[Facelift incision parotidectomy: preliminary report].

[INTRODUCTION] Traditional approaches parotidectomy leaves a visible scar and a hollow on the face and neck, which might be dissappointing to some patients.

[AIM OF THE STUDY] Assessment of usefulness of facelift approach to the parotid gland

[PATIENT AND METHODS] A retrospective study was performed. In June 2009 eight patients with benign parotid tumour underwent superficial parotidectomy. Four of them were included in the rhytidectomy approach parotidectomies and SMAS advancement flap was carried out to reconstruct the parotid bed and prevent Frey's syndrome. The latter patients underwent the classical technique parotidectomies. After two months from the operation both groups of patients were asked to assess the cosmetic outcome of the surgery in five degree scale.

[RESULTS] The duration of the operation increased by an average of 20 minutes in the rhytidectomy approach group. No major difficulties in exposing the facial nerve and its branches were observed. Patients were more satisfied when facelift approach was performed.

[CONCLUSION] A rhytidectomy approach to the parotid gland seems to be safe method and aesthetic results are more satisfactory as comparing to classical approach.