Parotid and Facelift Surgery: Understanding Tumors, Anatomy, and Treatment
The parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands and plays an essential role in saliva production. It is located just in front of the ear and extends down toward the angle of the jaw. Because of its position and embryological development, the parotid gland has a close and complex relationship with the facial nerve , which controls facial movement. This anatomical relationship is central to understanding both parotid tumors and the surgical approaches used in their management, including the parotid and facelift technique. Anatomy and Development of the Parotid Gland During embryonic development, the parotid gland forms at the same time as lymph nodes and facial nerves. As a result, in adults, the gland is interwoven with branches of the facial nerve and contains lymphatic tissue. This unique anatomy explains why surgery of the parotid gland requires meticulous technique and a strong understanding of facial nerve preservation. Even benign growths may require surgical ...