I think I found a cosmetic surgeon as he was recommended by my dermatologist. I’ve also been to a few consults and liked him the most. He suggested I do a lower face lift + neck lift and he is highly rated in my city. However, he is advocating the shaving or removal of saliva glands during the procedure to provide a good line. I am thin & have some neck sagging that is progressively getting worse but I do not have bad jowls. What are other surgeons’ views on the removal of saliva glands?
Answer: These procedures are associated with many side effects. Exposure of the submandibular gland during the facelift is very challenging. It is in close approximation a branch of the facial nerve. As many as 10% of individuals have a permanent weakness in the smile due resection of the gland. An artery commonly travels in the gland. When the resection is performed bleeding can occur from the gland that can be difficult to manage. Surgeons who perform this procedure need excellent training to manage this very challenging and foreseeable problem. Finally, resection of the gland, even partial resection, is commonly associated with dry mouth. Many people and surgeons wisely choose to leave the fullness in the neck associated with the gland unaddressed.
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Answer: These procedures are associated with many side effects. Exposure of the submandibular gland during the facelift is very challenging. It is in close approximation a branch of the facial nerve. As many as 10% of individuals have a permanent weakness in the smile due resection of the gland. An artery commonly travels in the gland. When the resection is performed bleeding can occur from the gland that can be difficult to manage. Surgeons who perform this procedure need excellent training to manage this very challenging and foreseeable problem. Finally, resection of the gland, even partial resection, is commonly associated with dry mouth. Many people and surgeons wisely choose to leave the fullness in the neck associated with the gland unaddressed.
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Answer: Facelift salivary glands Without pictures it is hard to advise you. There are times when this procedure, removing the salivary glands can help the neck line. You are correct in that this added step does create an added risk. Best to seek out a face-to-face consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon that is a member of ASPS and ASAPS.There are plenty of patients with prominent sub-maxillary glands that chose to not have them removed that look good after surgery.Sincerely,Dr. KSan Francisco, Ca.
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Answer: Facelift salivary glands Without pictures it is hard to advise you. There are times when this procedure, removing the salivary glands can help the neck line. You are correct in that this added step does create an added risk. Best to seek out a face-to-face consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon that is a member of ASPS and ASAPS.There are plenty of patients with prominent sub-maxillary glands that chose to not have them removed that look good after surgery.Sincerely,Dr. KSan Francisco, Ca.
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December 10, 2018
Answer: Not routine Usually addressing the salivary glands is a special case and not a routine consideration. But it is difficult to say in your case without photos. Addressing the salivary glands by partial excision in routine cases does increase your risks and its something your may want to ask your doctor about or do more research to make sure it is worthwhile in your case.
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December 10, 2018
Answer: Not routine Usually addressing the salivary glands is a special case and not a routine consideration. But it is difficult to say in your case without photos. Addressing the salivary glands by partial excision in routine cases does increase your risks and its something your may want to ask your doctor about or do more research to make sure it is worthwhile in your case.
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December 10, 2018
Answer: Is it safe to remove saliva glands during a neck lift? Thank you for sharing your excellent question. At times a patient can have a submandibular gland that has sagged below the jawline and which can compromise the jawline contour. Removal of a portion of the gland can be performed, albeit at an increased time to the operation. I would be sure to understand why the procedure is being recommend so that you can make the best decision for yourself. Hope this helps.
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December 10, 2018
Answer: Is it safe to remove saliva glands during a neck lift? Thank you for sharing your excellent question. At times a patient can have a submandibular gland that has sagged below the jawline and which can compromise the jawline contour. Removal of a portion of the gland can be performed, albeit at an increased time to the operation. I would be sure to understand why the procedure is being recommend so that you can make the best decision for yourself. Hope this helps.
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December 10, 2018
Answer: Removal of the submandibular glands during a face lift Thank you for your question. There are some patients with prominent submandibular glands which require removal for the best results. It increases the complexity and the recovery. This being said, there are some patients that need it or they still have fullness in that area. In my practice I only remove then in about 3-5% of my patients. My suggestion would be to get a second opinion and if both surgeons think you need it done for best results, then you should probably do it. Another option is to not do it and if you still have fullness after the procedure that really bugs you, a revision can be done and the glands removed at that time. I have had several patients in my office over the years that are not happy with their face lift from other surgeons because the other surgeons do not even mention these glands. I tell everyone about them if they are prominent and then we have a discussion about the pros and cons of removing them. Often times we leave them, but the patient is aware when they still have a little fullness there, we knew that was going to happen. I am glad your surgeon brought them up, now you just need to make the decision with your surgeon.Best of luck.
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December 10, 2018
Answer: Removal of the submandibular glands during a face lift Thank you for your question. There are some patients with prominent submandibular glands which require removal for the best results. It increases the complexity and the recovery. This being said, there are some patients that need it or they still have fullness in that area. In my practice I only remove then in about 3-5% of my patients. My suggestion would be to get a second opinion and if both surgeons think you need it done for best results, then you should probably do it. Another option is to not do it and if you still have fullness after the procedure that really bugs you, a revision can be done and the glands removed at that time. I have had several patients in my office over the years that are not happy with their face lift from other surgeons because the other surgeons do not even mention these glands. I tell everyone about them if they are prominent and then we have a discussion about the pros and cons of removing them. Often times we leave them, but the patient is aware when they still have a little fullness there, we knew that was going to happen. I am glad your surgeon brought them up, now you just need to make the decision with your surgeon.Best of luck.
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