Is it true that a person would look worse having a facelift without addressing the submandibular gland problem than not having a facelift at all? Does anybody know of a doctor in the Dallas Fort Worth area who has a significant amount of experience addressing the submandibular glands problem during facelift surgery?
December 9, 2019
Answer: Facelift and neck lift with submandibular gland sling Thank you for the question. Without photos and a physical examination, I can't say for sure what the issue is with your glands in particular. For most patients, the glands descend from a position under the lower border of the mandible (jaw bone) to a position in the upper neck where they are more visible (as a lump or fullness). In my practice, I use a technique to tighten the platysma mucle under the glands like a sling or a hammock. This is sufficient for the great majority of patients. If the glands are very large, they can be carefully reduced. However, this adds risk to the nerve that controls the movement of the corner of the mouth. For many patients, knowing this risk, they choose not to have the glands operated. Best of luck moving forward!
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December 9, 2019
Answer: Facelift and neck lift with submandibular gland sling Thank you for the question. Without photos and a physical examination, I can't say for sure what the issue is with your glands in particular. For most patients, the glands descend from a position under the lower border of the mandible (jaw bone) to a position in the upper neck where they are more visible (as a lump or fullness). In my practice, I use a technique to tighten the platysma mucle under the glands like a sling or a hammock. This is sufficient for the great majority of patients. If the glands are very large, they can be carefully reduced. However, this adds risk to the nerve that controls the movement of the corner of the mouth. For many patients, knowing this risk, they choose not to have the glands operated. Best of luck moving forward!
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November 28, 2019
Answer: Submandibular glands may affect facelift results. Submandibular glands may be normal sized or they may enlarged. On examination prior to surgery your surgeon should be able to tell whether your glands are enlarged and demonstrate to you by tightening and lifting your skin whether the gland becomes more visible when your skin is tightened. If your gland is not enlarged, a facelift should improve the appearance of your face and neck. If your gland is very enlarged, and is more visible when your tissues are lifted, you would need to discuss with your surgeon if a portion of it could be removed, what the risks and benefits of that are and make a decision about whether this is what you want to pursue. Removal of the submandibular gland is not commonly done with a facelift but it is within the realm of what some surgeons do. You would need to find a surgeon who has extensive experience in this should you wish this done. Best wishes.
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November 28, 2019
Answer: Submandibular glands may affect facelift results. Submandibular glands may be normal sized or they may enlarged. On examination prior to surgery your surgeon should be able to tell whether your glands are enlarged and demonstrate to you by tightening and lifting your skin whether the gland becomes more visible when your skin is tightened. If your gland is not enlarged, a facelift should improve the appearance of your face and neck. If your gland is very enlarged, and is more visible when your tissues are lifted, you would need to discuss with your surgeon if a portion of it could be removed, what the risks and benefits of that are and make a decision about whether this is what you want to pursue. Removal of the submandibular gland is not commonly done with a facelift but it is within the realm of what some surgeons do. You would need to find a surgeon who has extensive experience in this should you wish this done. Best wishes.
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