What can I do to minimize the appearance of bumps under the chin 2 years after neck lift? (photos)

Question

Hello. I had this procedure over two years ago and I still have these bumps under my chin. My surgeon said they were salivary glands. Whst should I do? Thanks in advance.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

If I’m seeing correctly what you are concerned about, your bumps appear too close to the midline to be salivary glands. Salivary glands can be large and visible in some patients but they usually are about at the midpoint, just under the jaw.  Your bumps seem to be more likely residual fat deposits or platysma muscle.  A small revision of these areas, even under local anesthesia should help improve the contour.  Best wishes.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I am not sure what procedure you had done? I would recommend a facelift/necklift. In the neck, there is a cobra neck deformity. This is due to over-resection of fat in between the platysma muscle bellies, inadequate tightening of the neck muscle, and inadequate lateral suspension of the platysma as well.  I would recommend seeing a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ideally with 6 years of integrated plastic surgery residency training and ALSO a 1 year aesthetic fellowship accredited by the Aesthetic Society).

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Your photos show separate areas of fullness closer to the midline of your neck below the chin than is usual for the submandibular salivary glands, which are usually located a little further to the side under the jaw.  Therefore, I think these 2 areas may represent scar tissue, retained fat and prominent platysma muscle following your surgery.  I would suggest an exploratory look through the standard incision under the chin.  If needed, the platysma muscles can be sutured together in the midline, fat and scar tissue can be contoured down.  However, if the bumps are really the salivary glands, then the only treatment to lessen their visibility is to remove part of the glands.  But this should only be performed by a surgeon with experience removing submandibular salivary glands as there is a risk of excess bleeding and even nerve damage.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. The submandibular salivary glands live a little further lateral than the lumps demonstrated in your photos. Those are most likely the anterior digastric muscles. In any case, a revision neck lift can be performed to reduce those areas of fullness. 
Best,Dr. Tower

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello Pioneering989353! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Shah Facial Plastics. This is a great question. I highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation in order to better assess your areas of concern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals. Our office phone number is: (312) 944-0117. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Michael S. Kluska, DO · Answer

If these are your salivary glands, you may benefit from a deep plane neck lift combined with partial removal of the gland. The procedure takes one hour and has 5 days of recovery.

What can I do to minimize the appearance of bumps under the chin 2 years after neck lift? (photos)

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