Downtime and Duration of Neck Lift Surgery?

Question

I do not mind some lines and wrinkles but I HATE the chicken neck look I have!  I am 62 years old and trying to grow old with some grace, but this trully bothers me.  How much downtime can I expect from Neck Lift surgery? How long does the procedure last? I appreciate you responding. Thank you.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

The Neck Lift involves minimal post-operative discomfort and downtime. 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. You will continue to age, however a necklift is long lasting and should last approximately 10 years. Best of luck! Dr. Clevens

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello pug momma While each patient is different, as a general rule, patients can expect to recover from their necklift in about three weeks. #neck #skin

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Typically Neck Lift procedure will take approximately 2 hours, however if combined with other procedures such as neck lipo, platysmaplasty or facelift, which is very common, this time can be extended.  The procedure should have the longevity of 7-12 years.  Recovery would normal be 10-14 days (however can be dependant from patient to patient). Please seek a certified board plastic surgeon which you can have a one to one consultation to discuss desired results, see before and after pictures and ask many questions.  All The Best

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

The downtime should be quick at about 7-10 days and the results are long lasting. You will always look better than if you never had anything done.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Downtime from a neck lift is generally 1-2 weeks.  The duration depends on the type of neck lift performed and the patient's own tissue characteristics.  In general though it can be expected to last 8-10 years. I hope this helps!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Recovery time from a neck lift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). The marks from a face lift and or  neck lift are noticeable at first, but are easily hidden with a bit of “camouflage” make-up which make-up experts can teach you to do.The scars from a facelift/neck lift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. Other procedures may also be indicated such as skin resurfacing, medical skin care, find wrinkle treatment, etc.Improvement lasts forever and you will always look better than if you never had surgery while the hands of time tick on, your clock will always be set back a number of years.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Neck lift recovery varies from
patient to patient and depends on a large number of variables.  These include the wound healing
characteristics of the patient and the type of procedure performed.

Most patients feel pretty good in
about four to five days, but their primary concerns are when they will look
good enough to go out in public. 
Recovery following neck lift surgery may last for months, but most
patients feel they can go out in public in about two weeks.  At this point, most of the bruising and
swelling have resolved.

It’s important to emphasize that
recovery periods are variable and depend not only on the patients would healing
characteristics and the surgical technique utilized, but also on the patients
tolerance for changes that may occur following neck lift surgery.

It’s also
important to realize that neck lifts turn the clock back, but don’t stop the
clock form ticking.  Most surgeons
will tell you that the procedure will generally last about ten years.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Usually the bruising is gone  2-3 weeks after a neck lift. Each person can have a different amount. The final result will not be apparent for about 6 months.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Depending on the extent of the surgery, the initial swelling and bruising tends to last about 3 weeks. However, many individuals demonstrate rapid recovery and are back to work withing 10 days.
It will likely take a minimum of  3 months to assess the final result.
Of course, individuals will vary in their outcomes.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

As a board certified plastic surgeon, I usually recommend that my patients take it easy for approximately one week after a neck lift. For their safety and comfort, a private-duty nurse will stay with them the first 36 hours or so, and after this time, they can shower and relax on their own. Gentle walks, depending on the patient, can be taken at this time, and they are able to “open the door to a delivery person” at this time without looking scary!  Most all of the swelling goes down in the first two weeks, after which time they can begin working out again at the gym.  The longevity of the results depends on the surgeon’s skill and the patient’s skin quality, but a good neck lift can last for 20+ years and in some cases, even longer. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discussing your concerns and expectations to see if a neck lift would be right for you.