Exercise After a Neck Lift for Excess Skin Removal
Recovering safely after a neck lift is essential for achieving optimal outcomes, particularly for those undergoing surgery to remove…
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to alter the appearance of your neck by addressing excess, loose skin, excess fat, and muscle banding. However, as techniques evolve, a noteworthy concern has been highlighted: should glands be trimmed during a neck lift?
Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan has extensive experience in performing a wide range of facial procedures, including facelift, neck lift, brow lift, and blepharoplasty.
To understand the complexities of a neck lift and the role of gland trimming, you should familiarise yourself with the anatomy of the neck. Your neck is an intricate structure composed of muscles, fat, skin, and glands. The key glands we need to focus on are the submandibular glands, which are pairs of salivary glands located beneath your jaw.
These glands play a role in saliva production, but they can also impact your neck’s appearance. As you age, the skin and muscles in your neck begin to lose their elasticity and tone. This process, along with the effects of gravity, can lead to loose skin and the formation of jowls.
The submandibular glands, which remain relatively constant in size throughout your life, can become more prominent as the surrounding tissues lose volume. In some cases, these glands can create a bulge or fullness in the upper neck area. This is where the question of gland trimming during a neck lift becomes relevant.
Neck lift procedures have come a long way since their inception in the early 20th century. Initially, these surgeries focused primarily on removing excess skin, with little attention paid to the underlying structures. However, as our understanding of facial anatomy and ageing processes evolve, so did the techniques used in neck lifts.
In the 1960s and 1970s, surgeons began to recognise the importance of addressing the platysma muscle – the thin, sheet-like muscle that covers most of your neck. Techniques were developed to tighten and reposition this muscle, leading to more comprehensive and longer-lasting results.
The 1980s and 1990s saw a shift towards less invasive procedures, with the introduction of liposuction to remove excess fat in the neck area. This allowed for more precise contouring and could be performed with smaller incisions.
As we entered the 21st century, the focus shifted to a more comprehensive approach to neck surgery. Surgeons began to consider all aspects of neck anatomy, including fat distribution, muscle laxity, skin quality, and yes – the role of the submandibular glands.
It was during this period that gland trimming emerged as a technique in neck lift procedures. Pioneering surgeons noticed that in some patients, prominent submandibular glands were contributing to fullness in the upper neck, detracting from the desired contour. They began to explore ways to address this issue, leading to the development of gland trimming techniques.
Today, gland trimming is considered an advanced technique in neck lift surgery. It’s not appropriate for every patient, but in carefully selected cases, it can positively impact the overall result of a neck lift procedure.
Gland trimming, in the context of a neck lift, specifically refers to the partial reduction of the submandibular glands. But what exactly does this entail?
The process involves carefully exposing the submandibular glands through the incisions made for the neck lift procedure. Once exposed, Dr Kernohan assesses the size and position of the glands. If deemed necessary, a portion of the gland is removed, typically from the superficial aspect that contributes to the visible fullness in the neck.
You should know that this is a partial reduction, not a complete removal. The goal is to reduce the gland’s prominence while maintaining its essential function. The amount removed can vary but is usually between 20-40% of the gland’s volume.
The technique requires considerable skill and experience. Dr Kernohan must navigate around important nerves and blood vessels in the area, making precision paramount. Advanced surgical techniques, including the use of specialised instruments and sometimes even endoscopic assistance, may be employed for accuracy and safety.
Potential benefits of gland trimming include:
However, like any surgical procedure, gland trimming comes with potential risks:
It’s important to note that these risks are generally low when the procedure is performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. However, they underscore the importance of thorough consultation and careful patient selection for this technique.
The question of whether to trim submandibular glands during a neck lift has sparked considerable debate within the plastic surgery community. Here are some of the arguments on both sides of this discussion:
The decision to include gland trimming in a neck lift procedure is not one-size-fits-all. Different factors influence whether this technique might be recommended for you:
Keep in mind that the recommendation for gland trimming will always be made in the context of your overall neck lift plan. Dr Kernohan will discuss this option with you if he believes it could benefit your results. He makes sure you’re fully informed about the procedure and recovery as well as the potential risks and complications.
While gland trimming can be an effective technique in neck lift surgery, it’s not the only option for addressing neck concerns. Alternative methods can be used, either alone or together, to achieve a more contoured neck appearance:
Compared to gland trimming, these alternatives generally carry less risks and are not as invasive as necklift surgery. However, they may not address the specific issue of prominent submandibular glands. The choice between gland trimming and these alternatives depends on your individual anatomy, concerns, and desired outcomes.
Dr Kernohan will assess your unique situation and may recommend one or several of these techniques to achieve optimal results.