Why does my neck feel so stiff after a neck lift?

Thank you for your question.  This is very normal and typical for several weeks after a necklift.  Your soft tissues were loose and sagging before the lift (which is probably why you had the procedure in the first place).  Lifting these tissues requires them to be tightened.  This, combined with the swelling from the surgery will make the neck feel quite tense.  As the swelling subsides and the soft tissues relax, you should notice a greatly diminished sense of tightness (but still see good results).  All the best!

Face and neck and tightness one-week postoperative lower
face and neck lift surgery is normal.Swelling and numbness after any face and neck lift surgery is expected
and is normal. Usually, most of the noticeable swelling is reduced within a
couple of weeks, perhaps in some cases a couple of months. Initial icing will
help to reduce swelling faster. Good luck and good healing

Dear akopjak,Remain patient, my friend. You are in the early stages of recovery having left the operating table less than a week ago. I would continue your recovery regimen: refraining from exercise, avoiding exposure from the sun as well as steering clear from alcohol consumption. Rest will be your best bet for a successful neck lift at this point. Some patients experience stiffness for 2-4 weeks while others have prolonged symptoms lasting months.Check-in with your surgeon a month post op. I always recommend patients seek the highest quality care and treatment that only board certified facial plastic surgeons are equipped to provide. Sincerely,Ross A. Clevnes, MD, FACSClevens Face and Body Specialists