Best Submandibular Gland Shaving in Turkey | 2025 Cost, Reviews and Before & After Results

Submandibular gland shaving is a specialized surgical procedure that permanently reduces the volume of the salivary glands located beneath the jawbone to create a sharp, high-definition jawline. This technique addresses the deep structural fullness that standard liposuction or skin tightening cannot resolve, making it the definitive solution for a heavy or obtuse neck. By meticulously contouring the superficial portion of the gland as part of a comprehensive deep neck lift, we can eliminate persistent bulges and restore a refined, elegant cervicomental angle that withstands the aging process.

What is the Submandibular Gland and why does it cause neck fullness?

The submandibular glands are two large salivary glands located on either side of the neck, tucked just underneath the jawbone. In a youthful, ideal neck, these glands are positioned high up, hidden behind the mandible and supported by tight muscles and fascia. They are essentially invisible. However, anatomy is rarely static. As we age, the supporting hammocks—specifically the platysma muscle and the deep cervical fascia—begin to loosen.

This loosening allows the gland to descend or “droop,” a condition we technically call gland ptosis. When this happens, the gland slips below the border of the jaw, creating a visible bulge that disrupts the clean line we want to see. It is important to note that this isn’t always about aging. Some younger patients have naturally large or low-positioned glands (congenital hypertrophy) that give the neck a heavy or obtuse appearance regardless of their weight or fitness level.

Common indicators of prominent glands include:

• Palpable lumps under the jaw
• A rounded jawline
• Persistent fullness after weight loss
• Bulges when clenching teeth

Why isn’t Liposuction or a Standard Facelift enough to fix Submandibular Gland issues?

This is perhaps the most critical concept to understand. Standard neck lifts and liposuction operate on the superficial layers. They are fantastic for tightening loose skin and removing the fat that sits just under the skin. However, the submandibular gland sits much deeper, underneath the platysma muscle.

If we perform aggressive liposuction on a neck with prominent glands without addressing the glands themselves, we often create a problem known as “unmasking.” Think of the subcutaneous fat as a soft blanket covering the lumpy mattress of the deep neck structures. If you remove the blanket (the fat) but don’t fix the lumps in the mattress (the glands), the lumps become even more visible. The neck might look thinner, but it will look irregular and “older” because the glands are now clearly protruding against the skin. To get a smooth, high-definition result, we have to reshape the mattress itself.

How is Submandibular Gland Shaving actually performed?

The procedure is a delicate balance of reduction and preservation. We do not remove the entire gland, as that is unnecessary and carries higher risks. Instead, we perform a partial resection, commonly called “shave” or contouring. The goal is to remove the portion of the gland that is bulging outward, usually the superficial lobe, so that the remaining tissue sits flush with the jawline.

The surgery is performed through a discreet incision under the chin, which gives us direct access to the deep neck structures. We carefully open the capsule surrounding the gland and shave down the excess volume. This is often done in a stepwise fashion, checking the contour repeatedly to ensure symmetry.

Key steps in the procedure include:

• Submental incision
• Subplatysmal dissection
• Capsular opening
• Parenchymal shaving
• Hemostasis
• Closure

Is Submandibular Gland Shaving safe for long-term saliva production?

A very common fear is that removing part of a salivary gland will lead to permanent dry mouth, or xerostomia. Fortunately, the human body is designed with immense redundancy when it comes to saliva production. You have three pairs of major salivary glands—the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands—along with hundreds of minor salivary glands scattered throughout your mouth and throat.

During this procedure, we typically remove only a portion of the superficial lobe of the submandibular gland. The deep lobe is preserved, as are the other major and minor glands. Scientific studies following patients over many years have shown that while there might be a temporary change in saliva flow immediately after surgery, permanent dry mouth is exceptionally rare. The remaining glandular tissue compensates effectively, maintaining oral health and digestion without issue.

What advanced technologies are used in Submandibular Gland Reduction?

The safety of this procedure has increased dramatically with the introduction of modern energy devices. In the past, using standard electric cautery caused significant heat, which posed a risk to nearby nerves. Today, we utilize advanced tools that allow for precise cutting and sealing of tissue with minimal thermal spread.

Ultrasonic dissectors are particularly valuable. They use high-frequency vibration to cut through the gland tissue while simultaneously sealing the blood vessels. This results in a nearly bloodless field, allowing the surgeon to see the anatomy clearly. Because these devices operate at lower temperatures than traditional cautery, they are much safer for the delicate nerves that run near the gland.

Key technologies utilized include:

• Ultrasonic dissectors
• Bipolar vessel sealers
• Lighted retractors
• Magnification loops

How does Botox play a role in managing the Submandibular Gland?

Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is a versatile tool that we use both surgically and non-surgically. For patients who are not ready for surgery or who have only mild glandular fullness, injecting Botox directly into the gland can be a great option. The toxin blocks the signals that tell the gland to secrete saliva. Over time, this inactivity causes the gland to shrink, or atrophy.

In the surgical setting, Botox is often used as a proactive safety measure. We may inject the remaining portion of the gland during the surgery. This temporarily shuts down saliva production while the raw surface of the gland heals. By keeping the gland “dry” and inactive for a few weeks, we significantly reduce the risk of fluid collections and allow for faster, uncomplicated healing.

What are the potential risks and complications of Submandibular Gland Surgery?

While this procedure is safe in the hands of a specialist, it is technically demanding because the submandibular triangle is a “high-rent district” of anatomy. It is crowded with important nerves and blood vessels. The most significant concern is usually bleeding, as the gland is very vascular. We manage this through meticulous sealing of vessels.

Another specific risk is a sialocele. This is a collection of saliva that pools under the skin if the cut surface of the gland leaks before it heals. It presents as a soft swelling. While it can be annoying, it is rarely dangerous and is treated by draining the fluid and using Botox to stop the leak. We also pay close attention to the marginal mandibular nerve, which controls the muscles of the lower lip. Temporary weakness can occur due to swelling, but permanent injury is very rare when correct protective maneuvers are used.

Potential complications include:

• Hematoma
• Sialocele
• Neuropraxia
• Infection
• Asymmetry

What is the recovery process like after Submandibular Gland Shaving?

Recovery from a deep neck lift involving gland shaving requires a bit more patience than a standard skin-only lift. Because we have manipulated deep tissues, swelling can persist slightly longer. Most patients are socially presentable within two weeks, though the final contour continues to refine for several months.

Immediate postoperative care focuses on minimizing swelling and preventing salivary stimulation. We use drains for the first day or two to remove any fluid. You will also wear a compression garment to help the skin adhere to the new, sculpted shape. Diet plays a surprising role here; we want to keep the jaw muscles and glands at rest.

Recommended dietary adjustments include:

• Soft foods
• Protein shakes
• Soups
• Yogurt
• Avoidance of sour foods
• Avoidance of chewy meats

Why is it important to combine this with a Deep Neck Lift?

It is rare that we perform gland shaving in isolation. The neck is a complex interplay of structures, and fixing one usually requires adjusting the others to maintain balance. Submandibular gland shaving is typically one pillar of a comprehensive Deep Neck Lift.

To achieve that “Ellenbogean” ideal—a neck with a distinct border and deep angle—we often need to address the digastric muscles as well. These muscles run right next to the glands and can also contribute to submental bulk. We might shave or tighten these muscles to streamline the floor of the mouth. Additionally, we remove deep fat pads that sit between the muscles. By addressing the glands, muscles, and deep fat simultaneously, we create a harmonious, stable result that looks natural.

Complementary procedures often performed include:

• Deep fat resection
• Digastric muscle plication
• Hyoid release
• Platysmaplasty
• Chin augmentation

What is the long-term outlook for Submandibular Gland patients?

One of the most gratifying aspects of deep structural neck surgery is the longevity of the results. Unlike skin tightening, which inevitably relaxes as the skin ages, the structural changes we make to the glands and muscles are permanent. The portion of the gland we remove does not grow back. The deep fat we remove does not return.

While the aging process continues, the foundation of the neck remains set in a more youthful position. Patients who undergo this comprehensive approach generally enjoy a defined jawline for many years, far outlasting the results of traditional techniques. It is a powerful investment in one’s profile, correcting the underlying anatomy for a truly transformative outcome.