Abstract: Salivary gland tumor is one of the most common tumors in the oral and maxillofacial region and parotid gland is the most common location. Functional parotid surgery for parotid tumors involves conserving the gland and its re-lated tissues as much as possible based on the ablation of the tumors. Partial parotidectomy is superior to superficial paroti -dectomy in the following aspects: shorter surgical duration, less damage to facial nerve, reduced facial deformity, lower inci-dence of Frey’s syndrome, and preserved glandular function. The incidence of Frey’s syndrome could be reduced if the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is preserved. The secretory function of the glandular tissue deep to the facial nerve could be preserved once Steven’s duct is conserved. Earlobe numbness will be avoided or relieved once the great auricular nerve is preserved. For patients with low-grade malignant tumors, conservation of the facial nerve could be considered when the nerve adheres to the tumor. Intraoperative cryosurgery and postoperative radiotherapy are necessary. The alternative option for management of the facial nerve is 125I seeds implant brachytherapy. Both options can well control tumor recurrence and facial nerve function can be recovered. Better aesthetic results without obvious scars can be achieved by using a face lift incision. Functional parotid surgery results in fewer complications and better quality of life for patients with parotid tumors.