Ptotic saliva glands and loss of elasticity in neck. Options? (Photo)

Question

36 yrs old. Within the last 8-12 mos. saliva glands under my jaw descended & the skin lost elasticity. Been checked by doctors & had mri, there is no medical reason for it, & I'm told my glands are normal sized. I take care of my skin. I had radio frequency treatments in that area in Feb. I've been on Lyrica & pain meds since Jan. Any ideas as to why it happened? What are my options for fixing it? Neck lift with basket suspension or resection? The full face pic is me (on the left) one year ago.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photos. I agree that you are too young for invasive procedures like facelift or neck lift. However, you do have enlarged and ptotic submandibular glands. Reduction of the volume of the glands can be performed surgically, but only through incisions like those for face and neck lift. In some cases, these glands can be injected with Botox in order to reduce their volume. Caution must be taken to avoid causing droopy lip, given the location of the nerve that moves the corner of the mouth.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, demar4244. I suggest you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon who performed your surgery as your surgery looks great and your surgeon will know exactly their procedural method to dictate the treatments in lost elasticity. Best wishes,

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

There are some facelift surgeons who will lift and others who will remove part of the surgeon.  You have to find someone who believes in these treatments and is comfortable doing so.  I personally believe the risks are more than I find acceptable, so I do not perform these treatments at this time.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

you must find a surgeon who is comfortable removing them during your neck or face procedure.  Most surgeons don't like to mess with them due to potential nerve injury problems.  So make sure your surgeon has the experience to deliver what you want.

David Q. Santos, MD · Answer

Dependable resolution of sagging submandibular glands is a challenge no matter what technique or surgeon utilized.  I have had reasonable success with suture tightening and suspension technique from an under the chin approach.  No gaurantees, but nontheless noticeable improvement seen in the majority.  I am not in favor of removal or partial removal of the gland due to muscle weakness risks.

Ptotic saliva glands and loss of elasticity in neck. Options? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: When your glands are a problem

Answer: When your glands are a problem

Answer: Suture tightening

Answer: Suture tightening

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.

Ptotic saliva glands and loss of elasticity in neck. Options? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: When your glands are a problem

Answer: When your glands are a problem

Answer: Suture tightening

Answer: Suture tightening

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.