Private Total Parotidectomy In The South West
Gain peace of mind with safe, specialist surgery
Fixed-Price Package
Our fixed-price package for private total parotidectomy combines NHS clinical standards with enhanced access and personalised support.
Your package includes:
- Pre-operative assessment and routine diagnostics
- Personalised treatment plan
- Surgery under general anaesthetic (one to two nights hospital stay usually required)
- Care plan with wound care, medication, and activity advice
- Follow-up appointments at 1-2 weeks and again at 6-12 weeks
£: Available on Enquiry
Performed by highly experienced consultant head & neck surgeons, this procedure removes the whole parotid gland while taking every precaution to preserve the facial nerve and surrounding tissues.
We offer shorter waiting times, personalised care plans, and full aftercare—delivered within a trusted NHS hospital environment.
Our private service offers
- Highly trained and experienced NHS consultant head & neck surgeons
- Reduced waiting times for consultation and surgery
- Modern, fully equipped NHS operating theatres
- All profits reinvested into NHS facilities and patient care
Consultation:
within 7–10 days*
To Procedure:
typically, within 2–6 weeks*
Fixed-price package
Our fixed-price package for private total parotidectomy combines NHS clinical standards with enhanced access and personalised support.
Your package includes:
- Pre-operative assessment and routine diagnostics
- Personalised treatment plan
- Surgery under general anaesthetic (one to two nights hospital stay usually required)
- Care plan with wound care, medication, and activity advice
- Follow-up appointments at 1-2 weeks and again at 6-12 weeks
£: Available on Enquiry
Pricing Breakdown Illustration
What's Included
One-to-One Consultation
You’ll meet one of our consultant head & neck surgeons to review your medical history, discuss any symptoms—such as a lump in front of or below the ear, facial weakness, or discomfort—and review imaging or biopsy results. Your surgeon will explain the procedure, outline potential risks and benefits, and agree a treatment plan tailored to you.
Procedure Scheduling
Once your plan is confirmed, we schedule your surgery at a convenient time, ensuring rapid access while maintaining NHS-level standards of safety and care.
Pre-Operative Assessment
Before surgery, you’ll attend a pre-assessment where your medical history is reviewed and any required tests are carried out. These may include blood tests, ultrasound, MRI or CT imaging, and a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to guide the surgical plan. You’ll also meet the anaesthetic team to ensure you are fully prepared.
The Surgery
Total parotidectomy is performed under a general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep (unconscious) during your surgery. Your surgeon makes an incision in front of the ear and along the jawline, following natural skin creases to keep the scar as discreet as possible. The entire parotid gland is removed, while the facial nerve (which controls facial movement) is carefully identified and protected. In some cases, if cancer is present or the tumour is closely attached, a small section of the nerve may need to be repaired or grafted. The procedure typically takes 3–4 hours, and most patients stay in hospital for one to two nights.
Initial Recovery and Follow-Up
It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, or numbness around the ear and jaw for a few weeks. Temporary weakness or twitching of the facial muscles is common but usually improves over time. You’ll receive detailed advice on wound care, pain relief, and gradually returning to normal activities. Follow-up appointments will check healing, review any pathology results, and plan any further treatment if required.
Recovery
Most people can return to desk work and light everyday activities in around 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks or as advised by your surgeon.
Your Total Parotidectomy Pathway
Enquiry or Referral
Consultation
Pre-Operative Assessment
Surgery
Physio and Follow-Up
Meet Our Total Parotidectomy Specialists
Consultant ENT, Head, Neck and Thyroid Surgeon
MD, FRCS (ORL-HNS), DOHNS, MBChB, BMedSc
Total Parotidectomy FAQs
What Is A Total Parotidectomy?
A total parotidectomy is an operation to remove the entire parotid gland, the largest of the salivary glands. It is usually performed when a tumour (benign or malignant) involves both the superficial and deep parts of the gland, or when a limited surgery would not remove the disease safely.
Why Might I Need A Total Parotidectomy?
Your consultant may recommend a total parotidectomy if:
- You have a confirmed or suspected malignant (cancerous) tumour of the parotid gland
- A large or deep benign tumour cannot be removed with a partial parotidectomy
- You have recurrent or extensive infection or other rare salivary gland disorders
Will I Need A GP Referral For A Total Parotidectomy?
No, you won’t need a GP referral. However, copies of previous scans or biopsy results are helpful.
What Tests Are Required Before A Total Parotidectomy?
Typical tests include ultrasound imaging, MRI or CT scans to define the extent of the tumour, and a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests and a pre-anaesthetic assessment are also routine.
How Long Will I Stay Overnight In Hospital Following A Total Parotidectomy?
Most people stay in hospital for one or two nights so the surgical site and facial nerve function can be monitored.
Will A Total Parotidectomy Affect My Facial Movement?
Your surgeon will carefully identify and preserve the facial nerve wherever possible. Temporary facial weakness or numbness is common but usually improves over weeks to months. Permanent weakness is rare but can occur, particularly if the tumour involves the nerve and a small section needs to be removed.
Will I Need Further Treatment After A Total Parotidectomy?
If the final pathology shows cancer, your consultant may recommend additional treatment such as radiotherapy. If the tumour is benign and fully removed, no further therapy is usually required.
Is Total Parotidectomy Surgery Painful?
You will be under general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep (unconscious) during your surgery, you will not feel anything during surgery. Mild to moderate discomfort afterwards is managed with pain relief.
When Can I Return To Work And Normal Activities Following A Total Parotidectomy?
Many people return to desk-based work within about 2 weeks. You should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sports for 4-6 weeks, or until your surgeon advises.
When Can I Drive Again Following A Total Parotidectomy?
You may drive once you are comfortable turning your head and are no longer taking strong painkillers, for most people this is typically within a week.