After Face/necklift, how can I tell if neck lumps are submandibular salivary glands or something else?

As per the location you describe at the sides of the neck they are not the submaxillary glands, which are located in the corresponding cell in the underchin.

Hello,Six months after a facelift, the majority of the swelling is gone.  In all likelihood, you are feeling your normal submandibular gland anatomy that is normally asymmetric.  This is normal. Many times however, there can be persistent swelling in the area.  I recommend returning to your surgeon for examination and reassurance. Regards,

Your precise description of the location of these lumps makes the probability of them being sub-mandibular gland close to 95%.  They are usually symmetrical, with your surgery their palpability may be different.  The submandibular lymph nodes can be in that location as well.  Flexion of the neck makes the lymph nodes easier to feel and the glands less noticeable or palpable.  Voice your concerns to your surgeon.  Regards.

Thank you for your question.  It is impossible to assess your concern without pictures.  The lumps that you are feeling could be your submandibular glands, reactive lymph nodes, or simply some residual postoperative swelling in the submandibular fat.  I would suggest expressing your concerns to your surgeon, and he/she should be able to tell you what you are feeling.  The submandibular glands typically rest just below the jawline on each side of the neck.  Like all things, they can descend further into the neck as we age.  The submandibular glands can certainly be more prominent following a facelift, due to swelling in the postoperative period and tightening of the skin over the glands.  This will typically diminish with time as things heal and swelling resolves.  It can take up to 9 - 12 months for postoperative swelling to completely resolve following a facelift.  There is also some natural relaxation of the skin and platysma muscle that will occur in the first few months following facelift that will likely diminish the prominent appearance of the submandibular glands.  If you can feel them, but they are not visible and cause no aesthetic concern, I would not worry about them.  The submandibular glands can almost always be felt, and will likely require no intervention.  I wish you the best in your recovery.

Almost all submandibular glands can be palpated. Provided these do not create an aesthetic problem there's no reason to be concerned. Your plastic surgeon should be able to tell you whether or not this is the case.