Tips for Neck Lift Recovery at Home

Recovery from a neck lift procedure looks different from person to person, as it is influenced by personal health factors, the specific surgical approach, and the body’s natural healing response, among others. Preparing for at-home recovery may help support your comfort and peace of mind as you heal.

We outline general recovery tips for persons considering or preparing for a neck lift procedure. But remember, consulting your healthcare provider about any post-surgery care needs or questions should be paramount over general guides.

1. Prepare for at least a 14-day downtime at home.

A neck lift is an overnight-stay procedure that requires at least 14 days of downtime at home. It can take three weeks to recover and return to work and regular social activities. You may need to take a leave from work or get assistance from family or friends in doing household chores. 

You should be able to take a cold shower the day after the neck lift. However, it would be best to avoid long hot showers for a few months. Most patients can return to work within two to three weeks. If you have a strenuous job or a job that involves heavy lifting, check with your doctor first before going back to work.

2. Take pain management medications as prescribed.

The anaesthetic helps with the pain control for the first evening after the neck lift procedure but usually wears off the following morning. Your plastic surgeon may prescribe you pain medication and anti-inflammatories for the first few days after the operation. It is important for you to take these medicines on a regular schedule to minimise your discomfort. 

You should also wear your bandage for the first week and may continue wearing it at night for a while, as your doctor will advise. You may also use a cold compress to reduce the pain and swelling.

3. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. 

You should have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to ensure that your body is recovering well from the neck lift surgery. This will allow your surgeon to check or treat any complications that may occur.

You may also read this article for more before and after neck lift surgery care tips.

Recovering from a neck lift at home can be manageable with the right approach and a focus on self-care. While these tips provide a helpful foundation, always prioritise the specific instructions given by your surgeon, as they’re tailored to your individual needs. 

Listen to your body, take things slowly, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgical team with any questions, even if they seem minor. 

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.