Aesthetic resection of the submandibular salivary gland

This paper analyzes some pathologies of the submandibular salivary gland that present a special interest for facial aesthetic surgeons. Even up-to-date techniques to correct the aesthetic deformities of the submandibular and cervical regions can be disappointing when the patient presents an increasing volume or ptosis of the submandibular salivary gland. Sometimes, even though the submandibular gland has not been preoperatively identified, it may become evident postoperatively, compromising the submandibular and cervical contour because the musculocutaneous flaccidity has been corrected and the fatty tissue present in this area has been eliminated. A personal approach is presented to treat the ptosis or the submandibular salivary gland enlargement that compromises rhytidoplasty results. A partial resection of the superficial part of the gland is suggested to treat some cases of ptosis or enlargement of the submandibular salivary gland.