Chin strap after facelift and neck surgery. (photo)

As others have said, the elastic bandage is helpful for swelling and bruising. Gentle pressure can reduce fluid accumulation under the chin. The dressing does not change the surgical result in any other way. As for activity restriction, this varies by provider. Generally, I ask patients to limit physical activity to a brisk walk for the first 2 weeks. Then, lighter cardio is allowed. Finally, after 3 weeks, heavier exercise is ok. Many patients will still notice a bit of swelling after exertion even this far out from the surgery. Best of luck and take care!

Post facelift patients do need to wear a chin strap necessarily. In terms of exercise, patients are encouraged to go slow and start light with working out.
Minimal activity for first week. Light duty only for 1 -3 weeks and gradually increasing working out for 3 -6 weeks. At 6 weeks patients may resume full sport and recreational activities.
 

In my patients, I find that wearing a chin strap after surgery is mostly beneficial for the first few days after the procedure to help with regards to swelling as well as to protect the incisions (especially around the earlobes) while sleeping.  You will find different opinions on whether or not to wear one and for how long. I do not find that it provides any benefit beyond the first few days. I do have my patients wear one for 48 hours after the procedure and then nightly for 5 more nights. I allow my patients to return to exercise 2 weeks after surgery.  Most important is to follow your surgeon's postoperative instruction because he or she knows what works best for their patients. 

I really depends on the what type of neck surgery you had done.  We use chin straps for support of the area after necklift surgery during the first 4-6 weeks after the procedure.  I do see your strap is leaving you with skin imprints- you have to be careful with that.  I'd get on the internet and find a chin strap that doesn't have that sharp of an imprint on the leading edge of the strap.  I think 2 weeks after surgery light walking would be fine but full exercise I wouldn't do until 6 weeks as the body needs to heal.  Best Wishes!!

Patients with questions and concern about their face and neck lift recovery should contact the plastic surgeon that performed the procedure to address these concerns and determine if there is need any need of management

I usually have my patients wear an elastic facelift dressing ("jaw-bra") for 1 week after surgery and then at night for 1 more week.  The purpose is to decrease swelling and bruising, not to change anything about the surgical result. I usually let my patients ease back into working out after 2 weeks.  So, if you are concerned about loose skin returning too quickly it probably has more to do with the surgical technique.  Discuss this with your surgeon.  A short "tuck-up" procedure can often take care of a little bit of recurrent laxity without too much downtime or cost.  If you are only about 1 month after surgery and concerned about ridging, it is possible the skin didn't stick back down to the underlying structures completely flat, and it these cases, massaging the skin 5 minutes 5 times a day can often make things look more natural.  Best of luck! 

I have met good plastic surgeons that do not
use neck straps after facelifts with very good
results. Based on the limited information provided
exercise early does not seem to be a consideration.
Many early irregularities also improve with healing.
Discuss your concern with your plastic surgeon and
he will help you as needed. Best wishes.

The chin strap provides tissue support immediately after surgery.  We think it increases comfort, and decrease the risk for bruising.  However, after a few days, it has done its job.  The strap can hard the skin is over used.  In my opinion, there is zero value to you to continue wearing the strap.  I also encourage my patients to limit their work out for the first 3 weeks after facelift.  Walking is ok, cross fit craziness not ok.

In my practice we do not recommend a long-term chin strap after facelift surgery.  It is just not necessary with my technique.  However, this can be variable from surgeon to surgeon.  Since you chose your surgeon to perform you surgery, you must be happy with the before and after photos and his work.  I would follow your surgeons protocol as he/she is the one that performed your procedure.

Every surgeon has his or her own unique post op protocol. I seriously wouldn't worry about the chin strap. However, I don't let my patients return to any kind of strenuous exercise for at least 3 weeks following a facelift. Hope this helps --