Partial Submandibular Gland Resection in Deep Neck Surgery: An Assessment of Safety Using the LigaSure Exact...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Subplatysmal structure management, including submandibular glands (SMGs), is crucial for optimal cervicomandibular contour.
• Partial SMG excision can improve neck definition but carries concerns regarding bleeding and complications.
• The LigaSure Exact Dissector, a bipolar vessel-sealing device, is increasingly used for SMG management in aesthetic neck surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the short-term safety of partial SMG excision using the LigaSure Exact Dissector.
• To evaluate the postoperative complication profile of this technique during aesthetic neck lift procedures.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational case series of patients undergoing primary neck lifts with partial SMG excision using the LigaSure Exact Dissector.
• Data collected included patient demographics and postoperative complications.
• Analysis involved descriptive statistics with a minimum follow-up of 3 months.

Main Results:

• Eighty patients (65%) underwent bilateral partial SMG excision during 123 neck lifts.
• The complication rate was low, including seroma (3.75%), minor hematoma (1.25%), and transient lower-lip weakness (5%), all resolving within 8 weeks.
• No permanent nerve injury, sialoma, infection, or xerostomia were reported.

Conclusions:

• Partial SMG excision with the LigaSure Exact Dissector is associated with a low rate of short-term complications.
• The technique appears safe for appropriately selected patients undergoing aesthetic neck lift.
• Further comparative studies are recommended to validate these findings.