Management of Frey syndrome

Almost all patients who undergo parotidectomy will to some extent develop Frey syndrome (auriculotemporal syndrome or gustatory sweating) after surgery, because of aberrant regeneration of cut parasympathetic fibers between otic ganglion and subcutaneous vessels. However, only the minority of these patients needs treatment. The syndrome consists of gustatory sweating, flushing, and warming over the preauricular and temporal areas. Thick skin flap and partial superficial parotidectomy are the most important techniques to minimize the risk of developing symptomatic Frey syndrome. Intracutaneous injection of botulinum toxin A is an effective, long-lasting, and well-tolerated treatment of Frey syndrome. If recurrence occurs, the treatment can be repeated. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.