A superficial parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the superficial (outer) part of the parotid gland, which is a major salivary gland located in front of and just below the ear.
This procedure is most commonly performed to remove a lump or tumour within the gland. Most parotid lumps are benign (non-cancerous), but surgery is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and prevent future complications.
The operation is performed by Dr Phillips under general anaesthetic and usually requires a 1–2 night hospital stay.
Dr Phillips may recommend a superficial parotidectomy for:
Even if the lump is benign, surgery may be necessary because:
Superficial parotidectomy is generally a safe procedure, but all surgeries carry some risks. Dr Phillips will discuss these with you in detail before your operation:
Dr Phillips will take every precaution to reduce your risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery.
In certain cases, especially when the lump is small and non-growing, it may be reasonable to:
However, surgery is the only way to definitively remove the lump and obtain a complete diagnosis.
You will need to stop eating and drinking for a period before your surgery (usually 6 hours for food and 2 hours for clear fluids). The hospital or anaesthetist will provide exact instructions.
Please inform Dr Phillips of any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners and supplements, as they may need to be adjusted before the procedure.
If you are feeling unwell (e.g. fever, cough, or cold) before surgery, contact the clinic. The procedure may need to be postponed.
Contact Dr Phillips’ clinic or seek medical attention if you experience:
A review appointment with Dr Phillips will usually be arranged 1–2 weeks after surgery to check the wound and discuss the pathology results. Further follow-up may be arranged depending on the final diagnosis.
Temporary weakness can occur due to the facial nerve being gently moved during surgery. Permanent weakness is uncommon, especially when performed by Dr Phillips.
The incision is designed to be hidden in natural skin creases and generally fades very well over time.
This is a harmless condition where the cheek sweats during eating. It occurs in some patients months after surgery and can be treated if it becomes bothersome.
Most benign tumours are fully removed and do not recur. Dr Phillips will ensure the best possible surgical outcome to minimise this risk.
If you’d like to discuss this procedure or explore suitable treatment options, please get in touch with Dr Nicholas Phillips’ clinic.
To book with Dr Phillips, you’ll need a referral from your GP or specialist. Questions? Call our team — we’re happy to help.
