How do I prepare for a neck lift?
Your surgeon will provide thorough preoperative instructions and answer any questions you may have before your surgery, take a detailed medical history, and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery.
In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:
- Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing.
- Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
- Hydrate before and after surgery for safe recovery.
If you only get liposuction, your neck lift may be an outpatient procedure. However, if you are getting more extensive surgery, you will likely have to stay overnight in the facility so that the staff can monitor you. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and to stay with you at least the first night after leaving the hospital.
What can I expect the day of my neck lift?
Below is what you can generally expect, but be sure to consult with your surgeon before your surgery so you have the most accurate expectations.
- You may have your neck lift surgery in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility, or office-based surgical suite.
- You should wear loose fitting clothing that’s easy to get over your head on the way into the facility, as you may be wearing the same clothing home.
- Neck lift procedures range from one hour to three hours or longer, depending on the complexity of your surgery.
- The surgeon will administer medications for your comfort during the procedure.
- Surgeons commonly use general anesthesia for a neck lift, however they may recommend local anesthesia or intravenous sedation in some instances.
- For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse, and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
- Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery.
- After your procedure, you will go to a recovery area for continued monitoring.
- You will have drainage tubes in place following your surgery.
- Your surgeon will likely require you to stay overnight for observation unless you and your surgeon made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery.