What’s wrong with my neck? Which procedure can correct this? (Photo)

Question

What’s wrong with my neck? I am 33, in good shape, but have a very pronounced double chin and visible glands. Additionally, when I chew or put tongue to bottom of mouth my neck puffs out. Trying to figure out if procedure can correct. Thoughts?

Christian L. Stallworth, MD · Answer

Jayhu- thanks for asking your question and photos. Based on these and your history there are several possibilities- the most likely for me would be something called a ranula - a cystic mass originating from a salivary bland in the floor of the mouth and protruding through the muscle of the neck- also possible to have something called a thyroglobulin duct cyst. More than a plastic surgeon I would strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with an otolaryngologist- head and neck surgeon (ENT). You need an exam and likely a CT scan- these are all typically benign but. An cause problems- once surgically removed your neck line (and the problem) will be better than ever!

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Hi! To me this looks like you have a low positioned hyoid, which is what a lot of the muscles of your neck sling off of. This is especially obvious to me on the side view, although it is a little weird that it seems to stop right in the center. Have you had this scanned at all or has any doctor felt it? The change in positioning when you move your tongue around means that whatever it is is definitely in your deep floor of mouth region, so it could be deep fat under your platysma muscle.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

In person exam is essential by appropriate Specialist. Diagnostic imaging (i.e MRI)- is needed in order to determine the diagnosis, after which time the appropriate treatment will be outlined.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

I agree this is a very pronounced submental mass.  I would recommend you go see your PCP and obtain some imaging of this area to better understand what this is.

Gregory S. Keller, MD, FACS · Answer

You have large digastric muscles and glands.  Many surgeons are reluctant to tackle these, but recent advances in instrumentation to remove these without bleeding have improved the technique.  Check with board certified facial plastic surgeons in your area for this.

What’s wrong with my neck? Which procedure can correct this? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Neck mass

Answer: Neck mass

Answer: Digastric muscles and glands

Answer: Digastric muscles and glands

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What’s wrong with my neck? Which procedure can correct this? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Neck mass

Answer: Neck mass

Answer: Digastric muscles and glands

Answer: Digastric muscles and glands

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.