The use of the SMAS to close Mohs defects invading the parotid gland

Plastic surgery literature reports the use of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) in reconstruction after parotidectomies to prevent the complications of Frey's Syndrome and fistula formation. However, there is scant information in the dermatologic literature regarding the use of the SMAS when closing Mohs defects overlying the parotid gland.

Our purpose is to introduce to the dermatologic surgery literature the need for plication of the SMAS prior to closure of the overlying tissues when repairing surgical defects which invade the integrity of the parotid gland.

We describe a patient with a large basal cell carcinoma located in the right preauricular region. Using text and photographs, we detail our closure of this large defect which invaded the parotid gland.

Closure of the SMAS over the parotid gland before suturing the overlying tissues provided our patient with an excellent functional and cosmetic result, without the formation of a fistula, sialocele, or Frey's Syndrome.

We propose that the essential first step in the ideal closure of surgical wounds which penetrate the parotid gland involves the isolation and plication of the SMAS. This will create a barrier to the accumulation of parotid secretions which, in turn, may lead to the development of a sialocele and fistula formation. Such a barrier will also prevent the formation of Frey's Syndrome. Furthermore, plication of the SMAS serves to improve cosmesis by contributing soft tissue bulk to the wound and avoiding a concave deformity.