When do you wear a chin strap/neck support after a facelift? Can they be purchased on Amazon?

What you will find is that you are going to get very different answers to this question depending on what each surgeon finds that works best for their own patients. Some surgeons make their patients wear a wrap for one month, while other surgeons don’t have them wear one at all. For my patients, I require that they wear a special head wrap that I put on them for 2 days. I see them the next day, take it off for them, and put a new one on. They take that off the following day, shower, and then wear a special ace bandage with padding between the wrap and their skin for 5 more nights. 

We suggest our patients wear a gentle wrap for about a week the first week, then for the second week only in the evenings. After a few weeks, its not necessary, unless it makes you feel better when you wear it. I am sure your surgeon gave you post op instructions that explain, as we all have a different set of post op care requirements. For example, we offer lymphatic massage to our patients and Red LED therapy to also improve the healing process post op and suggest a silicone based scar gel and sunscreen to apply over the incision lines after two weeks. 

Surgeons have different opinions on this, some use them, some do not. I have my patients wear one only for the first few days. At two weeks post op it is probably not necessary. Good luck.

Dear jelllybThank you for your question. Every surgeon has their own protocol that has been developed from scientific evidence and experience. I start my patients is a compression garment around 5-10 days after surgery once their head wrap is off. I use a foam sponge under the chin so direct pressure is not placed on the chin incision. Post-op recovery and protocol is very important after a facelift and can affect your final result. Good luck!Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

I have my patients wear a support garment after facelift full time for the first three days, then at night for a week.  After that it is optional.  Typically the garments are washable, each surgeon will have a preference for which ones they prefer for their patients to use.

Hello and thanks for the question. The tendency to swell after facelift surgery is within the firstthree to four days. A headwrap that supports the tissues can also decrease the amount of swellingand shorten the recovery time. You can find them in medical supply stores or Amazon does haveones similar.

Hello and thanks for the question. The tendency to swell after any surgery or injury is the first three to four days. A wrap that supports the tissues  for at least that long will decrease the amount of swelling and shorten the recovery time. After the tendency to swell is past, I don't require my patients to wear the wrap during the day, but I do recommend gentle compression every night with a wrap for at least a month. The swelling ends up under the chin at the end of the day and I have found that the wrap helps keep the swelling from building up and forming lumps under the chin. I am a pretty good salesman if I get my patients to wear it a month, but honestly, patients with heavier necks and more swelling can benefit with gentle compression for up to three months. Three months is the minimum amount of time for any wound to completely heal. I give my patients two wraps to use interchangeably. I buy them from a medical supply. I believe Amazon does sell something similar. My Best!John Standefer MD

Thank you for your question.You will find different doctors have different personal requirements as far as how long or what type of chin strap you should use post surgery. I personally have my patients wear a chin strap for the first 30 days to sleep at night. The first 7 to 10 days all day (or for as long as possible) once their compression bandage is removed at 72 hours. The chin strap helps support the plat muscle as well as protects the ears from any friction or movement while sleeping. I supply my patients with a chin strap at the office which we order from a medical supply company. Hope this helps and best of luck!

Thank you for your question. In our office, we have our patients wear a jaw bra for 2 weeks after surgery. This helps to control swelling and hold the tissues in place. Different surgeons have different recommendations based on the surgical technique they used and individual patient recovery. Most of these compression garments can be purchased online and are washable/reusable. Good luck with your recovery and move!

When a chin / neck strap is needed after a facelift, we provide it to the patient.  Prior to leaving your location ask your surgeon for a referral to someone in your area for follow up.  I am sorry you have had a bad experience with your surgeon and his staff.