Case series of rare iatrogenic sialocele complications following facelift surgery: clinical presentation, management, and outcomes.

Sialocele is a rare but important complication that may follow facelift surgery, typically as a result of inadvertent injury to the parotid gland or its duct. It often presents as a painless, fluctuant swelling in the preauricular region and, if not properly managed, can lead to patient distress and aesthetic dissatisfaction. We conducted a retrospective review of three female patients, aged 42-56, who developed sialocele 10-14 days after superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) plication rhytidectomy. Parameters recorded included time to presentation, swelling characteristics, treatment modality, and outcome. All patients were initially managed conservatively with aspiration and compressive dressings. One responded fully to conservative therapy, another required botulinum toxin type A injection (50 units), and the third underwent surgical drainage and parotid duct ligation. Outcomes were defined as complete resolution of swelling without recurrence. This case series highlights a stepwise approach to managing sialocele, beginning with conservative measures and escalating as clinically indicated.