Swelling after neck lift 

Swelling surgery is very normal and expected after a neck lift. Most patients can return to their work after only two weeks from the procedure. If you saw the fluid leaking from a closed incision in your doctor, he would tell you that your body could eventually reabsorb the fluid if it is a small amount. However, you may require a drain and compression if the fluid is larger. In this case, it is essential to drain the fluid to avoid potential infection.

When your doctor places a drain that removes excess blood and fluid from your neck, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions on the right way to take care of this drain; in addition, you need to write down the amount of the fluid which comes out.

Although your neck will likely be bruised and swollen, it will probably go away in 1 to 2 weeks after a neck lift surgery. Although you may see some bruises on your lower neck and chest after only a few days, there is no need to worry; gravity could pull the excess blood and bruise downward.

You will feel some pain for 2 to 4 days after a neck lift surgery. The skin around your incision will probably feel numb for several weeks. However, patients may experience some itching or shooting pain as the feeling in these incisions returns.  Most people recover from a neck lift surgery in 4 to 6 weeks. However, it usually takes about 3 to 4 months to see the final result from this surgery.

How to reduce swelling after a neck lift? 

Although, every patient needs a different treatment.  There are few tips and general instructions to help reduce your swelling:

• • Wear a compression garment for the first week after neck lift surgery because compression garments help reduce swelling by improving blood circulation and speed up the healing process.
  • You also need to follow a low salt diet before and after surgery to minimize fluid retention.
  • Doctors also advise you to sleep with your head elevated for the first two weeks after the procedure. 
  • You should also apply a cool compress during the first few days after surgery.
  • Lymphatic massage is required after the first 10 days from the procedure to relieve the swelling. 
  • Avoid certain activities and environments.
  • Avoid smoking in the weeks leading up to surgery and in the weeks after surgery; cigarettes will slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications after surgery. 
  • Avoid taking blood-thinning medication; those medications can impair healing and cause complications.
  • Some vitamins and natural supplements can also harm the healing process.
  • Natural supplements such as arnica and bromelain are advised, too, since they improve the healing of any bruising and swelling after surgery.
  • Drink plenty of water; it will help flush your system through and reduce swelling and fluid retention.
  • Use ice packs or cold compresses to reduce any discomfort feeling and swollen or bruised areas.

• Avoid food containing salicylates, as this substance can worsen bruising, such as olives, tomatoes, dates, and many more.

How long does swelling go down after a neck lift? 

A neck lift surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours to perform. However, the swelling and bruising after the procedure could take 2 to 3 weeks to start fading. Most people who have undergone a neck lift told us that the new contours of the neck would start to be visible at this point. However, it may take up to three months for the swelling to go down.

Patients may also require placing a small tube in their neck to drain the fluids, which collect under your skin. In addition, the bandages or compression garment will help reduce the swelling revealing the full results of your neck lift.

Most people need to rest about one week at home after neck lift surgery. Make sure you have someone to help you during this time. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions, which may include:

• Wearing a compression bandage day and night for the first week. Continue to wear it at night only afterward.
• Take pain medication as directed by your surgeon.
• Use a cold compress that would reduce pain and swelling.
• Keep your head elevated when lying down.
• Avoid hot showers and steam baths for a few months, while patients can do cool showers right the day after the neck lift procedure.

Most people can return to their work within two weeks.  However, if you have a job that requires heavy lifting, check with your doctor first before going back to it. The surgeon will remove the drain in your neck two days after your operation. At the same time, stitches could take 5 to 10 days after surgery to be removed.

References:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/your-facelift-recovery-explained-from-day-1-to-day-30

https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/cosmetic-procedures/what-to-expect-after-a-neck-lift