Fluid (saliva) buildup behind ear following facelift/brow lift 4 weeks ago. Will this heal itself?

It would be almost impossible to damage the main salivary duct by facelift. However the surface of the parotid gland is exposed can sometimes it can emit saliva for a brief period of time. This is a recognized although extremely unusual complication. In my own practice I've seen this only one time in treated with a small drain for a few days after which it healed spontaneously.

Parotid saliva collections are not very common but certainly possible following a facelift and fortunately spontaneously resolve. A scopolamine patch or botox injections may be helpful - discuss with your surgeon. In the interim stay away from spicy and sour foods.

This is a very rare but "annoying" complication after facelift surgery. I say annoying, because it may require multiple trips to your doctors office for drainage. Reports also support the use of Dysport or Botox injections to decrease the saliva flow from the gland. Eventually, it will heal. Stay in close contact with your surgeon.

Salivary build up underneath the skin after a facelift can be a rare complication.  One of the major salivary glands, the parotid gland, is in the area that is operated on during the facelift. If the gland is injured in saliva can leak underneath the skin. While this can be a frustrating complication for the patient, it will resolve over time. There are multiple treatments that can help resolve the collection of saliva underneath the skin. These treatments include:1) pressure dressing2) Botox injections3) oral medicationsRepeated drainage of the saliva is not recommended.  If you are my patient, I would put you on all three mentioned above treatments.I hope this helps.

Saliva build up after a facelift results from damage to the parotid gland.  While these generally will heal with time, there are medications that help dry up secretions that can help speed up the process.  Unfortunately they also cause dry mouth, dry eyes, etc.  Botox can also be used into the parotid.  Check with your surgeon regarding these options.  Best of luck.  Be patient.

This phenomenon has been known to occur following injury to the parotid gland. Typically, the fluid build-up is self limiting; however, many surgeons advocate repeat needle aspirations, even placing a drain behind the ear to help prevent fluid accumulation. Botox injections to the injured area of the parotid gland can be helpful, too. This will temporarily decrease salivary flow to allow the area to heal. In the worst case scenario, if the drainage persists for months, without improvement despite other measures, surgical exploration and repair of the injured parotid would be necessary. Hope this helps.

Hello Dsna,There is a very large gland called the parotid that is in front of the ear and wraps around it to some extent.  It is not common but it can be damaged during a facelift.  When this happens it leads to leakage of saliva when you eat, which is what you are seeing now.  The treatment options include pressure on the area with a dressing (this can sometimes be uncomfortable so it isn't always done), you can take oral medications which help decrease the saliva temporarily (some people get bothered by the dry mouth), or you can inject Botox over the gland because the Botox helps to block the signal to produce saliva.  Also, you can do nothing because these can heal on their own.  Repeatedly pulling off the alive is not always a good idea for the reason your surgeon said.  Once the saliva build up stops, if a pocket remains then it can be drained to help speed up the healing process.  In the meantime, that pocket acts like a pressure bandage to help stop the back flow and allow the parotid gland to heal itself.  I recommend you continue to follow up with your surgeon or another facial plastic surgeon during the healing process.  I hope this helps and good luck.  

Salivary buildup is one of the complications of Facelift surgery. The good news is that this problem typically is solves itself with time. You may want to treat this conservatively, do serial drainage, or inject Botox to decrease the production of saliva temporarily. Please consult a board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

Dear dsna,I'm sorry you are having troubles with the saliva build up. I have seen this twice and in both cases it did resolve spontaneously. Repeated aspirations aren't always a good idea for the reason your surgeon told you, and also because the back pressure of the fluid can help to fix the problem. It is fortunate that the buildup is in a less visible site behind your ear.I have also use scopolamine patches (used to treat motion sickness) because they can decrease the saliva production temporarily.Good luck

Thank you for the question and the area should be drained to speed healing and prevent an infection.Dr. Corbin