How Long Does Neck Lift Swelling Last?

Though recovery from a surgical #necklift varies from person to person, patients are generally presentable within three weeks from surgery and #swelling is not at all uncommon. 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. If during your healing, you have any concerns, it is suggested to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

At this point, it is best that you follow up with your surgeon or his/her clinical team.  What you describe in your question should be addressed immediately.

Although swelling is mostly resolved in the majority of patients within the first 3 months it may not be in all and waiting a year is often required for those. Excessive bruising, hematoma or seroma early on, prior history of neck surgery, and other factors will delay this process. On the other hand, a second opinion may be helpful as well as regular visits with your plastic surgeon. Often lymphatic massage, ultrasound, low salt diet among other recommendations may be helpful for many.

Swelling following neck lift
surgery varies from patient to patient and depends on the surgical technique
and wound healing characteristics of the patient.  The majority of swelling usually resolves in about two weeks
following neck lift surgery.  At
this point, most patients can return to work and resume normal activities.  In most cases, total resolution takes
about three months.  In rare cases,
swelling may persist for up to six months following surgery.

It’s important to realize that more
aggressive neck lift procedures cause more swelling, which can last for longer
periods of time.  Elevation of the
head and decreased salt intake may help decrease swelling
after surgery.  Swelling is normal
following surgery, but persistent or extreme swelling should be evaluated by
your surgeon, especially if it’s accompanied by bruising. 

Hard to say without photos or exam.  Your descriptions of "watermelon" size swelling are a unusual.  While you are still early in your post operative course, I would suggest contacting your surgeon and letting him/her know what is going on. 

I would contact your surgeon and schedule a follow up consultation asap to ensure there are no problems.
 

It is better to be safe than sorry. Contact your surgeon and request a follow-up appointment to be evaluated and ensure that you do not have a hematoma (blood) collection or seroma (collection of serum) which may need to be drained.

Hi TJR,

Many patients see immediate improvement in wrinkles from excess skin and sagging neck tissue after lower facelift and neck lift. At 2 weeks, many still have some swelling, while the bruising has mostly resolved. Also, incision lines may still be a little red at this time. Patients typically report the area feeling tight or snug. Numbness, especially around the ears, is common after face lift surgery and generally improves over time. The recovery period is largely dependent on the specific face lift procedure performed, for example more extensive plastic surgery procedures require longer recovery.

While healing & tightening occurs slowly over months during the first year, swelling like a "watermelon" is uncommon, especially 6 weeks after plastic surgery. You should speak with your face lift plastic surgeon regarding these and any concerns you have. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki

"Half the size" of "enormous" or "like a watermelon" at 6 weeks post-op is concerning to me. How often have you seen your surgeon? Are you wearing an elastic chin strap to help reduce swelling and promote smooth healing? Are you sleeping with your head above heart level (sofa cushion under the mattress works great) to allow gravity to help reduce the swelling? Is there fluid or blood beneath the skin flaps?

See your surgeon, NOW, not at your next regularly-scheduled appointment. Even if everything is found to be "fine," you shouldn't have to be online seeking help with what is clearly out of the "norm!" Click on the link below to see a 66 year-old woman who had more surgery than you and is 6 weeks post-op in her "After" photographs. Case 3 shows a 73 year-old woman who also had more surgery than you and is 7 weeks post-op in her "After" photographs. These are just examples, but what you describe is potentially worrisome to a good long-term result!  Best wishes!

Neck swelling after a neck lift cna last for about 6 weeks or longer.  Howevre, you should see your plastic surgeon to make sure that you do not have a seroma.  This is very infrequent after a neck lift.