Usefulness of Modified Facelift Incision for Parotidectomy

이하선절제술시 Modified Facelift 절개의 유용성

Background and Objectives: The most commonly used incision for parotidectomy is modified Blair incision, but it has unsatisfactory cosmetic result due to long exposed scar in the neck. Therefore, we introduce an alternative approach with more acceptable scar named modified facelift incision. We report it's techniques, indications and disadvantages with our experiences. Materials and Methods: During the 1999, 15 patients were underwent parotidectomies using modified facelift incision. We studied the postoperative complications and the cosmetic results respectively. Results: There were 11 benign tumors, 3 malignant tumors, and 1 chronic inflammation. Total parotidectomy was performed in 2 malignant tumors and chronic parotitis patients. The others has superficial parotidectomy. In terms of operation field, there was no difference between classical incision and facelift incision. Partial facial nerve palsy was noted in 2 cases, who required sacrifice of branches of facial nerve because of malignant tumor invasion. There were no specific complications associated with this type of approach. Postoperative cosmetic results were satisfactory in all cases. Conclusion: Modified facelift incision provides better cosmetic result than conventional incision without narrowing of operation field. We believe that it is a safe alternative approach to all parotidectomy cases especially to women and patient with keloid skin. The only limitation of this incision is poor adaptability for combining neck dissection.