Neck Lift Recovery & Results

The neck lift is a unique cosmetic surgery procedure that is often combined with the facelift surgery, for it is actually two surgical procedures combined into one operation. In the first part of the surgery, the facial plastic surgeon will remove the excess skin from the area surrounding the neck.

In the second part of the operation, the muscles in the neck are altered in order to provide the patient with stunning, age-defying results.Orange County patients have found the neck lift to be a great complement to the facelift surgery, but it’s important to have realistic expectations of the recovery and the results that can be achieved.

What Can I Expect During the Neck Lift Recovery?

The full length of the neck lift recovery will last about two weeks.

Patients should expect to take time off of work, school, and other obligations during this time. The most critical period of the recovery is during the hours following the operation. Patients should spend at least 10 – 14 hours resting to give their bodies time to heal after the surgery and to adjust from the effects of the anesthesia. A caretaker may be needed during this time.

There is some swelling and bruising after this surgery.

A compression garment is usually worn for about a week after the operation, which helps to minimize swelling and bruising as well as to manage the pain levels for the patient. Pain medications also will be prescribed in order to increase patient comfort during the recovery.

The incisions should be cleaned on a regular basis during the recovery in order to prevent infection. There is some visible scarring after this procedure, but the scars will fade with time and will soon become invisible.

What Can I Expect From Neck Lift Results?

Most people get their first glimpse of the surgery’s results after the compression garment is removed from their necks, about one week after the surgery. However, patients should note that their results will continue to improve as their bodies heal after the surgery.

Most patients will find that the smooth appearance that they were hoping for is completely present within two to three months of the operation. At this point, all swelling and bruising will have subsided and the scars will have started to fade away. At this point, most patients look 10 – 15 years younger than they did before the operation.

Newport Beach patients who are interested in the neck lift should first consult with a general physician to confirm that they are healthy enough to have this surgical procedure performed. They then should set up a consultation appointment with a qualified facial plastic surgeon and talk over their options for this particular procedure.

Patients should only work with a surgeon who will give them personalized results and who will alter the techniques used in order to cater to the needs of the individual patient. Natural-looking results are important for any cosmetic surgery, and this holds true for the neck lift procedure.