Is it safe to remove saliva glands during a neck lift?

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

If you truly have bulging salivary glands and would benefit from excision, some surgeons are way better and experienced (YES) than others (NO).  If you really don't have the bulge, then this shouldn't even an issue to consider and you're being taken advantage of.  

If the submandibular glands are producing a noticeable bulge in the neck then it would be appropriate to remove part of the gland. But its indication to do so is uncommon and it takes good experience to do it successfully without complications.

It is possible to remove a portion of the sub maxillary salivary gland in the neck when it is hypertrophied and enlarged causing a visible bulge. This can be done at  the time of a neck lift, or a face and neck lift procedure. Make sure your surgeon is very comfortable with this procedure

Dear,
Submandibular gland removal is indicated in some cases where there is an hypertrophic / ptotic gland that cause a lump below the jawline and can not be improved with just pulling from the lateral. 
Having said that, it is not done routinely, most of the surgeons are not trained on that but in the last years in all the meeting, submandibular gland resection seems to be popular, but is not. One of the issues with this operation is bleeding and technically demanding. 
My advise is go to board certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience doing that. 

With my best wishes

AF

Yes, that is safe when done by an experienced surgeon. Every few years at our national meeting someone presents a paper on that procedure and then asks the audience of surgeons to raise their hand if they do the procedure. Year after year very few surgeons raise their hands. So make sure your surgeon is skilled at this infrequently done procedure.