Removal of left and right Submandibular glands for better aesthetic neck lift results.

Question

I had a platysmaplasty approx 2 years ago. Shortly after the surgery, my submandibular glands are very noticeable and take much away from the results of the procedure. Now I am having a face and neck lift and want to have my glands removed in hopes of achieving the best result possible. My PS agrees that the glands are slightly swollen and will remove them for optimal results, but I'm not sure if I should, not just due to the surgical risks, but long term as well.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Partial of total removal of submandibular glands might be necessary to be performed during a neck lift to achieve a better aesthetic neck lift result. However, without pictures in this forum, it is very difficult to determine if the removal of the glands would in deed have great impact on the outcomes or not.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The glands should not be removed because this will potentially contribute to a dry mouth and cause dents in your neck contour.  The preferred approach is to shave the submandibular gland.  This is very aggressive surgery with many associated potential complications including difficult to control bleeding and permanent motor nerve injury.  Fools rush in where angels dare to tread.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, a partial removal of the sub- mandibular glands can accomplish a  better aesthetic lift results, if they are enlarged significantly. It's important not to remove too much of the gland otherwise a dry mouth will result.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

When improving the contour of the neck, some patients may need to talk about their submandibular glands. Submandibular glands are salivary glands that sit just inside your jaw bone. They may be big or hang low, creating a bulge on your neck. This bulge may be more obvious after a neck lift or neck liposuction.I like to look for these glands during the consultation and talk to my patient about these glands. The neck line may be improved by reducing the size of the gland (removing a small portion). It is not necessary to remove the entire gland. This should not affect your ability to produce saliva over time as you have other glands (parotid, sublingual, and minor salivary). This gland does sit near a branch of the nerve that controls the corner of your mouth. I would consider this a more advanced technique worth discussing. Safety comes first.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

I advice suspending your glands rather than removing them which will result in you not losing any function.

Removal of left and right Submandibular glands for better aesthetic neck lift results.

Answers (7)

Answer: Necklift and reducing the submandibular gland

Answer: Necklift and reducing the submandibular gland

Answer: Removal or suspension of glands

Answer: Removal or suspension of glands

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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Removal of left and right Submandibular glands for better aesthetic neck lift results.

Answers (7)

Answer: Necklift and reducing the submandibular gland

Answer: Necklift and reducing the submandibular gland

Answer: Removal or suspension of glands

Answer: Removal or suspension of glands

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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