Neck Lift

While a neck lift is a surgical procedure that may involve some discomfort, most patients generally tolerate it well. During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain. Post-surgery, it’s common to experience mild discomfort, tightness, and swelling in the neck as the body begins to heal. This discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed pain medications and typically subsides within a few days to a week after the procedure.

The number of appointments required for a neck lift can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the rate of your body’s healing. Initially, you’ll need a consultation with Dr. Somenek. After the surgery, you’ll return for a follow-up appointment within the first week to monitor your recovery, address any concerns, and have your stitches removed if necessary. In the following weeks, you may require additional follow-up visits to monitor the healing process, assess the results, and discuss any necessary adjustments to post-operative care. Most patients typically require 2 to 3 follow-up visits after their neck lift, with one final check-in a few months after the surgery.

While initial improvements in the contour of your neck can be seen shortly after surgery, the full results of a neck lift typically take several months to become fully apparent. Swelling and bruising are common in the early recovery stages and can obscure the final outcome. Most patients will notice a more youthful and defined neck and jawline within the first few weeks as the swelling subsides. However, as the healing process continues, the skin will continue to tighten, and the final results will become more evident around 3 to 6 months after surgery.

Neck lifts are often combined with a facelift to simultaneously address signs of aging in both the neck and the face. This combination enables a more balanced and harmonious result, as it addresses the lower face, jawline, and neck in a single surgical session. In addition to a facelift, neck lifts can be combined with liposuction, brow lifts, or eyelid surgery to enhance overall facial aesthetics. Combining procedures can reduce the total recovery time, as you only need to go through one healing period rather than multiple surgeries spaced apart. Before recommending a combined approach, Dr. Somenek will carefully evaluate your medical history, goals, and the areas you want to address.

While neck lifts are generally safe, like all surgeries, they come with certain risks. These include infection, bleeding, and scarring; however, these complications are rare and can usually be managed effectively. Swelling and bruising are common after surgery, but they typically resolve within a few weeks. In some cases, numbness or a sensation of tightness in the neck may persist for a few months. There are also rarer risks associated with a neck lift, such as nerve damage, which could lead to temporary or permanent changes in sensation or asymmetry in the neck or jawline.