What To Expect After Neck Lift Surgery | Dr. Dominic Bray

What To Expect After Neck Lift Surgery

What To Expect After Neck Lift SurgeryThere’s a lot to consider when deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery. You’ve chosen your procedure, researched your plastic surgeon and might have even had a consultation. One important aspect that can be overlooked is what to expect after your cosmetic procedure.

In this post, we’ll examine the neck lift specifically. We’ll guide you through the recovery timeline, long-term results, and potential risks and complications, although rare.

First, let’s be clear about what we mean by neck lift surgery and recap what the process entails before detailing the recovery process.

Understanding Neck Lift Surgery

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift procedure might also be referred to by its medical name – platysmaplasty – a surgical treatment to rejuvenate the appearance of the neck region.

It’s a popular type of plastic surgery that lifts and tightens the platysma muscle to give the neck a more contoured and youthful appearance.

Sometimes, neck lifts are incorporated into facelift surgery to give more holistic results if you’re searching for full-face rejuvenation and anti-ageing.

Preparing for Neck Lift Surgery

Before the procedure

Most surgeons have prerequisites before their procedures and you should be given thorough instructions during your consultation or pre-operative assessment.

Your surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations for surgery and should check your medical history before agreeing to go ahead with your neck lift procedure.

A few days before your neck lift surgery, you can expect to be told to stop taking blood-thinning medicines or aspirin. You should also plan to need some downtime after your procedure to allow yourself plenty of rest to recover.

Depending on whether your operation requires an overnight stay in the hospital, you may want to consider this when organising getting to and from the hospital. You’re likely to be a bit sore after surgery, so asking someone to stay with you at home would be a good idea.

The Surgical Procedure

What to expect during neck lift surgery

The procedure typically involves making discreet incisions in hidden areas around the face and neckline to minimise scarring. Your surgeon will reshape and tighten the underlying structures of the face and neck, depending on your procedure.

Excess skin will be removed before your skin is carefully sutured. Neck lift surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia but more minor procedures may be carried out under local anaesthesia or with sedation.

Neck Lift Surgery Recovery

Immediate aftercare

The initial phase of neck lift recovery typically begins right after surgery. You may experience discomfort, swelling and bruising around the neck area.

Your surgeon may prescribe some antibiotics and pain medications to take when you get home. You can also buy over-the-counter pain medication if your surgeon advises to do so.

The initial swelling usually peaks within 48 hours post-surgery but will gradually subside over several days. Most patients can return to light activities within one week; however, more strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least four to six weeks to allow proper healing.

Short-term recovery

You will need to keep your head elevated when resting and apply cold compresses periodically to manage swelling effectively. Rest is crucial for neck lift recovery so avoid any strenuous activity.

It’s normal for some degree of swelling and bruising following surgery; however, these symptoms should start improving significantly as time goes on. If either symptom worsens or shows no signs of improvement beyond two weeks, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Your surgeon should request to see you at a follow-up appointment to remove any drains and bandages and check that the healing process is going as expected.

Managing Neck Lift Recovery

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Proper care is essential for optimal results after a neck lift. Following your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care is vital.

It’s advisable to take short walks and stay moderately active when you feel up to doing so – easy chores around the house should help to promote blood flow and healing. You should also avoid smoking as this can slow the neck lift recovery process.

Long-Term Results

How long after a neck lift will I look normal?

You can expect significant improvements in your neck’s appearance after surgery. The final results typically become evident within a few months as swelling subsides and the healing process progresses.

After a couple of weeks, once the swelling and bruising have subsided, you should feel a firmer, more youthful neckline with improved skin elasticity and reduced sagging.

You may still have some swelling, but this should significantly reduce by the end of week three.

Common Concerns and Complications

Potential risks and complications

Understanding the risks of neck lift surgery is essential for making an informed decision about the procedure. Although rare, there are some potential complications that patients should be aware of before proceeding.

Infection

One of the most common complications is infection, which can occur at the incision sites. This risk can be mitigated through proper preoperative care and post-operative hygiene.

Hematoma

Some patients may experience hematoma formation, where blood collects under the skin, potentially requiring further surgical intervention to resolve.

Scarring

While surgeons aim to place incisions in discreet locations, individual healing responses vary. Some patients may develop hypertrophic or keloid scars that are more pronounced than expected.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage is also a possibility, leading to temporary or permanent changes in sensation around the neck and jaw area.

Final Results and Maintenance

Maintaining a youthful appearance

Although a neck lift can provide long-lasting results and may take 8-10 years off the clock, it’s important to understand that it can’t stop the ageing process.

Following a good skincare routine and staying fit and healthy can ensure you retain your youthful looks and neck lift results for longer. Some patients combine their neck lift surgery with a full facelift or eyelid surgery.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the plastic surgery process or neck lift recovery time, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

You can book a consultation online, give us a call on +44 203 417 9980 or email [email protected].

Book a Consultation
Book a Consultation