Why do some facelifts appear "Joker-like" and show large salivary glands sticking out on the side of the neck?

There are actually three issues that you have described: "joker-like" expression, "tight appearance", and large salivary glands.  A so-called "joker-like" look is often termed Joker lines or a cross-cheek depression by experienced surgeons.   This is a situation, that should be noticed before surgery,  where the patient has an indentation from the sides of the mouth that extends to the ear.  A  facelift, without simultaneous volume augmentation (e.g., fat transfer, filler), can exacerbate the joker lines and make the person look "done" or "pulled".A "tight" look can arise by a number of ways but is typically the result of a surgeon not re-positioning and tightening the muscle layer (SMAS layer) well or artistically enough, and he/she will then over-tighten the skin to compensate, creating a "tight", un-natural and pulled look.Large submandibular glands can become more visible after a neck lift.  It is not uncommon to have these glands reduced in size to minimize their visibility.The attached link provides more information.I hope this helps.   

Facelift results are going to depend on both the surgeon's skill, you definitely want to see a board certified plastic surgeon, and a patient's desired outcome. With the new facelift techniques available today, there is really no reason for a patient to look "pulled" and overly "done". Hope this helps.Kindly,Kouros Azar

The  pull up look is due to a increase tension in the skin when is resected.  The surgery in the face never should be close with tension, the deep tissues should   support the facial structures and the skin close gently and accurately this will result in a natural look