When Will Swelling Subside After Neck Lift Surgery?

By: Dr. Shoib Myint

1/21/2024

Neck lift surgery is often argued to be one of the most transformative facial rejuvenation surgeries a person can undergo. For many men and women, neck lift surgery can take years off their appearance and even make them appear lighter in weight, helping to boost their self-confidence and look. At Myint Oculo Facial Plastic Surgery — with convenient locations in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas — board-certified and fellowship-trained Oculo Facial Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Shoib Myint helps patients restore the more youthful, slimmer, and smoother contours they desire with advanced neck lift surgery. If you are considering a surgical neck lift, use this helpful information as a resource to better understand what to expect during and after your procedure so that you can set yourself up for a comfortable, efficient, and successful recovery period.

How does a neck lift work?

When planning for neck lift recovery, it is helpful to understand how the procedure is performed. In most cases, neck lift surgery can be performed in our fully accredited onsite operating room using local anesthesia and IV sedation. To begin, Dr. Myint will create neck lift incisions in inconspicuous areas that allow the resulting scars to be concealed within the natural lines of the face and skin. Neck lift incisions are typically located just behind or around the earlobes. If needed, liposuction may be used to remove stubborn fat on the neck and beneath the chin. Finally, Dr. Myint will tighten and reinforce the muscle layer, trim away excess skin, pull the remaining skin taut, and close the incisions with sutures for a smooth, slim, sexier new neckline.

What can I expect during neck lift recovery?

Patients should expect some bruising, swelling, and mild to moderate discomfort for the first few days after neck lift surgery. A feeling of tightness is also common. These postoperative side effects of neck lift surgery are typically well tolerated and should resolve within a few weeks.

How long does neck lift swelling take to go down?

Most patients report a significant resolution of their post-neck lift swelling within about a week, with the majority of swelling after neck lift surgery resolving in about 2 – 3 weeks. However, patients may have mild, residual swelling — which is usually not perceptible to others — for up to 6 – 8 weeks. To encourage as quick and efficient of a neck lift recovery as possible, use these tips:

  • Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated
  • Use cold compresses or other aids as directed and recommended
  • Do not engage in strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Stay hydrated with water and low-sodium fluids
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Follow all of your surgeon’s neck lift recovery instructions closely

With a proper neck lift aftercare routine, you can help to ensure an efficient recovery process and avoid complications, including delayed healing, so that you can enjoy your gorgeous new look sooner.

Don’t let saggy neck skin weigh you down. Schedule your Las Vegas or Beverly Hills neck lift consultation

If you are self-conscious about your turkey neck and nonsurgical treatments aren’t giving you the results you want, it may be time to consider neck lift surgery. Discover the exciting transformations that may be possible for you with neck lift surgery in Las Vegas or Beverly Hills by calling Myint Oculo Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Shoib Myint today.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.