Objectives Superficial parotidectomy is a common surgery performed by Otolaryngologists. Elderly patients may be undertreated due to perceived complications. Our study aimed to evaluate the differences in early postoperative outcomes in patients over age 75. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) database identified patients undergoing superficial parotidectomy. Cohorts were created for patients younger and older than 75. Bivariate and multivariate analyses compared rates of postoperative complications, reoperation, length of stay and readmission. Subgroup analyses were conducted for benign and malignant disease. Results Our query identified 2472 patients, including 309 elderly and 2163 younger patients. Bivariate analysis showed significantly higher rates of stroke (p = 0.043), readmission (p < 0.001), hospital stay longer than two days (p < 0.001) and need for transfusion (p = 0.026) in elderly patients. On multivariate analsysis, readmission rates (OR: 2.648, 95% CI: 1.035-6.775, p = 0.042) and increased length of stay (OR: 2.405, 95% CI: 1.348-4.298, p = 0.003) were significantly worse in elderly patients. Subgroup analysis showed that elderly patients treated for malignant parotid tumors were more likely to be readmitted (OR: 6.928, 95% CI: 1.293-37.111, p = 0.024). Conclusion Superficial parotidectomy appears to be a safe when performed in elderly patients. Main risks to consider in this population include readmission and increased hospital length of stay. Major postoperative morbidities were not identified on multivariate analysis.