When can I turn my head after face and neck lift surgery?

Dear LifeIsSweet,Following the
surgery, a turban-like dressing is used for the first two days and cold
compresses are placed over the neck area. The next morning the dressing is
removed and cold compresses are applied to the face and neck.This process should continue for at least the
next few days.Hydrogen peroxide soaked
Q-tips® are used to clean over incision lines.This helps to accelerate wound healing and also to prevent scabs and
crusts from forming.

Individuals will
need to sleep with their head elevated for two weeks after the procedure.It is also vital to avoid any heavy lifting
or straining for the first two to three weeks following surgery.One should also minimize movement of the head
and neck for at least one week following surgery to avoid stretching the newly
positioned tissues.Sincerely,Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS

Thank you for the question. Generally speaking, I ask patients to limit their activities for 2 weeks after face and neck lift. Driving should be avoided until you can safely turn your head to look for merging traffic. If your incisions are closed well, in multiple layers, this sort of activity should not in any way compromise the healing.