Could I Get A Parotid Gland Leak From Jaw Angle Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had jaw angle implants two months ago and the left side has been swollen ever since. I now seem to have a parotid gland leak on the left side that stems from the frontal edge of the jaw angle implant that may or may not also be an infection. I am fairly sure it is a parotid leak because it has swelled up twice painfully upon eating spicy food. The first time the swelling lasted almost two months, and this time happened again just a day ago. If I remove the implant on the left side, will this be resolved? Will I need a drain, etc.?

A:I have never seen a parotid gland leak from jaw angle implant surgery nor can I imagine how that would be possible since the mandibular vestibule and/or ascending ramus is positioned much lower than the parotid duct. I can only assume that the chronic swelling on the left side causes some partial obstruction of the parotid gland when highly simulated. This is ductal obstruction not a gland leak. It would be anticipated that that thighs will remove when the implant and its associated swelling resolves.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana