A neck lift aims to improve the jawline and enhance the appearance of the surrounding areas. Understanding what happens before, during, and after the surgery helps you prepare for the process. This involves a detailed consultation, the procedure itself, and a specific recovery period with follow-up care to monitor your healing. Here is what to expect before and after a neck lift:
Initial Consultation
The process begins with an initial consultation where you will discuss your goals with a surgeon. While you discuss your desired outcomes, the surgeon can evaluate your skin quality and underlying muscle structure to determine a suitable approach. This appointment is a practical step for you to receive detailed information about the procedure, including potential incision locations.
Before your surgery date, you may receive instructions on how to prepare. This preparation often involves adjusting or temporarily stopping certain medications, like blood thinners, that might affect the procedure. Following these pre-operative guidelines is simple, and it helps make sure your surgery runs more smoothly.
Local Anesthesia
On the day of the procedure, anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable. While general anesthesia is an option, many neck lifts are performed using local anesthesia with sedation, which numbs the neck area while you remain in a relaxed state. Once the area is numb, the surgeon can makes small incisions, typically behind the ears or under the chin.
Through these incisions, the surgeon may remove or reposition fat and tighten the underlying platysma muscle. The skin is then redraped over the newly defined contours. After trimming any excess skin, the surgeon closes the incisions.
The final step of the procedure is closing the incisions with sutures or skin adhesives. A small, thin tube may be placed under the skin to drain any excess fluid that might accumulate, although this is not always necessary. The closure method is selected to promote healing specifically for the incision sites.
Slow Recovery
The recovery process after a neck lift is gradual, and it requires you to follow specific care instructions. You will likely wear a compression garment around your neck and head to help minimize swelling and support the healing tissues. Following your surgeon’s guidance on how to care for the surgical site is the best way to support your body’s healing process.
Gradual Results
As the initial swelling and bruising subside, you will begin to notice the changes resulting from your procedure. The final results are not immediate; it takes time for the tissues to settle and for residual swelling to fully resolve, which may take several months. Caring for your incisions as they heal is part of this process. This includes:
- Keeping the area clean as directed.
- Applying any prescribed ointments.
- Protecting scars from sun exposure to help them fade over time.
Schedule a Neck Lift
Your post-operative plan will outline your recovery timeline and provide clear instructions for your care. Following this plan may help you navigate the healing process more effectively. If you would like to learn more about the neck lift procedure and discuss your personal goals, contact a qualified plastic surgeon to schedule a consultation.
