discuss treatment options with your surgeon in the unlikely event this does not improve.Give it some time.

What Can I Do to Help Repair my Salivary Gland Excretions After Mini Facelift?

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