American Head & Neck Society

Advancing Education, Research, and Quality of Care for the Head and Neck oncology patient.

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What are the risks of surgery?

Facial nerve injury
The risk of weakness of the face should be discussed with every patient before parotid surgery.
Even with a surgery performed with perfect technique, facial nerve injury can occur for unknown
reasons. The risk of nerve injury will depend on the reason for surgery, but in general the risk of
permanent injury is very low, around 1-5%, and the risk of temporary injury is around 10-20%.
If the nerve is damaged but not cut, it can recover, but it may take 6-9 months.

If eyelid closure is weak, this can be treated with the use of lubricants, taping the eye shut at
night, and moisture chambers during the day. Proper eye care is very important to keep the eye
healthy if it cannot close on its own. Consultation with an ophthalmologist may be needed. In
the case of long-term paralysis, surgeries may be performed to assist with eye closure.

If the facial weakness affects mouth function (smiling, speech, and eating), procedures may be
performed to improve this.

Gustatory sweating (Frey Syndrome)
Some patients may experience facial sweating when eating. Frey Syndrome has been estimated
to occur in up to 80% of patients, but many patients either do not notice it or are not bothered by

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News and Announcements

  • AHNS YMCP Episode 11 – Melina Windon, MD, Janice Farlow, MD, Eric Gantwerker, MD May 8, 2025
  • Artificial Intelligence in Management of H&N Cancer: New Horizons Presented April 28, 2025
  • A conversation with Dr. Uppaluri: Neoadjuvant Therapy for Advanced H&N Mucosal April 25, 2025
  • The End of April Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month Approaches! April 23, 2025
  • April is National CBD Awareness Month! April 21, 2025

AHNS Meetings and Events

AHNS 2025 Annual Meeting
Held during the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM)

May 14-18, 2025
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana

learn more...

Contact Us

AHNS, 11300 W. Olympic Blvd, Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90064
ph: (310) 437-0559 / fx: (310) 437-0585
[email protected]

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