Submandibular Gland Reduction in Minneapolis, MN

A full or poorly defined jawline can result from several different anatomical features. In some patients, prominent submandibular glands contribute to fullness beneath the jaw that cannot be corrected with liposuction or skin tightening alone.

A Precise Approach to Neck Refinement

Successful neck contouring begins with identifying each anatomical structure contributing to fullness. As a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon focused on advanced facial and neck rejuvenation, Dr. Mitchell Hagen evaluates the skin, superficial and deep fat, platysma, digastric muscles, and submandibular glands.

This anatomy-first approach allows Dr. Hagen to determine which structures should be addressed and whether submandibular gland reduction should be included as part of a comprehensive deep neck lift. If your neck concerns go beyond ordinary fat or skin laxity, schedule a consultation to receive an individualized evaluation.

What Is Submandibular Gland Reduction?

The submandibular glands are a pair of salivary glands located beneath the jawline, one on each side of the upper neck. In some patients, the glands are enlarged, naturally prominent, or have descended below the jawline, creating visible fullness on either side of the neck.
Prominent glands may resemble submental fat, but they are different tissues that require different treatments. The glands are located beneath the platysma within the deeper layers of the neck. Liposuction treats fat—not glandular tissue—and therefore cannot correct fullness caused by a prominent gland.

The submandibular glands are only one possible contributor to an undefined jawline. Loose skin, superficial and deep fat, platysma banding, prominent digastric muscles, and skeletal anatomy may also affect the neck contour. For this reason, gland reduction is generally considered as one component of comprehensive deep neck contouring rather than an isolated procedure.

Benefits of Submandibular Gland Reduction

More comprehensive neck contouring: Addresses a source of fullness that liposuction and skin tightening cannot directly correct.
Improved definition beneath the jaw: May create a smoother transition between the jawline and neck in appropriately selected patients.
Anatomy-based treatment: Allows the surgical plan to address the specific superficial and deep structures contributing to neck fullness.
Conservative, tailored reduction: Reduces gland projection while preserving the remaining gland tissue and its function.
More balanced deep-neck contouring: Helps address persistent fullness on either side of the central neck when other anatomical contributors are also being treated.

Am I a Good Candidate for Submandibular Gland Reduction?

Not every patient with neck fullness has prominent submandibular glands, and gland reduction is not necessary for everyone considering neck rejuvenation. Appropriate candidates have gland prominence that noticeably affects the contour beneath the jaw and cannot be adequately corrected by treating fat, loose skin, or muscle banding alone.

Dr. Hagen evaluates the complete anatomy of the neck to determine whether gland reduction is likely to create a meaningful improvement. Patients with preexisting dry mouth, Sjögren’s syndrome, previous head and neck radiation, or other conditions affecting salivary function may not be appropriate candidates.

Why Choose Dr. Hagen for Submandibular Gland Reduction?

Submandibular gland reduction is a technically demanding component of deep neck surgery because the glands are surrounded by important nerves, blood vessels, and salivary structures.

As a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial and neck rejuvenation, Dr. Hagen evaluates each layer of the neck individually rather than applying the same operation to every patient. This anatomy-first philosophy helps him determine when gland reduction is appropriate—and when it is not.

Dr. Hagen provides advanced facial and neck contouring for patients from Wayzata, Minneapolis, and throughout Minnesota.

Your Consultation

During a consultation, Dr. Hagen examines the neck and jawline to determine which structures are contributing to fullness. This includes evaluating the skin, superficial and deep fat, platysma, digastric muscles, and the size and prominence of the submandibular glands.

A physical examination usually allows Dr. Hagen to estimate whether the glands contribute meaningfully to the patient’s neck contour. The final treatment plan is based on the complete anatomy of the neck, and in some cases the appropriate degree of reduction is confirmed during surgery.

Patients receive an individualized surgical plan rather than a generic neck rejuvenation package.

How Much Does Submandibular Gland Reduction Cost?

Submandibular gland reduction is generally performed as one component of a larger neck or facial rejuvenation procedure. Its cost is therefore usually incorporated into the overall treatment plan rather than billed as an isolated procedure.

During a consultation, patients receive a personalized quote based on their anatomy and the complete scope of the recommended surgery. Financing information is also available.

What to Expect During Submandibular Gland Reduction

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Neck

Before performing gland reduction, Dr. Hagen evaluates the superficial and deep structures affecting the neck and jawline. This helps determine whether gland prominence is contributing meaningfully to the patient’s concerns and whether reducing it will improve the overall result.
Gland reduction is not performed routinely during every neck lift. It is included only when the patient’s anatomy indicates that it will provide a meaningful benefit.

Conservative Partial Reduction

Rather than removing the entire gland, Dr. Hagen conservatively reduces the prominent portion contributing to visible fullness beneath the jaw. The goal is to improve the contour while preserving the remaining gland tissue and its function.

Incorporating Gland Reduction Into a Deep Neck Lift

In Dr. Hagen’s practice, gland reduction is generally performed as part of a deep neck lift or comprehensive face and neck lift rather than as an isolated procedure.

Addressing the glands during the same operation allows Dr. Hagen to evaluate and treat the relevant structures from superficial to deep. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, this may include superficial and deep fat, the platysma, digastric muscles, and prominent submandibular glands.

Submandibular Gland Reduction Recovery

Because submandibular gland reduction is typically performed during a deep neck lift or facelift, it usually does not require a completely separate recovery period. It may, however, contribute additional swelling, tightness, or tenderness beneath the jaw.

Most patients return to light activities within approximately two weeks, although swelling and firmness may take longer to resolve. Dr. Hagen closely monitors patients for bleeding, asymmetry, nerve weakness, or a salivary fluid collection as the area heals.

Recovery varies according to the extent of surgery and the other procedures performed at the same time.

Submandibular Gland Reduction Results

Submandibular gland reduction is not typically performed as an isolated procedure. Instead, it may be incorporated into a comprehensive deep neck lift that evaluates each anatomical layer contributing to the appearance of the neck and jawline.

This includes the skin, superficial and deep fat, platysma, digastric muscles, and submandibular glands. When prominent glands are one component of a patient’s neck fullness, conservative reduction can help create a smoother transition beneath the jaw.

By addressing the relevant structures from superficial to deep, Dr. Hagen can create a more balanced, defined, and natural-looking jawline. The goal is comprehensive improvement that respects the patient’s anatomy rather than an overly hollow or surgically sculpted appearance.

Complementary Procedures

Deep Neck Lift: May include treatment of superficial and deep fat, the platysma, digastric muscles, and prominent submandibular glands, depending on the patient’s anatomy.
Platysmaplasty: Tightens the underlying platysma muscle to smooth and define the neck contour.
Neck Liposuction & Skin Tightening: Removes submental fat and firms the skin for a slimmer, more defined neck profile.
Deep Plane Facelift: Addresses laxity of the lower face and jawline and may be combined with deep neck contouring for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Facial Fat Grafting: Restores volume in selected areas of the face to complement facial and neck rejuvenation.

Submandibular Gland Reduction FAQ

Will partial gland reduction affect saliva production or cause dry mouth?

Because only the prominent portion of the gland is reduced, lasting dry mouth appears to be uncommon. However, the submandibular glands contribute to resting saliva production, and individual risk depends on the patient’s health and baseline salivary function.

Is there visible scarring after submandibular gland reduction?

Gland reduction is performed through the incision beneath the chin used for deep neck contouring. The incision is placed in a naturally concealed location, although all surgical incisions produce a permanent scar. When gland reduction is performed as part of a deep neck lift, it typically does not require an additional external incision.

Are there nonsurgical treatments for prominent submandibular glands?

Nonsurgical treatments cannot remove or reposition prominent gland tissue. In selected situations, botulinum toxin has been used off-label to temporarily reduce gland activity and volume, but its results are temporary and are not equivalent to surgical reduction. Liposuction and skin-tightening treatments may improve fat or skin laxity but do not directly correct gland prominence.

What are the risks specific to submandibular gland reduction?

Submandibular gland reduction is a technically demanding component of deep neck surgery. Potential risks include bleeding or hematoma, salivary leakage or a temporary fluid collection called a sialocele, temporary or rarely permanent lower-lip weakness, asymmetry, contour irregularity, undercorrection, over-resection, infection, and changes in saliva production. Significant bleeding in the deep neck can be serious, although this is uncommon. Dr. Hagen reviews these risks, their likelihood, and how potential complications are managed before surgery.

Can the glands become prominent again after treatment?

The portion of gland tissue removed during surgery does not grow back. However, because the procedure is intentionally conservative, some gland tissue remains and continues to function. Natural aging, weight changes, and changes in the surrounding tissues can continue to affect the appearance of the neck over time.

Is submandibular gland reduction covered by insurance?

When performed to improve cosmetic neck contour, submandibular gland reduction is considered elective and is not typically covered by insurance. Financing options are available to help patients manage the cost of treatment.

Will I need a separate recovery period for gland reduction?

Usually not. Because gland reduction is performed during the same operation as a deep neck lift or facelift, patients generally have one combined recovery. Gland reduction may contribute additional localized swelling or tenderness and requires monitoring for bleeding or salivary fluid collection.

Ready to Address Fullness Beneath the Jaw?

For an appropriately selected patient, addressing prominent submandibular glands may be an important part of comprehensive deep neck contouring. The decision requires careful evaluation of all the superficial and deep structures affecting the neck and jawline.

Schedule a consultation with Mitchell Hagen, MD to learn whether submandibular gland reduction should be included in your individualized facial and neck rejuvenation plan.