Cosmetic approach selection in parotidectomy for benign parotid gland tumour according to its location.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and aesthetic results when comparing two cosmetic approaches that were employed in parotidectomy according to the tumour location with the traditional Blair approach.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary Referral Centre.

PATIENTS: Seventy-six patients were included in the study.

RESULTS

The degree of satisfaction with the cosmetic incision approach was significantly higher than that with the traditional Blair approach. The incidence of transient facial paralysis and salivary fistula were not statistically significant when compared with those in the traditional incision in 6-month follow-up post-operatively.

DISCUSSION: Conventional parotidectomy using the traditional Blair incision (or its modification) usually leaves a visible scar in this region, which can have major adverse impacts on the social or psychological well-being of an individual. To achieve better aesthetic results, according to the location of the benign parotid tumour, two formal cosmetic approach incisions could be performed in parotidectomy, which was superior to the traditional Blair incision. The authors propose that these two cosmetic approaches for parotidectomy can be both technically feasible and safe.