Following a facelift and neck lift, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. The goal of your in-office visits is to ensure that you recover safely. At each visit (the first is on the day of surgery), your doctor will make sure that the amount of swelling is appropriate for your age and skin quality. If it doesn’t seem to be going down as planned, adjustments can be made to your compression garments or medication. You should plan on staying with someone who can help you in case you want assistance during recovery.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Recovery From Face And Neck Lift, how to speed up facelift recovery, How painful is a face and neck lift, and How long does it take to look normal after a facelift?
Recovery From Face And Neck Lift
Recovery from a facelift or neck lift is an exciting time. It’s also a time when you need to be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Here are some things to know about what you can expect during recovery:
Patients that have a facelift or neck lift procedure can expect some pain and discomfort.
If you have had a face or neck lift procedure, you can expect to experience some pain and discomfort. Painkillers are available for patients who need them after surgery. These may be given intravenously (IV) or taken orally by mouth; however, it is important to note that these medications may cause side effects such as nausea or vomiting.
- You will probably need painkillers for a few days after your surgery. If your doctor prescribes oral medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), tramadol hydrochloride (Ultram), or others, follow the directions closely so that you do not take too much medication at once. You should also avoid alcohol while taking these medications because it can increase drowsiness and dizziness in some people—both of which could be dangerous when driving or operating heavy machinery!
- You’ll be able to go home from the hospital the same day as your facelift/necklift procedure if all goes well during recovery time following surgery; however, there’s no hard-and-fast rule about how long someone needs stay hospitalized after undergoing plastic surgery procedures like these ones mentioned above since everyone heals differently depending on factors such as age and overall health status prior before undergoing any type surgeries performed under general anesthesia conditions which itself known risk factor associated with mortality rates based upon studies conducted over many years now showing higher probabilities among people who’ve undergone surgeries where they were administered drugs designed specifically used treat anxiety disorders related conditions compared against those who didn’t receive any medication whatsoever prior undergoing similar procedures performed under local anesthesia conditions only requiring minimal sedation dosages instead.,
It’s common to see bruising and swelling after the surgery, which may last for a few weeks.
It’s common to see bruising and swelling after the surgery, which may last for a few weeks. Some swelling can last for up to six months. If you have a lot of swelling, it may be a sign of an infection.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery process after face lift surgery, talk with your doctor right away so they can help guide you through it appropriately
Your incision sites will be covered with tape or bandages and an elastic bandage or injection may be applied as well.
Your incision sites will be covered with tape or bandages and an elastic bandage or injection may be applied as well. The tape and bandages will be removed after a few days, but you should continue to wear the elastic bandage for several weeks after surgery. You may need to apply makeup over your incision sites if they are visible through your skin (especially in the lower face lift). In addition, you should use sunscreen daily on any exposed areas of skin on which there is no hair growth (such as around the eyes) because this area can easily burn from exposure to sunlight.
You’ll receive instructions on how to care for yourself while you recover.
Once you are home, it is important to follow the instructions given by your surgeon on how to care for yourself. You will be given specific instructions about how to take care of your incision sites and skin following surgery. If there is pain or swelling anywhere around the face or neck, contact us immediately so that we may evaluate the problem and determine what treatment is needed.
You might see some numbness in the area, which usually goes away within three months.
You might see some numbness in the area, which usually goes away within three months. The numbness can be temporary or permanent and may need to be treated with medication or injections.
It’s normal for your face to feel tight after surgery and for swelling to continue for several weeks after your procedure. Swelling is generally worse on one side of your face than on the other side, but it should get better over time as fluid drains from beneath your skin layer into deeper tissues (fat pockets).
It’s not unusual to feel tightness in your skin or face – this is from swelling and should dissipate gradually.
It’s not unusual to feel tightness in your skin or face – this is from swelling and should dissipate gradually. The swelling may be worse around the eyes, but it shouldn’t affect your vision.
You can expect some bruising after your surgery, which will get better over time. You may also have some numbness around the incision sites; this should resolve itself within two months of surgery.
Recovering from a facelift or necklift requires patience, but it’s totally worth it.
Recovering from a facelift or necklift requires patience, but it’s totally worth it. The recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure you have and your age, health, and body type.
For example: if you’re young and healthy with good skin elasticity, your recovery period could be much shorter than someone who is older or has other medical conditions that affect their ability to heal quickly (such as diabetes).
how to speed up facelift recovery
Patients often ask how to speed up facelift recovery. It can be a little isolating when staying close to home during early recovery as swelling and bruising resolve. Patients vary in terms of how open they are with friends and family when undergoing elective surgery. They express a common interest however in returning to routine day-to-day activities as soon as possible following facelift surgery.
Aside from getting lots of rest and eating well (which apply to recovery following any type of surgery), there are a few recommendations for how to speed up facelift recovery in particular:
– Most importantly, no smoking!
Smoking increases the risk of wound healing complications during most surgeries. It is particularly dangerous when undergoing facelift surgery since skin flaps are extensively undermined. This allows the skin to be redraped and exposes the superficial facial muscles, which may then be resuspended. The skin undermining challenges the blood supply. Smoking causes vasoconstriction and may lead to skin flap necrosis during facelift surgery. Large wounds may then result in front of the ear region, leading to slower healing and more prominent scarring. It is essential to quit smoking at least one month (ideally even longer) before and after facelift surgery. Smoking increases one’s risk of developing many types of cancers and also advances signs of facial aging. Since patients undergoing facelift surgery are seeking facial rejuvenation, smoking cessation makes sense for many reasons!
– Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows
Over the first 4-6 weeks, sleeping on 2-3 pillows will decrease facial swelling as compared to lying flat. Some patients choose to sleep even more upright in a recliner chair for a few weeks post-operatively. The degree of head elevation will depend on your personal comfort and preferences. Avoiding lying flat during early healing will lower facial swelling and is an important way how to speed up facelift recovery.
– Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for one month following facelift
Along the same lines, it is important to avoid strenuous activity over the first month following facelift surgery. Activities which increase your heart rate also increase the risk of bleeding and greater swelling. Avoiding exercise, strenuous lifting over 5 pounds, and bending over is important over the first month. You may gently lower yourself by bending at your knees if you need to pick something up. Following these activity modifications may lower your risk of developing complications and also speed up facelift recovery.
– Cold compresses may reduce swelling over the first 48 hours
Applying cold compresses to your cheeks, forehead, and eye regions over the first 48 hours following facelift surgery may further reduce swelling. Swelling peaks over this time period, so applying cold compresses as frequently as tolerated during early healing may be beneficial. It is important to avoid placing cold compresses in direct contact with your skin. Local freezing will initially be in effect. Once the local freezing wears off, you will still not have normal sensation of your cheek and neck skin. It is important to protect your skin with a thin towel over the cold pack to lower the risk of inadvertent frostbite injury.
While it is important to rest and allow yourself appropriate healing time following facelift surgery, following these additional recommendations may further speed up your healing.
How painful is a face and neck lift
A neck lift is a facial rejuvenation surgery that can help make you look younger and healthier. But the recovery period is sometimes one of our patients’ main concerns. Recovering from a neck lift can take several weeks, often with undesirable side effects like bruising, swelling, and numbness. Find out how to have a better neck lift recovery
Dr Micheal Kernohan is one of the most distinguished Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons in Australia. He specialises in facial surgery, including face and neck lifts, in Southwest Sydney and Southern Ranges in New South Wales.
With his extensive experience, Dr Kernohan is offering his top tips for smooth healing and recovery after your neck lift. From ice packs to clothing choices, these tips give you the best chances for a speedy neck lift recovery.
What Is A Neck Lift?
A neck lift, also known as a platysmaplasty or cervicoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve signs of aging in the neck and achieve a smoother, tighter contour. Dr Kernohan can perform a neck lift alone or as part of a facelift.
A neck lift can reduce the appearance of common signs of aging around your neck and lower part of your face, such as
Dr Kernohan makes small incisions behind your ears and under your chin during neck lift surgery to tighten and lift the underlying tissues and muscles.
He often performs liposuction with neck lift to draw out excess fat, effectively improving the “turkey neck” and “double chin” look.
Neck lift surgery is a simple, yet major cosmetic procedure. You will need to follow Dr Kernohan’s post-neck lift aftercare instructions to ensure your recovery is smooth-sailing with no complications.
What to expect with Recovery After A Neck Lift
Like most surgical procedures, it’s common to experience some post-surgery symptoms after a neck lift.
After neck lift surgery, you may experience a few side effects in and around your neck:
These side effects of neck lift often last about 7 to 10 days after surgery before they subside. However, we urge you to contact Dr Kernohan if you notice:
One of the most common concerns among our patients is the recovery after neck lift surgery. And we understand entirely. Recovering from a neck lift can be a long and frustrating process, often taking several weeks to a few months to recover fully.
Here are a few tips that Dr Kernohan always recommends for a fast and better recovery after a neck lift.
Eleven Tips For Better or Faster Neck Lift Recovery
1. Be Prepared
The first day after a platysmaplasty or neck surgery is often the most uncomfortable. Your neck may feel stiff and sore, so you will need all the help you can get to keep yourself as comfortable as possible.
Having a family member or a friend help you after surgery can make your recovery a smoother process. Having someone take you home, prepare your meals, and help you with strenuous daily activities can help you heal faster after neck lift.
Preparing your home ahead of time makes for a better recovery period after a neck lift. Set up a resting place to keep your head and neck comfortable as much as possible.
2. Wear Your Chin Strap
Dr Kernohan will provide a chin strap for you to wear after neck lift; it prevents unnecessary movement and reduces swelling. Wear this consistently for around 2 weeks after surgery, but you can remove it during meals, showers, or cleaning your incision.
3. Keep Your Head Elevated
A great tip to boost recovery after your neck lift is to lie on your back and keep your head elevated when you sleep. It’s as simple as that.
Keeping your head elevated is excellent for improving circulation to reduce swelling after your surgery. This position places the least amount of stress on your neck, allowing you to heal faster.
4. Use An Ice Pack
Ice packs can help you recover faster after a neck lift. You can apply an ice pack around the painful area to reduce necklift swelling and bruising and relieve pain.
Avoid using ice directly on your neck. After a neck lift, the skin of your neck is sensitive and tender. When you directly apply ice to your skin, it disrupts your blood flow and can cause harm and pain.
5. Avoid Strenuous Activity
We recommend avoiding any kind of strenuous activity and vigorous exercises during the first few weeks of your recovery after neck lift surgery. Rest is the easiest way to speed up recovery post-neck lift.
Any twisting, bending, and abrupt movement can be painful to the newly operated area and interrupt a smooth recovery. If you want to stay physically active, opt for light strolling instead.
6. Avoid Hot Showers
One of the best ways to speed up your recovery from a neck lift is to avoid hot showers. While long, steamy showers can be relaxing, hot water and steam can irritate and even infect the incision site.
For the first 48 hours after surgery, keep the incision site as dry as possible to allow your surgery wounds to heal faster. You can opt for a sponge bath with lukewarm water after your neck lift.
After a week, you can gradually add showers back into your routine. For a better neck lift recovery and faster healing, Dr Kernohan recommends a few tips when getting into the shower:
7. Wear Comfortable and Loose Clothes
An easy way to heal from a neck lift faster is to wear loose clothing.
Dr Kernohan recommends staying away from pull-over shirts for the first few weeks after your neck lift. Instead, opt for comfortable and loose clothes that do not irritate your neck.
If something is too tight and requires a lot of manipulating and stretching, avoid it. The more gentle you are with your incisions, the quicker you can recover from your neck lift.
8. Avoid Sun Exposure
For the first 2 weeks after your neck lift, avoid unnecessary sun exposure to your neck to minimise the risk of complications. The heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can promote inflammation at the incision site and increase the chances of bleeding.
The UV rays can also alter the pigmentation around any scars, making them more prominent.
Here are a few easy tips to avoid direct sun exposure and recover from a neck lift faster:
9. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Any kind of surgery, including neck lift surgery, can be exhausting. Keeping a healthy lifestyle is essential for a faster recovery process after your neck lift.
Eat a balanced diet to restock your energy and give your body the nutrients it needs to speed up healing after your neck lift.
We strongly advise you to avoid smoking, alcohol, or any other form of nicotine. These can cause healing problems and lower your immunity, making you susceptible to infection.
10. Listen To Your Body
One of the simplest ways for a better neck lift recovery is to listen to your body. Your healing process takes time and, often, it’s best to go at your own pace.
Resuming work, exercise, and other normal activities before your body is ready can affect the progress of your neck lift recovery and prolong it further. If you think you’re ready, start with light exercise and work your way up. This way you can stay physically active and boost your recovery.
How long does it take to look normal after a facelift
Facelift surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. Prior to your surgery, you will receive sedatives or general anesthesia, and the procedure usually takes from 2-5 hours. A person undergoing a facelift normally goes home on the same day after surgery. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, medications to take, and when to follow up with your medical provider. In general, there are four stages of recovery after a facelift.
Stage 1 (Post Op Days 1 – 6)
Following facelift surgery, expect to wake up with a large wrapping around your head to minimize swelling and bruising, and small drains may be present for a brief period-of-time to draw off any type of fluid drainage. You will be quite groggy and unsteady, and for the first 24 hours following your surgery, it is important to have a caregiver with you.A caregiver will have to drive you home following your facelift surgery.
The first day following your surgery is the day when you may need the most pain medication. Usually, on the second day following your surgery, you will have a follow up visit with your cosmetic surgeon who will check your incisions and evaluate your swelling. Your surgical dressings will also be changed, and drains removed. While you should take it easy during the first seven days of recovery, in general, you will feel good enough to get up and move around your house in one to two days post-surgery.
Any swelling and/or bruising will peak three to four days following your surgery. It is recommended that you sleep on two pillows for the first two weeks following your surgery to help alleviate swelling. Do not underestimate the importance of keeping your head elevated. As previously mentioned, your medical provider will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may feel after your facelift. Taken as prescribed, you can control any pain and soreness you may feel.
Usually by day 4, pain medication is no longer needed, and swelling should start to go down. At this time, it is important to get your body and circulation moving (such as doing light housework), as it will help your recovery process. Additionally, it is important to follow the incision-care instructions given to you by your provider to ensure a successful recovery. Note, it is not uncommon to see more swelling on one side of your face than the other. However, if you develop unusual swelling or a fever, contact your physician immediately.
Stage 2 (Post-Op Days 7-14)
During the second week post-surgery, you will likely still have swelling and bruising around the affected areas. Some patients report strange sensations, such as tingling, numbness, or tightness. These sensations are commons occurrences following a facelift and are not cause for concern. Although swelling and bruising will begin to fade, you can expect it to take another week or two for the bruising and swelling to completely dissipate. By the end of the second week, most people feel like themselves and are ready to return to work, although you should still avoid heavy and/or strenuous physical activity.
Stage 3 (Post-Op Days 15-30)
In weeks 3 and 4 post-operative, the removal of your sutures will take place. The procedure you had, and your healing process, will determine exactly when your sutures are removed. While your sutures were still in, your incision sites may appear bunchy and puckered, but once the sutures are removed, they will begin to smooth out. At weeks 3 and 4, you may still have some residual swelling (this is normal and will dissipate), but for the most part it is at this point patients often begin to see real improvement in their face.
You will look and feel much better three weeks after your facelift. However, you should still avoid strenuous exercise or risk of injury. As your incisions heal, the incision sites may appear slightly pink, but this will fade with time. During this time, it is important to stay out of direct sunlight and wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Apply makeup to hide the incisions or simply let your hair cover them.
Stage 4 (Day 30 & Beyond Post-Op)
After one-month post-operative, it will be hard for anyone to tell you have had any cosmetic surgery and you should be back to normal activities with your new look. Note, it can take up to one year for very minor swelling, tightness, and numbness to subside, but those will only noticeable to you. Remember, the final outcome of your facelift will become evident over the next 12 months. Typically, it takes this amount of time for your facelift to fully heal and for you to see the subtle shifts as your facelift rejuvenates your appearance. Bear in mind, people who do their research, take the necessary precautions, and follow their medical provider’s instructions have the easiest outcomes and best results. Additionally, keep in mind, the above timeframes are general timeframes, everyone will have a unique-to-them experience.