Innovative tactic in submandibular salivary gland partial resection

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Facial Rejuvenation
• Anatomy of the Neck

Background:

• Achieving an adequate neck contour is a primary goal in facial rejuvenation surgery.
• Partial resection of the submandibular salivary gland (SMSG) is sometimes necessary for optimal neck contouring.
• Potential complications include hematoma, sialoma, and facial nerve injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel surgical tactic designed to prevent complications associated with submandibular salivary gland (SMSG) resection during neck lift procedures.
• To assess the efficacy of the new tactic in reducing the incidence of hematoma, sialoma, and marginal mandibular nerve injury.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 240 consecutive neck lift patients undergoing partial SMSG resection.
• The new tactic involves specific suturing to retract the platysma muscle and facial nerve branches, and to seal the dissected SMSG area.
• Patients were divided into a control group (25 patients, no tactic) and a study group (215 patients, with tactic).

Main Results:

• The study group demonstrated significantly lower rates of hematoma (0% vs 8%) and sialoma (0% vs 24%) compared to the control group.
• While the control group had a higher rate of lower lip depressor paralysis (4% vs 0.9%), this difference was not statistically significant.
• The described surgical tactic proved highly effective in preventing major complications.

Conclusions:

• The novel surgical tactic is efficient and safe for preventing hematoma, sialoma, and facial nerve complications during neck lifts with partial SMSG resection.
• This technique enhances patient safety and contributes to successful facial rejuvenation outcomes.
• The described suturing method provides a reliable approach to managing the SMSG during deep neck procedures.