Facelift: is a submandibular gland reduction safe?

Thank you for your answer. A (partial) submandibular gland resection is sometimes performed to support a saggy submandibular gland during a face and necklift operation. It is rarely done on its own. During a necklift, the exposure to the submandibular gland is extremely limited, and few surgeons perform this surgery routinely. Before I re-trained in plastic surgery, I was a board certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat), the specialty that most frequently removes these glands for cancerous reasons. I can tell you that even with the wide exposure of an external incision under the jaw, it is not an easy surgery. Not dangerous, but not easy. The marginal mandibular nerve, which allows you to frown, runs on the surface of the gland. It also bleeds easily. I would say it would take a very brave, and/or skilled surgeon to approach the submandibular gland from a submental incision (and probably both). The number of facelifts I have performed numbers in the thousands, and resecting a submandibular gland is not something I take lightly. Fortunately, you would notice a tremendous improvement with or without gland excision from a face and necklift.

The volume excess under the jawline is typically a combination of fatty tissue, anterior belly of the digastric muscles and lower part of the submandibular glands.
Depending on the degree of correction that would like to achieve, all these components can be addressed and the track record for this surgery is very good. It does require a surgeon who is experienced in working on these structures.
More specifically for the submandibular glands, their volume tends to take away the lateral definition of the jawline. The definition is fundamentally based on having enough of a step between the contour of the jaw in the contour of the neck to produce a shadow. In a facelift procedure, the tissues are tightened and the contour of the soft tissues of the jaw is lifted slightly, exposing the submandibular glands slightly more.
There are differences of opinion between surgeons regarding the value of this operation, but patients that had the treatment in hands of experienced surgeons seem to appreciate the benefits.

Hi weewers,

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, this procedure should be safe. There are always risks and complications to any surgical procedure. This part of a neck rejuvenation procedure takes more time and should be done by a surgeon who is familiar with the anatomy in the area.

In your case, I think that you have fat in the neck area that is definitely contributing to the heavy look that you have in this location. Please see an experienced plastic surgeon in your area who can give you an in person exam and explain to you your best options.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Christine Rodgers