Lymph nodes of the face and neck: what they are and where

Lymph nodes (or lymph glands) are small structures, usually the size of a pea or smaller, that are part of the immune system. They filter lymph coming from the skin and mucous membranes and react when there is infection or inflammation in the area they drain. Most go unnoticed; when they enlarge, they can be felt as movable nodules under the skin.

Where are they in the face and neck?

The most relevant groups for anyone working on the face are:

• preauricular and parotid nodes, next to the parotid gland, which drain the temple, eyelids, and part of the cheek;
• submandibular nodes, near the submandibular gland, which receive drainage from the lips, nose, and cheek;
• submental nodes, under the chin, which drain the center of the lower lip and the chin;
• cervical nodes, along the neck, where the drainage of the whole head converges.

Knowing this geography helps interpret a nodule: its location suggests the area of origin.

When do they come into the HOF routine?

Palpation of the neck and the submandibular region is part of a good initial assessment. Enlarged nodes before any procedure deserve attention, because they can indicate an ongoing dental, throat, or skin infection. In these cases, the prudent approach is to postpone the aesthetic procedure and refer for investigation.

After a procedure, it is also useful to know how to tell the difference. Mild swelling and a small bruise are expected. A painful lymph node, together with redness, warmth, hardening, and fever, can point to an infection such as infectious cellulitis or an abscess.

How to explain it to the patient

A simple sentence is usually enough. Example: "These glands are the body's defense filters. If any of them gets bigger, painful, or warm after the procedure, let me know the same day."

This reinforces the post-procedure instructions and gives the patient a clear criterion so they do not wait too long.

In Harmy

The app does not assess lymph nodes or clinical signs. It works with a single frontal photo and simulates only the marked areas. The clinical assessment of the neck and of skin health remains the in-person job of the professional.

Also called: lymph glands, swollen glands (popular term).