If you have uncontrolled saliva that causes you to drool at times uncontrollably, pain in your face, or even nerve pain in your face that cannot be controlled, then you may be considering a parotidectomy. This surgery, which removes the parotid gland, helps people with nerve issues, tumors, and other gland problems. Though in the past, the parotidectomy recovery time could be quite extensive, new procedures have made this surgery minimally invasive and recoveries very predictable.
The First Week of Recovery
Here’s what you can expect for a parotidectomy recovery time should you decide to go ahead with this procedure:
Day 1:
After your procedure is completed, you will waken in a recovery area with a formal dressing in place that often wraps around your head. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may also have drainage tubes in place to assist in the initial healing of your wound. Whether you have a tube or do not upon awaking, it does not affect your overall parotidectomy recovery time. Pain medications may be used to help you deal with pain after the anesthesia wears off.
Day 2:
Most people can have the drainage tubes removed after the first day of their parotidectomy recovery time. For very extensive procedures, another day or two may be required. Most people are discharged to their home the day that the drainage tubes are removed. If you did not receive a drainage tube to assist in your recovery, you will likely be sent home on this day as well.
Day 3:
Most bandages can be removed on the third day of your parotidectomy recovery time. This will expose the surgical site to the air and help to further the recovery process. During this time while you are at home, you will want to have someone assisting you with your activities of daily living. Many people feel very tired, lethargic, and sometimes sick during this initial phase of recovery.
Days 4-5:
These are rest days at home. You can apply an antibiotic cream on the surgical site to help your body heal. You will still want a caregiver checking in on you and you will want to limit activities as much as possible. Outside of the antibiotic cream, you will want to keep the surgical site dry during this part of the parotidectomy recovery time.
Days 6-7:
This is usually when the sutures from the surgery are removed. This removal can often be done at home with instructions provided by a doctor, though many healthcare professionals take this opportunity to check the surgical site for any infections that may have developed.
Over the next weeks, you will want to continue the healing progress you’ve been making by walking as exercise, limiting your bending and lifting, and avoiding alcohol and smoking if at all possible. Washing your hair is possible after the third day of your parotidectomy recovery time, and if prescribed antibiotics, continue taking them until you complete the series.
By following this recovery calendar, your parotidectomy recovery time can be predictable, fast, and complete. Use it as a reference guide after your procedure so that you can get back onto your feet quickly!