What to expect during neck lift recovery? Does it take a long time to heal? Will I need a lot of help around the house?

Provided there are no complications, most necklift patients can return to reasonable daily activity the day after surgery.  There may be some bruising and visible sutures that can contribute to social downtime, but physically I want my patients up and about immediately.  By 2 weeks all the sutures have been removed and obvious swelling and bruising is gone.  Improvement, however, in the final outcome might be visible for many months.

Neck lift recovery is usually very simple. Each surgeon has their own specific guidelines and instructions after surgery. In my practice, patients are instructed to avoid driving for two weeks while the incisions heal due to the need for head-turning with driving. Strenuous activity, exercise, heavy lifting, etc should be avoided for two weeks as well. There is a minimal amount of wound care involved. Most all sutures and/or staples are removed at the end of one week.
Most patients will have some bruising and swelling, and the amount of bruising can vary widely from one patient to another. Numbness of the neck is to be expected. There is some level of discomfort, but this is usually relatively mild, and most patients report a tightness sensation rather than pain after the first day or two. Makeup can be used to cover any bruising, but should be kept off of the incisions until they are completely healed, which is usually around day 10-14. The incisions are typically healing very nicely by the 10-14 day time frame, and most patients are starting to get back into their normal routines by about two weeks. All the best,

Hi! Thanks for your question. In general, "downtime" is 1-2 weeks. Most patients can be back to work in this amount of time and are able to cover any residual bruising with makeup. The first few days you will be sore and a little tired (healing is hard work!). After that you will start to get your energy back. Also, you wont want to do any heavy lifting for about 2 weeks.  So, you might want some help around the house for the first few days. All in all, it is very manageable!

Although, recovery  from a surgical #necklift varies from person to person,  patients are generally presentable within three weeks from surgery. Generally, it will take approximately 7-10 days for the early healing in which many patients feel comfortable being in public at this stage. Most #bruising is low on the neck and may easily be covered by clothing. Also,  wearing a #compression garment may be suggested the first week and then nightly for up to six weeks.The #incision scars from a necklift can typically be hidden well and are not located within eye level to be immediately noticed. These #scars “mature” within six to twelve months from the surgery date. The term mature implies they will soften and fade away. During this time, the rejuvenating effects of the necklift will become most obvious and the neck feels the most normal (ex. little discomfort, soft, normal sensation, no more post-op firmness). Following this stage, the true restorative effects of your necklift result will be apparent. At any time during your healing, you have certain concerns about the #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Wether your face lift is done under local anesthesia or under General anesthesia  your postoperative recovery will be very similar. After your procedure you will be dressed in the head wrap that extends from your neck to your four head and from your chin to the back of your head. This rap is often placed snuggly to help minimize  swelling but also to provide comfort and care for you in this recovery period. Many patients will have drains in during this first 24 hour period of time and will need assistance emptying the drains. Often patients are not allowed to shower for the first 24 hours and return to the office the next day to have the drains removed and to examine the  wounds for any signs of hematoma or when healing challenges. After the first dressing change many patients are allowed to go home and shower. This is a welcome relief  and having someone to help with showering at this early postoperative stage is a benefit. Many patients continue on gentle oral pain medications or even muscle relaxer and's during this early postoperative period and benefit from help getting around the house help with providing for meals and general assistance. So to answer the question about how much help you need the answer is definitely!
 However depending on the technique utilized there may be limited bruising and limited swelling following the procedure and often patients are able to wean off their medications in a short period of time and able to resume limited regular activities. Some patients are able to venture out to do simple chores with a Jackie Onassis head wrap on or a scarf to help them conceal their postoperative results. 
 As the discomfort resolves and less medication as needed obviously there is less of a need for help with activities of daily living as people resume their activity. By the time patients return for their one week postop visit to have their sutures removed many patients are driving themselves. 

Neck lift recovery, on average, takes 12 days.  The first night you will have a dressing on around the neck that will be removed the next morning.  Afterwards, we have our patients wear a light elastic band around the neck the first week as much as possible.  Also, the first week, we recommend no heavy lifting, working out, or bending over.  So, this week, you can't lift your kids or your pets or tend to your garden.  You really want to take it easy otherwise you'll worsen the bruising and swelling.On day 7, the stitches are generally removed, you're allowed to wear makeup in our practice, and we allow you to start working out.  The problem with the second week is the bruising and swelling.   You can do things around the house but you may not want to be seen at work or by your friends until day 12 after surgery.