What is the purpose of subdermal fat grafting during a parotidectomy?

Subdermal fat grafting during a parotidectomy serves the purpose of preventing Frey's syndrome, also known as gustatory sweating. Frey's syndrome occurs when there is aberrant regeneration of the auriculotemporal nerve, leading to the innervation of sweat glands instead of salivary glands. By placing a fat graft in the disrupted area where the parotid gland was, the surgeon creates a physical barrier that helps to prevent the aberrant nerve connections from forming. This intervention can significantly reduce the risk of Frey's syndrome developing post-surgery, which is crucial for the patient's comfort and quality of life after a parotidectomy.