Can swelling under the chin after a neck lift create horizontal neck lines? (Photo)

Its unusual to see lumps under the chin after 4 weeks, but the technique used and the post op recovery course is unknown to  us.  Sometimes swelling will accentuate post op horizontal lines which were present pre op, but it is difficult to tell the reason at this point.  Its best to give it more time and follow with your surgeon.

I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation and after care recommendations. It can take up to 6 months to have your final results with a neck lift. To improve your final results, I recommend a combination approach with thermage/venus legacy and Kybella/Ultherapy. I recommend getting a formal consultation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

The neck can undergo a number of changes as it heals including lumps and bumps, tightness, variable swelling and lines and folds. As the tissues heal the swelling will subside and the tightness will improve. Most of this occurs in the first three months but at 4 weeks you are still in the first phase of healing (swelling, tightness, variable lumps and bumps). I recommend you keep up with the warm compresses which can help soften and loosen the neck and keep all of your follow up appointments with you surgeon. You will see significant natural improvement in the neck over the next few months and your surgeon can guide you to the best outcome.

Thanks for writing,Swelling can certainly be an issue, but other things can do this also. Most importantly we don’t know what the operating plastic surgeon did. How much dissection, muscle work, open lipectomy. liposuction, topifoam, neck garment, how long did you wear it are just a few of the questions only you and your surgeon can answer. I would trust and follow your operating plastic surgeons post-op instructions carefully and completely. Relative to massage, it never hurt to massage, it help swelling and accelerates  rates the maturation of scar. You’ll do well, good luck Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS
Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetics Plastic Surgery 
Member: American Society of Plastic Surgery 
Member: RealSelf Hall of Fame

Dear Crismcc, It is best to follow your surgeons follow up instructions at this time. There are many different versions of neck lift surgery and without a copy of the operative notes understanding exactly what techniques were used its difficult to determine the possible cause of the horizontal lines. With that said massage may help soften the area. Stay in close contact with your surgeon so that he/she can walk you through the recovery phase. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.