A sialocele is a localized, subcutaneous cavity containing saliva.
[1][2] It is caused by trauma (e.g. violence, accident or surgery) or infection.
[5] In this case the sialocele is the result of saliva draining out of remaining parotid tissue, and occurs about 5 to 10% of cases of superficial (partial) parotidectomy.
[5][6] It is usually not painful,[6] and a mild and self-limiting complication,[5] and is managed by repeated aspiration (draining) of the swelling via a needle after the skin has been disinfected with an antibacterial.
[6] They are rarely chronic, however if persistent a surgical drain may be required.