it’s possible for a patient to experience a recurrence of a parotid tumor after undergoing a primary parotidectomy. Significantly riskier and more complex than the initial procedure, revision parotid surgery requires a surgeon with extensive experience treating recurring parotid conditions.
When a patient experiences a recurrence of the tumor after undergoing a primary parotid surgery, another surgery is needed to resolve the condition.
Revision parotidectomy is riskier than the initial procedure because the delicate facial nerve commonly becomes embedded in the patient’s scar tissue and tumor. The fact that a portion of the parotid gland has been removed makes it even more likely that, when the tumor or cancer returns, it will be located closer to the nerve or involve the nerve – heightening the risk of complications like facial paralysis and facial nerve damage. Moreover, if the tumor comes back as multiple growths, the surgery will be considerably more challenging.
Due to these added concerns, a revision requires a specialist who is extensively trained in this precise and complex surgery. With decades of experience and countless successful procedures, Dr. Larian and his team of specialists are renowned for successfully removing parotid tumor regrowths.
Committed to a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure an optimal surgical outcome, Dr. Larian works alongside leading facial nerve expert, Dr. Azizzadeh, for each revision parotidectomy. Dr. Azizzadeh’s advanced knowledge in the facial nerve, coupled with Dr. Larian’s expertise in the parotid gland, ensures patients receive the safest and most successful treatment possible.
The incision used for your parotid surgery revision will depend on the size and location of the tumor and parotid gland. Dr. Larian will use a minimally invasive micro-parotidectomy incision whenever possible, or he may use the incision made during the previous procedure. While Dr. Larian operates on the parotid gland to remove the tumor and resolve the recurring condition, Dr. Azizzadeh will closely monitor the facial nerve to ensure its safety. From there, Dr. Azizzadeh will reconstruct the hollow area left behind by the removed portion of the parotid gland and recurring tumor to restore a symmetrical cosmetic appearance.
As a revision parotidectomy is more complex than the initial procedure, it lasts longer, and may take anywhere from two to six hours to complete. Commonly performed in an outpatient setting, Dr. Larian and his team are exceptionally skilled at performing this complex procedure and successfully resolving recurring parotid conditions to restore the patient’s overall health and quality of life.
Led by board-certified parotid surgeon, Dr. Babak Larian, our team of specialists has decades of experience successfully diagnosing and treating diseases of the parotid glands with minimally invasive procedures. Distinguished by our compassionate care and cutting-edge techniques, the CENTER has developed a reputation for delivering the best parotid tumor surgery available.
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