Is it Normal for Necklift Results to Look Worse After 2 Weeks Before Improving?

Question

One day after having a face/necklift, to improve upper neck banding, my results looked good with very little brusing and swelling. My neck looked smooth and nicely angled. By day two I had quite a bit of swelling in my neck (incisions under chin and behind ears). Two weeks later the swelling has resided quite a bit but under my chin is lumpy, and there is very little contour of the neck and large swollen glands. It feels very firm and lumpy where my neck should be angled. Very concerned!

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Swelling immediately after surgery does tend to camouflage irregularities. Swelling tends to increase for about 3 days after any surgery and does worsen for bit after drain removal. Then as your swelling settles you will feel the irregularities from other issues such as stitches that you can feel or swollen glands or residual fat that may be in the process of absorbing. Normal healing takes approximately 6-8 weeks and full remodeling takes up to a year. My recommendation is try to be patient with this and realize it looked good initially and likely will look great eventually.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Without knowing the techniques applied during your procedure, it's difficult to access. Though recovery from a surgical #necklift varies from person to person, patients are generally presentable within three weeks from surgery. Generally, it will take approximately 7-10 days for the early healing. 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 will soften and fade away within six to twelve months from the surgery date. 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.

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

What you described might be totally normal and it takes a few months to glimpse at the end result. Edema shifts, relaxing of internal stitches and changes after they dissolve if absorbable, whether or not your submandibular glands swelled as a result of surgery, resolving hematoma or seroma and many other factors that resolve often are at their worst at this time as resolving edema unmasks their presence. Follow you plastic surgeon's advice and see him regularly. Massage, ultrasound are sometimes helpful

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

This is not uncommon.I habe my patients wear a compression strap for at least 2 weeks post op or longer if they want.This helps with the swelling.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

Some swelling in the first week after your neck lift is normal.  To.minimize this and help expedite healing wearing a neck compression garment will be helpful.  Doing so as much as you can in the first 2-3 weeks will help expedite your healing.  Massaging the neck area starting at 2-3 weeks will also be helpful.

All the best,

Dr Remus Repta

Is it Normal for Necklift Results to Look Worse After 2 Weeks Before Improving?

Answers (5)