Imperceptible Scar over Face and Neck: A New Aesthetic Modification of Parotid Incision

Abstract

Introduction

The mainstay of treatment for parotid tumours is surgery. Since the incision site involves visible areas of head and neck several modifications have evolved since its first description in 1912 by Blair and all the subsequent incisions have more or less aimed at giving better aesthesis in terms of post-operative facial scar. We describe a modification of earlier incisions for parotidectomy, which aims at camouflaging the post-operative facial and neck scar.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen patients were included in this study, who presented with parotid tumours and underwent either superficial or total parotidectomy. The modified incision was used in all the patients and various parameters were recorded (intra operatively as well as post operatively during the follow up visits, upto 1year) including post-operative scar visibility and patient satisfaction in terms of aesthetic appeal.

Results

All the 14 patients reported highly satisfied in terms of post-operative aesthetic outcome. There was no intra operative limitation of exposure by using this modified incision and neither any significant post-operative complication was encountered.

Conclusion

Our attempt at evolving an aesthetically modified incision for parotidectomy with no facial or neck scar post-operatively was achieved, along with certain more extended benefits of using this innovative incision.