I am considering a neck lift. I have a large gland in my neck. The plastic says they do not remove them. I have heard others remove them to create a better profile. Which is correct? Is it possible to “tuck” them back in place?
October 14, 2023
Answer: Management of submandibular glands. The glands that you are talking about in your neck are your submandibular glands. You’re correct that some doctors do not touch them, other doctors will partially remove them to improve the contour of the neck. They can be partially improved by the traction placed on the platysma muscle in the neck when the SMAS is tightened, but if they are very large, they may still be visible. If they are to be partially removed, care must be taken to avoid some large blood vessels that run through the gland, as well as some of the nerves supplying the muscles around your mouth. Additional drains need to be placed in the area of the gland removal to minimize the possibility of a saliva collection and you would need to be on a special diet which minimizes saliva production for several days. I am not aware of any reliable method which push the glands up, nor any treatment which effectively shrinks the glands. Speak at length with your plastic surgeon about this. Best wishes.
Helpful
October 14, 2023
Answer: Management of submandibular glands. The glands that you are talking about in your neck are your submandibular glands. You’re correct that some doctors do not touch them, other doctors will partially remove them to improve the contour of the neck. They can be partially improved by the traction placed on the platysma muscle in the neck when the SMAS is tightened, but if they are very large, they may still be visible. If they are to be partially removed, care must be taken to avoid some large blood vessels that run through the gland, as well as some of the nerves supplying the muscles around your mouth. Additional drains need to be placed in the area of the gland removal to minimize the possibility of a saliva collection and you would need to be on a special diet which minimizes saliva production for several days. I am not aware of any reliable method which push the glands up, nor any treatment which effectively shrinks the glands. Speak at length with your plastic surgeon about this. Best wishes.
Helpful
October 13, 2023
Answer: Neck Lift Salivary Gland Reduction Hello, hope you are well. Salivary gland reductions (usually partial excisions) have become a more common aspect of deep neck lift surgery, but it remains the minority of patients that require this. Gland excision is perfectly fine in the correct circumstances, but there are some additional inherent risks associated. Whenever possible, they can be "tucked" back into place instead. There is no universally correct answer, and without seeing and feeling your neck I don't think anyone here can give you an informed opinion on whether it's necessary in your case.
Helpful
October 13, 2023
Answer: Neck Lift Salivary Gland Reduction Hello, hope you are well. Salivary gland reductions (usually partial excisions) have become a more common aspect of deep neck lift surgery, but it remains the minority of patients that require this. Gland excision is perfectly fine in the correct circumstances, but there are some additional inherent risks associated. Whenever possible, they can be "tucked" back into place instead. There is no universally correct answer, and without seeing and feeling your neck I don't think anyone here can give you an informed opinion on whether it's necessary in your case.
Helpful
