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

Question

I'm seeing how much I take for granted my ability to turn my head. When will I be able to turn it safely without ripping apart at the seams? Until that point, do you think a swivel seat will suffice when I'm driving? Or should I avoid driving altogether until I can safely swivel my head? Thanks!

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

After a Face/Necklift
procedure you are able to turn your head fully
within a week. I don’t allow my patients to drive a vehicle for 10-14 days especially if
they had eye surgery concomitantly. You may resume all previous activities in 4 weeks.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  At about fifteen days post-op, you should be fine to turn your head.  Please be sure to ask you operating surgeon about this specific question as the opinion varies amongst the surgeon community.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

With a properly done facelift, you should be able to move your head immediately, without fear of damaging anything.As for driving, I usually recommend that patients wait under the beginning of the second week - once swelling has started to go down, they can move more easily, and are off their pain pills.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Typically, restrictions are strict for the first 2 weeks postoperative. Gentlem/light motion and activity is encouraged, however. In regards to driving, it is unsafe to drive while still on narcotic medications and if you are unable to turn your head.  Once these restrictions are lifted and you are back to normal activities, you may proceed.  Answers will vary among surgeons, so best to ask your surgeon for direct instructions.  Hope that these answers help!  Best wishes!

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

You should have better mobility after 2 weeks recovery.  Depending upon the tightness you are experiencing, you might want to consider waiting an additional week if there is too much tighness and discomfort associated with the movement.  Most people are able to drive after a few weeks and turn their shoulders in addition to turning the head.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing.  Every surgeon will have variations to this question.  After face and neck lifting, I like my patients to refrain from excess neck turning for 2 weeks.  So activities like golf, tennis, yoga, etc are off limits for 2 weeks.  When driving i tell my patients to use the mirrors and turn with the shoulders.  Ask your surgeon for specific instructions.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I don't have any restrictions on movement of the head. Tightness will limit mobility for a week or so after the operation. Driving should not be resumed until it can be done so safely.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would contact your surgeon to find out when he or she thinks it is okay for you to turn your head after your face/neck lift surgery.  Different surgeons may have different lengths of time they prefer patients to avoid head turning, but in general, it is most likely around a few weeks (and not months) after the procedure.  I would definitely recommend not driving until you are able to turn your head again.

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

Answers (18)

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