Neck irregularity after deep plane facelift & neck lift, thoughts or suggestions please? (Photos)

Thank you for your inquiry and sharing your photographs. As far as I can tell, there is the possibility of left submandibular gland fullness. However, there is also some contracture band under the skin, which seems to affect the platysma muscle on the left side. This could be improved with steroid injections, but it is likely that the volume of the submandibular gland will still represent a problem.

It is indeed possible that prior to surgery, you had more symmetry, which camouflaged the appearance of the submandibular gland on the left side, and following the surgery, there was more reduction on the right than on the left. If you would like to be sure about the current situation, my suggestion is to have an ultrasound for the soft tissues under the chin. This will reveal the tissue characteristics, and you will know for sure rather than guess.

An MRI scan, in particular a sitting MRI scan, can also demonstrate these features, but is inevitably more expensive.

You would benefit from submandibular gland removal to address any gland-related fullness and platysmal correction (e.g., platysmaplasty) to refine the neck contour. These adjustments can significantly improve the overall neck and jawline appearance by addressing both structural and muscular contributions to the fullness. It’s essential to consult with your surgeon to confirm these recommendations and discuss the risks and benefits of revision surgery.
MD Erman Ak

It's understandable to feel uncertain about the relationship between your surgical results and the submandibular gland. In a deep plane facelift and neck lift, the surgeon often considers various anatomical structures, including glands, to achieve the best aesthetic outcome. If there was a suggestion that removing the gland could enhance results, it might have been based on your surgeon's assessment of how it could impact your neck contour.

However, if you had no visible protrusion of the gland while lying flat and were told that your results would be good regardless of whether the gland was removed, it’s natural to question the role it might play in your current results.

Here are a few suggestions:

Follow-Up Consultation: Consider discussing your concerns directly with your surgeon. Ask for clarification on how the gland might be affecting your results and whether its removal could have made a significant difference.

Second Opinion: If you're feeling uneasy, seeking a second opinion from another qualified surgeon could provide more insight into your situation.

Understanding Recovery: Sometimes, the early results can be influenced by swelling, tissue healing, and the overall dynamics of the area, which can take time to settle.

Patient Support: Connecting with other patients who have undergone similar procedures might provide additional perspectives and reassurance.

Ultimately, it's important to feel confident and comfortable with your treatment and its outcomes, so don’t hesitate to advocate for your concerns.