Update on "Submandibular glands already sagging after neck lift" (photo)

Three weeks post-op is really too soon to judge the results of a face lift.  Although some surgeons advocate "trimming" the submandibular glands, this is not something that I commonly suggest.  Best to follow up with your plastic surgeon in 4-6 weeks to see if there is anything additional that could be done.  Best of luck.

20 days is still early in the healing process and there is still swelling in the dependent part of your face.  Allow more time and continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon.  If the glands are still prominent after the swelling is gone you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.  There are no neck exercises which help support the glands.  Botox injection into the gland may give some improvement but the results are not predictable.  Revisional surgery to remove a portion of the gland is done but must be done by someone with extensive experience in this as there are possible problems which can occur.  Your plastic surgeon can offer guidance for you.

It's impossible to tell from the picture, but it may not be your glands at all.  It appears that there may be some laxity in the skin.  You are only 3 weeks out, so you are probably still fairly swollen.  You need to give it a bit more time, and it is too soon to think about revision surgery. Don't try any platysma tightening exercises, as this will probably make your neck look worse.  Ask you doctor if he has any radiofrequency or ultrasound devices to try on your neck if you are still unhappy in a few more weeks.

I do believe the fullness that you see on either side of your neck  represents prominent submandibular glands. As previously pointed out, this is very early your recovery course. These glands may simply be swollen, in which case things will look much better over the next 4 to 6 months. It is possible that you will need no revision work at all. Should the large glands persist, partial removal will be your best answer.In my opinion, the glands cannot be effectively treated or hidden by trying to tighten or lift the overlying muscle. They are truly larger than they were when you were younger. Partial removal is the only truly effective answer.While some surgeons do not pursue removal of these glands, I think doing so is essential in many cases to get an excellent contour to the neck. It is difficult, time-consuming, and demanding. It is definitely an advanced technique. You and your surgeon will need to carefully consider the pluses and minuses of undertaking that step. 

The post op photo does not clearly show the submandibular gland.  In most cases if there is significant sagging of the submandibular gland, a portion of the gland is excised.  There are no neck exercises that will elevate the gland by strengthening the platysma muscle.  Chewing gum exercises the masseter muscle and will not elevate the gland.  Intraglandular botox injections can reduce the size of the gland.  It is very early in your postoperative period.  A decision of the result should be made after several weeks.

It is difficult to determine exactly what is going on from your photograph, but you are only 20 days postoperative from your procedure and much of what you are seeing may be just due to swelling.  If the problem preoperatively was enlarged submandibular glands then the two alternatives are some sort of lift procedure on the gland or a partial resection of the submandibular gland.  You should ask your surgeon what was performed.  I don't think that there is any sort of non-surgical alternative to elevate the submandibular glands.  Please follow up with your surgeon and voice your concerns.

Thank you for your question though it is hard from the one photo to see what is going on and an examination is really needed.  That said sometimes it is necessary to resect a portion of the submandibular gland if they present a cosmetic deformity. rather then try to reinforce the muscle.Dr. Corbin