complications

Last reviewed 01/2018

The principal complication of superficial parotidectomy is damage to the facial nerve.

Loss of the ability to completely close the eye, leading to corneal drying and damage, may occur secondary to damage to the temporal or upper zygomatic branches of the facial nerve. Division of the mandibular branches may cause drooping of the angle of the mouth and salivary dribbling which may be embarrassing.

Other complications include the development of a salivary fistula and Frey's syndrome.