It is a good idea to be aware of several facts when planning neck lift surgery and the recovery time involved. Usually neck lift surgery takes place as an outpatient. With that being understood, you will probably be discharged about 1-2 hours from the time you arrive into the recovery area. The time does vary and is contingent upon your response to the general anesthesia. All patients are required to have a person to drive them home following neck lift surgery. This must be arranged prior to the day of your procedure. You will not be allowed to go home alone- even in a taxi. You should have a responsible adult stay with you at least one night.
When you are in the recovery area following surgery and become aware of your surroundings, as well as your physical well-being, you will most likely feel uncomfortable soreness, tightness and tingling. It is common to also feel cold and sometimes overly emotional. These are side effects of the general anesthesia wearing off and are completely normal. Extra blankets and a forced hot air warming system are used to warm up patients and there are medications to aid in the relief of nausea, should you experience that, also.
After neck lift surgery patients do report having some pain. Kole Plastic Surgery will provide pain medicine to help lessen your discomfort. It is important to follow the directions and take the painkillers on the timed schedule. This will allow you to stay ahead of the pain best as possible. Usually for the first couple days you will feel foggy or woozy from a combination of the general anesthesia and the pain medication. Resting and remaining off your feet are important until your balance, coherency and grogginess go away.
During the first few weeks it is common to experience the following sensations near your area of incisions and possibly other places on the lower portion of the face:
- Some soreness and tightness while trying to move your neck
- Minor numbness
- Intermittent tingling
- Random sharpness or zapping pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
When you sleep, during your neck lift surgery recovery, the head needs to be elevated for 10-12 days on at least one to two pillows. All of these steps are a part of going easy on yourself and doing very little for your optimal results. You should make an attempt to slowly walk around your home a few times each day in order to keep your blood flow moving. If at any time during the first few weeks of recovery you feel new or abnormal pain in either or your legs or swelling it is important to call the office and report these changes.
Leaning over and lifting anything heavy should be avoided until a few weeks after neck lift surgery. All strenuous sports and exercise should be avoided. Your best results will also prevail if you stay away from alcohol, all NSAIDS, herbal remedies and tobacco. Dr. Edward Kole will see you back in the office to check on your progress, put fresh dressings on and take out stitches at specific intervals. Anytime, in between your scheduled, post-surgical follow-up appointments that questions or concerns arise, please don’t hesitate to call the office. There is minimal scarring after neck lift surgery. Incisions are short and placed under the chin as well as around the ears and posterior hairline. There are times when they may be slightly longer when there is extra redundant skin, yet they still can be hidden. If you tend to scar in an exaggerated way, Dr. Kole will discuss with you what can be done to help minimize your scars.
Please contact The Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center at 215-315-7655 to schedule your complimentary consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Kole Plastic Surgery. Our Office and Licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center is conveniently located at: [primary_address] Southampton, PA, [primary_state] [primary_postal]
