I had a face lift eight months ago. My Submandibular Gland on the left side has a hard stationary knot?

Question

I had a face lift eight months ago. My Submandibular Gland on the left side has a hard stationary knot. I ask my plastic surgeon about it and he said it was my gland. My concern is, the other side does not feel as prominent. I saw my ENT and he recommended a CT scan. Do you think that is warranted, or maybe this ENT is not familiar with what happens to those glands, after a necklift?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. #Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). Additionally, the #swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed: the sensation will decrease during the first month. The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

The submandibular glands are nestled up underneath the middle of the jaw bone. As we age they tend to drop. Hardness in one is definitely worthy of a ct scan.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. First, at 8 months post-op, most of the healing and swelling should be done. The lump in the gland could be related to scar tissue, depending on the approach used. It could also be a salivary stone or a growth in the gland or a nearby lymph node. A CT scan would be fine, but you could also start with a simple ultrasound. If this looks suspicious, a CT and/or a needle biopsy can be performed. Best of luck!

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

The knot may be related to your facelift surgery or it may actually be a process going on in your gland itself. I agree with your ENT assessment and would get a CT scan to better assess that area.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

At 8 months post op, you should be fully healed so yes, I would have this knot checked out. It could be due to your facelift or something else, but a CT scan will give everyone involved an accurate idea of what's actually going on. Kindly,Kouros Azar

I had a face lift eight months ago. My Submandibular Gland on the left side has a hard stationary knot?

Answers (9)

Answer: Enlarged submandibular gland after facelift surgery

Answer: Enlarged submandibular gland after facelift surgery

Answer: CT Scan for Knot in Submandibular Gland

Answer: CT Scan for Knot in Submandibular Gland

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

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

I had a face lift eight months ago. My Submandibular Gland on the left side has a hard stationary knot?

Answers (9)

Answer: Enlarged submandibular gland after facelift surgery

Answer: Enlarged submandibular gland after facelift surgery

Answer: CT Scan for Knot in Submandibular Gland

Answer: CT Scan for Knot in Submandibular Gland

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

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