General anesthesia is the gold standard for this operation. Under this type of anesthesia, you are fully asleep; there is no pain and no awareness. Alternatively, a neck lift may be performed using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
Safety and comfort are always paramount. Your anesthesia provider has a wealth of experience in surgical procedures, safety, and care. You will spend one to two hours in a fully-monitored and state-of-the art recovery room at the surgery center. Your registered nurse will be at your side every moment to attend to your safety and comfort.
After your neck lift procedure, you’ll have a dressing applied across the chin or behind the ears (or both) to reduce swelling and discomfort. For the first night only, you may also have a bandage wrapped around your neck and head. Your neck may feel tight as the anesthesia wears off. Patients rarely complain of pain after this operation.
You have several options for recovery: you may choose to have professional care, to stay in a recovery center, or to recover at home. Depending on the extent of the operation, Dr. Koplin may insist that you spend the first night or two in a professional aftercare facility. If you are allowed to recover at home, you must have someone stay with you the first night. We’ll send you home with specific care instructions, as well as information about medications that can aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your overall health, and when to follow-up with Dr. Koplin.
Attention to detail, expertise in surgical technique, and pioneering work in the area of Natural Fat-Transfer sets Dr. Koplin apart from other surgeons. For nearly 20 years, he has used a combination of these techniques to add natural fullness and shapeliness to areas of the face and body. Fat transfer may add to your result if you are considering a facelift in conjunction with your neck lift.
•Your dressings may be changed, if needed.
•The bandage around your neck and head will typically be removed the day after surgery.
• Need to wear a neck garment to maintain good contour of the neckline.
• Sleep with your head elevated for one or two weeks.
•Keep your head and neck still after a Neck/Face Lift. Avoid turning your head from side to side
•Face and neck will get more swollen, and possibly a bit bruised.
•Your skin will be numb around the incision and everywhere it may have been moved.
•Don’t do too much too soon, but do make sure to walk a bit. It will help you heal faster.
•Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects for the first few weeks after surgery.
•Continue to avoid alcohol, aspirin, and ibuprofen for at least a week after surgery.
•Swelling and bruises will begin to dissipate after about ten days.
• Your stitches will be removed about a week after your procedure.
•You may notice a temporary change in the way your face moves, or have tightness, tingling, sporadic sharp pains, pulling, burning, or cold sensations. These effects usually subside within the first few weeks.
Final results will be evident in about three to six months.