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One side face swelling
I have persistent swelling on one side of my face, mainly the cheek and under-eye area. The swelling becomes more noticeable during or after eating.
I previously underwent FESS and septoplasty, but the swelling has continued after surgery. I recently had an ultrasound, and the report says the duct was not visualized/not seen.
Could this be related to the parotid/salivary gland or salivary duct? What could cause swelling that increases while eating?
Which specialist should I consult—ENT/head & neck surgeon, oral & maxillofacial surgeon, or another specialist? What tests would be useful?
I can upload my ultrasound and previous CT reports if needed.
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Your swelling pattern—especially worsening during or after eating—can occur with a parotid salivary-duct blockage or narrowing, even if an ultrasound did not clearly show the duct. Small stones, mucus plugs, or duct strictures may be missed on routine ultrasound.
Please see an ENT/head-and-neck surgeon who manages salivary-gland disease and performs sialendoscopy. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon may also be helpful if the swelling appears to be arising from the cheek, teeth, or maxillary sinus rather than the parotid gland.
Next Steps
Useful next steps are:
Review your previous CT scan and ultrasound images—not only the written reports.
A dedicated ultrasound of the parotid gland and duct, ideally performed when symptomatic or after a sour stimulus.
If still unclear: MR sialography, contrast CT/MRI of the face/neck, or diagnostic sialendoscopy to look for narrowing or a small obstruction.
If a focal lump is seen, it may need needle sampling.
FESS/septoplasty can cause postoperative changes, but meal-related swelling warrants a focused salivary-gland assessment rather than assuming it is from the sinus surgery. Seek urgent review if you develop fever, redness, severe pain, pus in the mouth, rapid progression, eye symptoms, or facial weakness.
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Hi
Greetings
Appearance of the swelling more while chewing points us towards a salivary gland pathology.
USG report saying duct not visualised does not eliminate it.
Needs a clinical examination of the parotid region along with a repeat USG or MRI Parotid + PNS.
Also to get a Nasal endoscopy done to assess the sinus involvement if any.
Next Steps
to see ENT surgeon/ Head neck surgeon for clinical assessment and appropriate imaging.
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