Parotid gland following facelift, advice? 8 days p.o.

Question

I had a neck lift/lower face lift 8 days ago. When I take the first bite of a meal, stimulating my salivary gland, there is quite a bit of discomfort in the gland. This dissipates as I continue to eat. Is this normal.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

A known but rare complication after facelift is an injury to the parotid gland causing saliva to leak into the cheek causing swelling, pain and eventually drainage. This can generally be handled conservatively without additional surgery.  In your case a suture might have penetrated the gland, causing some salivary obstruction, which is evidently mild because you do not report swelling, and it improves over the course of the meal. This should resolve with time, but I would report it to your surgeon.

Franklin D. Richards, MD · Answer

Damaging the parotid gland (salivary gland) or the parotid duct would be quite unusual with a facelift procedure. There may be something else going on to cause your symptoms. I would recommend seeing your ps and discuss your concerns.

Robert Deeb, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for the question.  Generally the parotid gland should not be disturbed with face/neck lift surgery, however it is very close anatomically to the structures being altered.  There is an entity known as "first bite syndrome" which is usually associated with removal of the parotid gland but not generally associated with face/neck lift.  The symptoms tend to improve over time.  
I recommend discussing these issues with your surgeon. Considering that it has only been 8 days, I think it is very early to determine if there will be any lasting symptoms.  Hope that helps and good luck

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have damage to the parotid gland after surgery you will likely see some swelling on the cheek that worsens with eating.  Saliva can leak out and cause fullness during meals.  This can be treated with Botox and I would recommend close follow up with your surgeon to monitor the area

Mark Prysi, MD · Answer

The salary glands or near the area where you’re working during a facelift. Occasionally they get disturbed during the procedure. The symptoms are not uncommon when this occurs. Fortunately with time this almost universally stops. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for this to happen.

Parotid gland following facelift, advice? 8 days p.o.

Answers (7)

Answer: Pain

Answer: Pain

Answer: Salivary gland and facelift

Answer: Salivary gland and facelift

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Parotid gland following facelift, advice? 8 days p.o.

Answers (7)

Answer: Pain

Answer: Pain

Answer: Salivary gland and facelift

Answer: Salivary gland and facelift

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.