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Salivary gland Botox in Gwonseon-gu: how are the parotid and submandibular glands different?

The parotid gland sits in front of and below the ear, and when enlarged it makes the back of the facial profile look wider; the submandibular gland sits on the inner side beneath the jawbone, and when enlarged it makes the area under the chin look puffy. When looking into salivary gland Botox in Gwonseon-gu, the reason the two glands need to be considered separately is that their location and surrounding structures differ, which also changes the injection method and the reactions to watch for.

  • The parotid gland is related to the width at the back of the facial profile, and the submandibular gland is related to puffiness under the chin.
  • For both glands, changes in size tend to appear gradually over several weeks.
  • Because muscles involved in swallowing are close to the submandibular gland, the depth and position are determined with extra care.

Where is the parotid gland, and what does it look like when enlarged?

The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland in the face, sitting from in front of the ear downward, covering the back of the chewing muscle like a layer. When enlarged, it can make the area below the ear look fuller, making the lower face appear wider.

The size of the parotid gland can differ slightly between the two sides, so each side is examined separately. Because its location overlaps with the chewing muscle, it can easily be mistaken for a square jaw. The front area that bulges firmly when you clench your teeth is likely muscle, while the fuller area closer to the ear behind it may be the parotid gland, so an examination is used to tell them apart.

Salivary gland Botox is a procedure that uses botulinum toxin to temporarily reduce the nerve signals going to the gland, lowering its activity and helping the size gradually decrease.

Where is the submandibular gland, and what does it look like when enlarged?

The submandibular glands sit one on each side, on the inner surface beneath the jawbone. When enlarged, they can make the area under the chin look puffy, which is often mistaken for a double chin or excess fat.

Volume under the chin can be caused by a combination of fat, sagging skin, and the submandibular gland, so it is hard to tell apart on your own. For this reason, during the examination we check the location and firmness of the puffy area by hand, and also ask whether it enlarged along with weight gain.

If the submandibular gland is the main cause, salivary gland Botox is discussed; if fat or sagging is the larger factor, other approaches are discussed as well. If the puffiness under your chin bothers you more when you tilt your head down or look downward, bringing a photo of that too can help with the consultation.

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How do the injection method and aftercare differ between the two glands?

The parotid gland is spread widely close to the skin, so it is typically injected at several points within that area. The submandibular gland lies on the inner side beneath the jawbone, making it more important to confirm the location, and the depth and position are carefully determined with the surrounding muscles in mind.

The procedure itself usually takes about 10 minutes, and most people continue their daily routine afterward. On the day of the procedure, you are generally advised not to rub or massage the injection site, and to avoid saunas, intense exercise, and drinking.

For both areas, changes in size tend to appear gradually over several weeks, so taking front, side, and slightly tilted-up photos at the same angles as before the procedure makes it easier to track the change.

What reactions and side effects can occur depending on the area?

For both areas, bruising, swelling, and soreness may occur at the injection site, and this usually subsides within a few days. In rare cases, a feeling of dry mouth may occur.

Because the parotid gland is close to the chewing muscle, you may feel soreness while chewing for a few days, or in rare cases your mouth shape may look unnatural when smiling. For the submandibular gland, in rare cases the medication can spread to nearby muscles and cause discomfort while swallowing, so these changes are monitored after the procedure.

These reactions mostly resolve as the medication's effect weakens, and how much they occur varies from person to person. If difficulty swallowing continues, you should contact the clinic to have it checked.

What should be checked by area before a salivary gland consultation in Gwonseon-gu?

If you have an upcoming salivary gland Botox consultation in Gwonseon-gu, check the following by area beforehand.

  • Whether the area below the ear looks wider, or whether the area under the chin looks puffy
  • Whether only one side looks enlarged, or a firm lump can be felt
  • Whether the area under the chin looks more puffy when you tilt your head down
  • Whether the salivary gland area has ever swollen or hurt while eating
  • The area and timing of any previous masseter or salivary gland Botox you've had
  • Medications you're taking, and whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding

Whether to proceed with the procedure and which area to treat is determined by the medical staff after an examination and consultation.

FAQ

Q. Can I get the parotid and submandibular glands treated on the same day?

A. If both areas are affecting your contour, they may be planned for the same day. In that case, the medical staff determines the scope by considering the total amount and the overall reaction together.

Q. Can I tell on my own whether it's a double chin or the submandibular gland?

A. It is often hard to tell on your own. The location and shape you can feel, and the relationship with weight changes, are checked through an examination, and imaging tests may be needed in some cases.

Q. Only one salivary gland looks enlarged, is that okay?

A. If only one side is enlarged or a firm lump can be felt, identifying the cause comes before any procedure. If you mention it during the consultation, we will guide you to the necessary care as well.

Q. Will getting the submandibular gland treated make swallowing harder?

A. In most cases, no, but in rare instances the medication can spread to nearby muscles and cause discomfort while swallowing. That's why the depth and position are determined carefully, and if symptoms occur, please contact the clinic.

Q. Will getting the parotid gland treated make chewing uncomfortable?

A. The parotid gland sits covering the back and top of the chewing muscle, so for a few days after the injection you may feel soreness while chewing. This usually subsides over time, and how much it is felt varies from person to person.

Summary

The parotid gland is related to the width at the back of the facial profile, while the submandibular gland is related to puffiness under the chin, so the injection method and the reactions to watch for with salivary gland Botox also vary by area. If you are considering salivary gland Botox in Gwonseon-gu, start by checking which bothers you more, below the ear or under the chin.

The effect and reactions vary by individual.

FACE FILTER Clinic Suwon is located on the 5th floor of eSpace City I, 202 Geumgok-ro, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do.

For consultation inquiries, please call 031-778-6666.

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This content is provided as general treatment information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a medical professional to decide whether and how to proceed with a treatment.