How long does it take to recover from a neck lift?
Your recovery time will depend on how extensive your surgery is, but typically a neck lift recovery is around one to two weeks. Your surgeon will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your post-operative care, including information about:
- Drains, if placed.
- Typical symptoms you will experience
- Potential signs of complications
It is vital that you follow all the patient care instructions your surgeon provides. It is also important to know that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
What can I expect during the first few weeks of my neck lift recovery?
- You’ll likely need to wear a neck dressing for the first 24 hours following your surgery to reduce swelling.
- Immediately after surgery, your neck will have bruising and it will feel tight and numb. The bruising will resolve over the next four to five days but the feelings of tightness and numbness may remain for several months, if not longer.
- Avoid any strenuous activities. Specifically, you should avoid activities in which you move your head abruptly or movement that increases the blood pressure in your head. This restriction includes, but is not limited to, bending over, which causes your head to be lower than your heart, and lifting objects heavy enough to cause you to strain.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing (avoid turtlenecks) to minimize irritating the skin on your neck.
What can I expect after two weeks?
- After two weeks, you should be able to return to your normal activities.
- The scarring around your incision should fade, and you should be able to wear makeup.