When can I easily turn head and neck after face and neck lift?

Thank you for your questions.In my practice, I ask my patients to refrain from bicycling and swimming for 6 weeks.  I am concerned that with quick and excessive neck movements the scars will widen sligthly.  It is also safer to wait until all is healed prior to restarting physcial activities, for your own safety.Hope this helps!

Best regards,Dr. Marc DuPere, Toronto Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for the question. 10 days to 3 weeks after your surgery area you can healed move your head up and down. I wish you all the best.

Tightening of the platysma muscle causes stiffness of the neck. Rotation of the neck will not damage the repair. As time passes gradual increasing range of motion servers is physical therapy. Usually by three weeks full range of motion has been achieved although there may be exceptions.

Dear Adele91433Thank you for your question!  Congrats and happy recovery!  I prefer my patients to ask me about their activities etc- generally after 10 days it is safe to resume your previous activities .  If you are concerned then slow return is recommended- so short bike rides, dancing with less aggressive spinning etc.With Warmest RegardsTrevor M Born MD 

Thank you for your question.  I would certainly always follow your surgeon's advice.  However, I would also recommend that you not do anything that feels uncomfortable or that you feel may be putting too much stress on your surgical sites.  I recommend to my patients that they should refrain from any strenuous activity (ie, workout, bike riding, running) for at least 4 weeks after surgery.  If your neck still feels tight, and it is uncomfortable to turn, I would suggest holding off on bike riding until you feel 100%.  Again, be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Thank you for your question.  The first answer is that you should discuss this with your surgeon rather than on this forum, as he/she knows exactly what was done and what activities are safe for you at this point.Typically I reposition the entire platysma musculature and this will cause a tight feeling that does go away with time.  I ask patients to return to activities 3 weeks after surgery, but to be gentle with excercises that require neck extension and twisting.  Your body will guide you during this process.Hope this helps.Best,Dr. MostPS-Some yoga poses are OK for my patients at 3 weeks (not just child's pose, but warrior 1, downward dog, plank, etc are ok). 

Thank you for writing. I would recommend discussing with your surgeon that other activities may be better for you at this time. Excessive movements or increasing your heart rate can worsen swelling and widen scars if placed under too much tension. Maybe light elliptical or fast walking would be good alternative till you get to the six week mark. I tell my patients to continue with some form of compression, rest and icing for the first four weeks. It is good to return to some mild activity but choose something with less neck movements and listen to your body. If you see the swelling getting worse, apply ice and rest taking a day off from activities. Good luck with your recovery! 

I usually allow my patients to ride a bike after 3 weeks. I don't think this will be a problem for youbest of luck

Your recovery seems slow so it is best to be safe.Try an exercise bike or spinning where rapid head movements are not required for safety.

I routinely tighten the platysma muscle during a neck lift procedure and this commonly causes a sense of thightness similar to what you describe.  The good news is that this disappears completely.  I would be guided by the gradual relaxation of the tightness that occurs naturally and gently and not push too hard to be able to turn your neck at this stage.Enjoy your results.Jon A Perlman MD FACSCertified, Am Board of Plastic SurgeryExtreme Makeover Surgeon ABC TVBeverly Hills, Ca