Neck lift recovery time varies depending on your age, skin quality, and the extent of surgery you underwent. In truth, everyone recovers differently from plastic surgery, including neck lift surgery.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect during the neck lift recovery process.
What Is Neck Lift Surgery?
Both men and women develop wrinkles, fine lines, and neck bands as they age. Starting in your late 30s and moving into your 40s and 50s, it’s not uncommon to develop sagging loose skin on the neck and chin area as well.
While chin liposuction (neck lipo) is an effective cosmetic surgery for getting rid of excess fat on the neck and chin, neck lift surgery effectively reduces excess skin and tightens the underlying muscles around the neck area. Sometimes, patients undergo neck lift surgery alongside a lower facelift or full facelift.
The surgery starts with anesthesia. Typically, general anesthesia is used. Once this has set in and the patient is comfortably asleep, your surgeon will make the necessary incision. Most patients only need one incision directly beneath the chin for a modest isolated neck lift (not combined with facelift surgery).
This incision is hidden well within the shadow of the chin and the small indentation that most people have there. Without sun exposure during healing, it should heal flat and fade well with the surrounding skin so that it is hardly noticeable.
Your surgeon will then adjust the underlying muscle and make the necessary adjustments to the skin (removing excess sagging skin). Excess unwanted fat can also be removed with liposuction.
Finally, your surgeon will close your incision(s) carefully and apply the necessary bandages. You will need to have someone take you home following surgery.
Recovery Time for Neck Lift Surgery
The average initial neck lift recovery time is around two weeks. During the neck lift recovery period, you should plan to rest and generally relax. Although almost immediately, you’ll be encouraged to get up and walk around, you should refrain from physical exercise, including heavy lifting. On your first neck lift recovery day, be sure someone is there to take you home after surgery.
Some soreness in the neck muscles, light swelling, and discoloration (bruising) are to be expected. These symptoms may linger for a few weeks, but most people don’t have much or any pain after just a few days (pain medication can be prescribed). Swelling lasts the longest but should be completely gone within three to six months.
During the neck lift healing process, be sure to keep your bandages on and change them out (if necessary) according to your surgeon’s instructions. You will receive detailed directions following your surgery, which will outline how to care for your incision site(s) and body during the active recovery process.
You’ll need to sleep on your back with your head elevated. Don’t forget to place a few pillows on either side of your neck/head and body so that you do not accidentally roll to your side or stomach while you sleep. This could disrupt your results.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol during your neck lift surgery recovery. Be sure to drink water throughout the day, and eat a diet rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and whole grains.
Mini neck lift recovery time is generally the same as with a traditional neck lift recovery journey. The recovery process is almost identical, and you can expect to be healing for the same amount of time.
Lower face and neck lift recovery time may be slightly longer and more challenging. Still, patients typically handle it very well. Bruising and swelling may be more extensive throughout the face, neck, and chest.
FAQ: Neck Lift Surgery
How much does a neck lift cost?
Cost varies with a neck lift — as with all plastic surgery procedures. There will be many variables to consider. Geographic location plays a role, and surgeons tend to charge different amounts based on their training and expertise and how in demand they are for a given procedure.
If you want to know your anticipated neck lift cost, it’s best to book a consultation appointment. A consultation is the perfect time to discuss topics like neck lift cost and recovery time. Your surgeon will also want to discuss your medical history and other important topics before moving on to specific neck lift options and the booking of your surgery.
What do scars look like after neck lift surgery?
The good news is that neck lift scars are very hard to see once they’ve healed. Most patients only need one small incision beneath their chin.
This scar typically fades with the skin around it quite well and flattens out almost to obscurity. Just make sure to take care of the incision site and keep it out of the sun. Excess sun exposure will add to the pigmentation of your scar and make it more noticeable.
For even fainter neck lift scars, consider using silicone scar strips after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will have other neck lift recovery tips regarding scars, so be sure to ask him or her as well.
Contact Us to Request a Consultation Appointment
Please call today to set up a consultation appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham.
Dr. Smita specializes in neck and facelift surgeries and would be delighted to discuss your candidacy for this procedure along with your options. Contact us today to book an appointment.