Frey's syndrome: prevention with temporoparietal fascial flap interposition

The recent trend in management of Frey's syndrome has been the use of prophylactic procedures performed at the time of parotidectomy to prevent its symptoms postoperatively. An additional benefit of this approach is the prevention of the typical cheek contour deformity after parotidectomy. We reviewed our experience with interposition of a vascularized temporoparietal fascial flap between the parotid bed and overlying skin immediately after complete superficial parotidectomies to prevent Frey's syndrome and contour defects. The results of seven consecutive attempts revealed it to be an effective technique, achieving both goals in all patients with minimal morbidity.