Modified face-lift approach combined with a superficially anterior and superior-based sternocleidomastoid muscle flap in total parotidectomy

Objectives. The authors evaluate a modified total parotidectomy performed through a modified face-lift incision integrated with a superficially anterior and superior pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle (SASSCM) flap. Study Design. Records of 86 cases of total parotidectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical evaluation of cosmetic gratification, presence or absence of gustatory flushing or sweating, functional reversion of the seventh cranial nerve and great auricular nerve (GAN) were undertaken by 3 investigators independent to the operators. Results. This group presents a mean follow-up of twenty-six months. The average scale of cosmetic gratification from patients and investigators are 7.97 and 7.56, respectively. Almost total complaints about anesthesia in upper cervical part and cheek disappeared within three months postoperatively. Neither in objective test nor from subjective complaint was gustatory sweating identified in present study. Conclusions. The authors' technique is esthetically pleasing and efficacious to prevention of gustatory sweating in total parotidectomy. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2012;113:593-599)