Cheryl

It depends on where the tumor is located and how hard it is for the surgeon to get to it. My understanding is that its routine to split the jaw open if the tumor is at the base of the tongue as otherwise the surgeon can't get to it. I'm not familiar with the "lifting the face off" alternative technique Ron had done. My face stayed firmly in place. The Neck dissection does require slitting your throat.
Yours seems to be on the lateral side of the tongue and as Margaret noted, it may not be necessary at all to split your jaw in order to get access. Hope this helps
Charm