What Can Help Minimize Swelling During Neck Lift Recovery?

Neck lift surgery offers men and women the exciting chance to take years off the clock practically overnight! However, it is important for people considering a neck lift to understand that there is a recovery period associated with the surgery and that their final outcome may be concealed by swelling and bruising for several weeks. To help keep swelling to a minimum during neck lift recovery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi, founder of SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, offers guidelines and tips below.

What does a neck lift do?

Neck lift surgery is performed for the purpose of improving the texture, contour, and overall appearance of the neck. Most often, neck lift surgery is used to reverse the cosmetic signs of aging, such as:

• Loose neck skin
• Wrinkled neck
• Sagging neck
• Turkey neck
• Neck lines
• Neck creases
• Neck banding

During neck lift surgery in Newport Beach, Dr. Kelishadi repositions muscles and tissues and removes excess neck skin to create a slimmer, smoother, more youthful neckline and a sharper angle between the neck and jaw. After neck lift surgery, many patients report feeling like they look up to ten years younger.

How long does swelling after a neck lift last?

Full recovery after neck lift surgery may take several weeks, though patients should be able to return to light desk work and household chores after just 1 – 2 weeks. One of the most common and expected side effects of neck lift surgery is swelling, which can be frustrating for many patients, as it conceals their newly enhanced neck shape. After a few weeks, however, the majority of neck lift swelling should resolve, and patients will begin to see their results become more apparent.

How can I decrease swelling after neck lift surgery?

First and foremost, it is important to be patient during your neck lift recovery. While some amount of swelling is unavoidable, there are things you can do to help minimize swelling and avoid a delay in your healing process. These neck lift recovery tips include:

• Wear compression garments as directed
• Sleep on your back with your head and upper body elevated
• Sleep or rest in a recliner with your upper body elevated
• Use ice packs or cold compresses as directed
• Minimize salt/sodium intake
• Do not lift, strain, or engage in strenuous physical activity
• Do not invert your head (bend over)
• Stay hydrated

With these simple steps, you can set yourself up for the most successful, comfortable, and efficient neck lift recovery possible. Once the swelling subsides, you may still have a feeling of tightness in your neck, which is normal and not dangerous. Tightness after neck lift surgery can last for several months or even a year, but it will not impact the aesthetic appearance of your neck. If you have any other questions about what to expect during neck lift recovery, don’t hesitate to ask.

A smoother, slimmer neckline can be yours with neck lift surgery in Orange County, CA

If you are embarrassed by your aging neck, you’re not alone. The neck is notorious for showing signs of age, often earlier and more dramatically than expected, leaving many men and women looking and feeling older than they actually are. Regain your fresh, youthful look once again by scheduling your neck lift consultation at SSK Plastic Surgery with top Orange County board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi today.