Tightness after a Neck Lift: Is it normal, and how long will it last?

A plastic surgery neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck and tightens the underlying muscles. It can be done alone or in conjunction with a facelift. Though a neck lift is considered a relatively safe procedure, like any surgery, it has certain risks and side effects. One such side effect is tightness around the incision site(s). 

It’s normal to feel some tightness in the neck area after surgery. This is because the skin has been lifted, and the underlying muscles and tissues have been tightened. The tightness should gradually improve over the first few weeks and months. However, it may take up to a year for the full results of your surgery to be visible.

Recovering from Tightness and Swelling After a Neck Lift Surgery

Most patients report excellent results after neck lift surgery in Sydney. However, it is essential to remember that every patient is different and can experience different levels of tightness and swelling. The following is a general guide to what you can expect during your recovery:

1-2 Days After Surgery

Naturally, patients may feel disoriented due to the anesthesia and likely feel tightness and discomfort in the neck area. While the patient is in the clinic, they will be propped up to help with swelling and bruising.

1 Week After Surgery

Swelling and bruising will start to go down days after the operation, but you should still be careful at this time. You can take painkillers to make the process more manageable.

2-3 Weeks After Surgery

Patients might feel some tightness at first, but after the first two weeks, there should be no more pain. Patients might also experience skin sensations returning and feel tingling sensations in their arms during this recovery.

Full Recovery

Scarring may take up to 18 months to fully heal; however, Dr Jack Zoumaras‘ expertise in the procedure will minimise and hide any necessary scars with the new contour of your jawline and neck. It is common for swelling to persist for about six months after surgery.

Patients should not be alarmed if they experience tightness and numbness in their neck following neck lift surgery that continues for more than a year. These symptoms are normal as the body heals and should resolve on its own. If you have any distressing symptoms, please consult your surgeon for further help.

If you’re interested in undergoing a neck lift in Sydney, reach out to Artiste Plastic Surgery. Our Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jack Zoumaras will discuss everything you need to know about the procedure, including the possible risks and benefits.  Schedule a consultation today.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.