After Parotidectomy - What's Best Option to Address Jowls/saggy Neck? (photo)

Yes, there is increased risk after parotidectomy. You would need a facial nerve and facelift expert to perform the facelift. An expert could also correct indentation at same time if present.

Facelift after Parotidectomy is somewhat risky as the facial nerve can be more easily injured during the surgery. I routinely perform facelift on the patients that have had partotidectomy. An operation report from the Parotidectomy might be helpful to assess the residual anatomy. Whether or not operation report is available, a thorough pre-operative examination of facial tissues will guide my surgical approach. Of course, special considerations and techniques need to be utilized. In most cases a dramatic correction of cheeks, jowls and neck is possible despite partotidectomy.

Hello,

You ask an excellent question. You can have a facelift (which treats the face and neck) as well as a dermal-fat graft to fill any defect from your parotid surgery. It is important that you entrust your care to a specialist in this area and one who is also experienced in facial reanimation as these skills sets help to ensure quality results and function.

Be healthy and be well,

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS

Hello Dljinok- You appear to be a great candidate for a facelift procedure. Although the facial nerve anatomy can be altered with a prior parotidectomy, a facelift can still be safely performed. There are methods of dissection which allow one to detect the location of a facial nerve before physically encountering it. Though nothing substitutes for knowing anatomy exceptionally well. Ask your surgeon how he/she did in anatomy in medical school :). Find an American Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, preferably having completed a Facial Surgery Fellowship, who has postop facelift photos that look natural and that you like. 

Be safe.

Facelift can certainly be done after parotid ectomy. Very rarely can it even can be done concurrently provided the path of the parotid tumor is known to be benign. Inexperienced surgeon will will be able to negotiate the facial nerve without damaging it.