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?
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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