Recovery is an crucial part of the neck lift surgery process, and the patient should be prepared to follow the recovery guidelines provided by the cosmetic surgeon. Patients who are committed to the recovery process will achieve safer and more sustainable outcomes, and may be ready to resume their normal routine relatively faster.
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss all aspects of neck lift procedure, including the recovery. Dr. Paul McCluskey is a dedicated plastic surgeon providing neck lift and various other surgical and non-surgical procedures to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.
Recovery Process
Patients who want to receive neck lift surgery should be prepared to undergo a post-operative downtime of about one week. The cosmetic surgeon will usually allow the patient to return home the same day after the procedure, but they should preferably have someone to drive them back home and stay overnight for assistance. Movement will be difficult in this initial recovery phase, and soreness and pain in the incision areas can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the surgeon.
The patient should have plenty of rest during the first few days, but short walks at home are encouraged to maintain blood flow. An advance supply of loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that button up the front should be arranged for the first few days. Vigorous activities and exercises should be avoided in the first few weeks, even when the patient has returned to work.
Bruising will mostly subside by the second week after neck lift, but swelling will go away gradually over several weeks or months. In the first few days, the patient should be particularly alert to any signs of pus at the incision sites, persistent pain or fever, and get in touch with the plastic surgeon if there are concerns.
Temporary Side Effects
Some of the common temporary side effects associated with neck lift surgery include swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Mild scarring is inevitable in any surgical procedure, including neck lift, but scars will fade over time, and can be inconspicuous if the incisions were placed in natural neck creases and other discreet locations.
Bruising, swelling and discomfort are more severe during the first two to three days, but they will begin to subside thereafter. Within two weeks of the procedure, the majority of bruising, swelling and pain will have disappeared, and the patient can notice the aesthetic results of neck lift more clearly.
These side effects may linger for a longer time if neck lift is combined with other surgeries. Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for neck lift.
Results
Neck lift results will typically improve with the passage of time, and may continue to improve even after the healing is completed. Most patients will achieve optimal results within six months of the surgery.
Patients who adhere to the surgeon’s post-op care instructions such as refraining from smoking, drinking, and other habits that could hamper recovery are likely to achieve their desired results more quickly. Following the surgery, the tighter and firmer neck skin and a defined jaw line may last for at least five to ten years or more.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: