Deep Neck Contouring With a Focus on Submandibular Gland Vascularity: A Cadaver Study

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Submental incisions offer precise management of deep neck structures for superior neck aesthetics.
• Deep neck anatomy and submandibular gland vascularization are critical for cosmetic neck contouring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the distribution of deep neck structures.
• To investigate the detailed vascular anatomy of the submandibular gland.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of 26 fresh frozen cadaver heads (15 female, 11 male).
• Evaluation of excised tissue weights (subcutaneous fat, subplatysmal fat, digastric muscle, submandibular glands).
• Investigation of submandibular gland vascular supply and intracapsular vessel diameters.

Main Results:

• Tissue distribution varied by sex; females had more supraplatysmal fat, males more subplatysmal fat.
• Subcutaneous fat was significantly higher in females compared to males.
• Intraglandular vessel diameter correlated with proximity to major feeding vessels (facial and submental arteries).

Conclusions:

• Exceptional neck contouring requires addressing structures deep to the platysma.
• Submandibular gland reduction is safe when its vascular anatomy is well understood.