SMAS fold flap and ADM repair of the parotid bed following removal of parotid haemangiomas via pre- and retroauricular incisions to improve cosmetic outcome and prevent Frey's syndrome

The growth of parotid haemangiomas during the proliferative phase may be rapid and unpredictable. Involution often takes many years, with attendant psychological sequelae to the child. Although conservative management is usually proposed for parotid haemangiomas occurring in infancy, this may not be particularly helpful and the haemangioma difficult to conceal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliable and aesthetic benefit of using a superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) fold flap and allograft dermal matrix (ADM) repair of the parotid bed following parotid haemangiomas via pre- and retroauricular incision. Forty-three paediatric patients (33 boys and 10 girls) with haemangiomas involving the parotid gland underwent total parotidectomy using a pre- and retroauricular approach with intraoperative placement of ADM within the parotid bed. They further underwent repair of the parotid bed with SMAS fold flaps. A panel of three plastic surgeons assessed the cosmetic outcomes. All of the patients were evaluated using a short questionnaire; postoperative gustatory sweating was assessed using a modification of Minor's starch-iodine test. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.