An incision is made in front of the ear, passing below the ear lobe and curving forward into the neck. The main trunk of the facial nerve (the nerve that supplies movement to the facial muscles) is found as it enters the gland. The gland is dissected away from the nerve and the nerve preserved. This operation is performed for tumours or gland inflammation.

Watch the Youtube video below of a superficial parotidectomy  

A right partial superficial parotidectomy performed to remove a pleomorphic adenoma of the right parotid gland presenting as lump or mass. The procedure is performed by Dr John Chaplin Head and Neck Endocrine and Reconstructive Surgeon, Auckland, New Zealand. Audio Commentary by Dr Chaplin.