What does releasing the mandibular ligament do for the neck?

Question

A Dr recommended releasing the mandibular ligament for a tighter jawline/without a face or neck lift. I already had midline tightening. Will this help with jowling or an overly tight neck?

Barbara L. Persons, MD, FACS · Answer

Hmmmm... which ligament?I have written many papers on mandibular reconstruction and I have never heard of this procedure. Please refer to the diagram I attached to help you see where the ligaments are in your jaw.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your aesthetic desires and to develop a possible treatment plan.
Best wishes,

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

The mandibular ligament can be released but doesn’t have to be cut; when a lower facelift is done to tighten the skin of the neck and improve the jawline, this is a nice maneuver.

Sanjay "Jay" Keni, MD · Answer

Hello Jen36,Great question.  Although I'm not completely sure we're on the same page with our terminology, I can say that releasing the mandibular cutaneous ligament, in conjunction with a facelift, can help smooth ('tighten') the jawline.  I'm unaware of a procedure that only releases the ligament but does not address the excess jowl skin.  Also, I don't believe such a procedure would affect the neck.  You said you've had a 'midline tightening' procedure...  I'd need further clarity on this to know if releasing the mandibular cutaneous ligament would have an effect.But best for you to discuss with your surgeon if you need clarity about what he/she is intending to do!Best wishes,Dr. Jay

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without pictures and needs an in-person evaluation. You may require surgery to get the best improvement, but there are non invasive options for improvement to the face and neck, which include:
botox, dysport or xeomin and/or fillers to help platysmal bandsthermage radiofrequencyultherapy high intensity ultrasoundPDO nova threads or instalift for liftingsculptra injections for collagen productionbtl exilis ultra, venus legacy, and thermi250 for constant collagen stimulationJ plasma or thermiRF internal tighteningI recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Release of any facial osteocutaneous ligament must be associated with either a soft tissue lifting procedure or the placement of any implant to create a soft tissue lifting effect or volumetric expansion. Ligament release by itself does not have any beneficial effect.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There is a subcutaneous attachment from the skin down to the fascia from the crease underneath the chin that can sometimes also be present into the cheeks.  It is more prominent when putting the chin down and smiling simultaneously.  Some patients have this ligament and  some patients do not.  Releasing this is a component of a facelift procedure, and not performed as a stand-alone procedure.  For many examples of  face lifts with releasing of the anterior mandibular restraining ligament, please see the  link and the video below

Bradford A. Bader, MD · Answer

The mandibular-cutaneous ligament is one of the facial retaining ligaments that are addressed during facelift procedures. Releasing this ligament allows the face/neck to be lifted in a more diagonal direction towards the sideburn/temple area. Releasing the ligament alone would probably not improve the neck or jawline. It needs to be combined with a lifting procedure.

Daniel Man, MD · Answer

You are requesting a remedy for heavy jowls and want to know if the mandibular ligament removal will fix it.
heavy jowls need to be attended by removal of these jowls. This can be done via a neck lift and not requiring a full facelift. The mandibular ligament can be treated as well but the jowls have to be removed first.Good luck in your plans for improving your looks.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Although it is part of a facelift, releasing the mandibular ligament as an isolated procdure will not improve the neck line. Pictures would be helpful to the members of this panel to evaluate your neck and possibly make suggestions for you.

What does releasing the mandibular ligament do for the neck?

Answers (11)

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