What to Expect After a Neck Lift

Why Have a Neck Lift?

Neck lift surgery can correct and improve the signs of aging in your neck. As you age, your skin becomes less elastic. Skin and muscle laxity, along with fat accumulation, can cause your neck to sag. A neck lift can lift and tighten the sagging skin of your neck and jawline to give you a younger appearance. Before your surgery, be sure to talk with your surgeon about all the risks and benefits. It's important to know what to expect before the procedure.

Neck Lift Recovery at Home

A neck lift generally takes 2 to 3 hours. You will receive intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. You may go home after anesthesia, but someone else should accompany you during the ride. Obviously, you cannot drive. You may have a small tube in your neck to drain fluid that collects under your skin. You will have stitches where you had incisions. You may also be sent home wearing a tight bandage. The bandage will help reduce swelling. It may take several weeks or even months before the swelling completely subsides and you can see the full results of your neck lift.

Most people need about a week at home to rest and recover from a neck lift.

Make sure you have someone who can help you during this time. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions. Your doctor may give you several recommendations:

• Wear your dressing day and night for the first week. You may continue to wear it at night for some time afterward.
• Take pain medication on a regular schedule, as instructed by your surgeon. Do not take any over-the-counter pain medications without talking to your doctor.
• Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Do not put ice directly on your skin.
• Keep your head elevated when you are lying down.
• Avoid long hot showers and steam baths for a couple of months. You should be able to take a cool shower the day after your procedure.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for two weeks.

Most people can return to work within two weeks. If you have a strenuous job or a job that requires heavy lifting, check with your doctor first before returning to work full time. You may need to modify your workload or schedule. Your surgeon removes the drain from your neck about two days after your surgery. The surgeon will remove your stitches 5 to 10 days after your surgery.

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When to Contact Your Doctor

Common side effects after surgery include bruising, swelling, tightness, numbness, and tingling. These side effects may last for a few weeks. However, you should call your doctor if:

• You develop a fever
• You experience increased swelling, bleeding, bruising, or redness
• Pain does not subside, even after taking pain medication
• You have any leakage of blood or fluid from your incision

Have Realistic Expectations After Your Neck Lift

A neck lift can help you look younger and feel better about yourself. Many studies show that people who undergo cosmetic surgery are satisfied with the results and have more confidence. However, it's important to have realistic expectations about what a neck lift can and cannot do. A neck lift won't turn back your aging clock. You will still need to take care of your skin. This means you should avoid sun exposure as much as possible, always wear sunscreen, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What Neck Lift Surgery Can't Do

As a restorative surgery, a neck lift does not alter your basic appearance and cannot stop the aging process.

A neck lift can only be done surgically. Non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results but can help delay the time when a neck lift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery.

What Results Should I Expect After a Neck Lift Operation?

When you begin to assess the results of your neck lift, remember that it may take several weeks or even months for swelling to completely subside and up to six months for the incision lines to mature. Lifelong sun protection and a healthy lifestyle contribute to prolonging your rejuvenation results and younger appearance. As the swelling and bruising fade, the visible improvements of a neck lift appear. Your final result should not only give you a younger and more rested appearance, but it should also help you have more confidence.

While good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to obtain optimal results with a single surgical procedure, and another procedure may be necessary. Following your plastic surgeon's instructions is essential for your operation to be a success. It is important that surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or movement during the healing period. Avoid wearing clothing that needs to be pulled over your head. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

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