Parotidectomy Discharge Instructions

Things to expect

Skin numbness around the ear (including the ear lobe) is normal and usually comes back over the course of months to years.
Mild/Moderate pain is normal and should be controllable with the pain medication provided by the doctor.
Many patients will describe muffled hearing or a popping noise in the ear directly after surgery, this is normal and can be due to fluids collecting in the ear canal.
Do not use Q-tips to remove as this could damage the ear or incision.
A surgical drain is usually left in place for 1 - 2 weeks after surgery.
Record the daily output from this drain and bring it with you to your follow up clinic appointments.
As the nerves regrow after parotid gland surgery, they can connect to sweat glands causing Frey Syndrome. This is considered a normal post-operative consequence of Parotidectomy that affects anywhere from 15 to 60% of patient's undergoing Parotidectomy, depending on the study reviewed.
Mild pain or discomfort of the face or jaw of the affected side can also be experienced after parotid surgery. It typically occurs just after starting to eat, so called "First Bite Syndrome".
Some facial weakness can occur after surgery on the parotid gland. Frequently this is temporary and will improve over weeks, sometimes months.

There is typically no dressing to remove as Dr. York typically uses surgical glue for the surface layer of the closure.
Begin to wash your surgical wound approximately 48 hours after surgery using only warm, soapy, running water. Pat the wound gently rather than scrubbing it.
A surgical drain is typically left in place to prevent fluids from collecting below the skin. Keep a daily log of the amount of fluid coming out of the drain and bring this with you on your clinic appointments after surgery.
Call Dr. York's clinic to make post operative appointment for one week after surgery.
Call immediately if you experience sudden, significant swelling on the operated side of the face.
No strenuous physical activity for 4 weeks.
Should you experience facial weakness causing dry eye, use rewetting drops during the day and Lacri-Lube (available over-the-counter) at night to prevent complications related to dry eye.