How Much Pain is Involved with a Neck Lift?

Thank you for the question.

Neck lifting surgery is a very well-tolerated procedure. However, like every procedure there will be patients who report “no pain” and others who report significant discomfort. Minimizing activity that increases blood flow to the area will also help minimize swelling and  potential “throbbing”. For example,  keep your head elevated after surgery may help decrease swelling and resulting discomfort.

You should also expect some numbness in the area of dissection that may last for many months.

I hope this helps.

In my practice in New York and Long Island, our neck lift patients report very little discomfort after I perform a neck lift surgery. There is typically a small amount of bruising and swelling post-surgery, and necklift patients can sometimes return to work in as soon as a week. Also, we perform neck lift surgery under local anesthesia with light IV sedation (as opposed to general anesthesia) so it is a safer method and comfortable for the patient, and the recovery time is quicker with less downtime.

The Neck Lift involves minimal post-operative discomfort. Pain medication is prescribed, but it is unlikely it will be needed for more than a day or two following your procedure. Most patients return to work or social activities ten to fourteen days after surgery. Strenuous physical exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks following a neck lift as it can trigger swelling thus causing pain.