If you’re considering a neck lift, you’re probably asking: How long will recovery take? Will I be in pain? While healing does take time, you may be surprised by how smooth the process actually is.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. John Reilly has helped hundreds of patients recover comfortably and confidently after neck lift surgery. In this article, we’ll walk you through each stage of recovery: what’s normal, what to expect, and how to get the best possible results.
If you’re looking to refine your profile with a neck lift, book a consultation with Dr. John Reilly today. With over 20 years of experience and accolades from Castle Connolly and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, he’ll create lifted, youthful results to reveal the best version of you.
Your Complete Neck Lift Recovery Guide
Healing from a neck lift is a gradual process, and knowing what to expect can help you preserve your results:
Immediately After Surgery
When you arrive home after your neck lift, most patients experience only mild discomfort. The initial recovery phase is usually manageable, especially with the right care and support.
Here’s what you can expect:
- A large cotton dressing will be wrapped around your head, from under the chin to the top of the head. This reduces swelling and supports the surgical area.
- You may receive a small supply of prescription pain medication, though most patients don’t need it for long.
- Discomfort is typically mild, but tightness or pressure around the neck area is normal.
Follow these tips to stay comfortable and support the best results:
- Keep your head elevated (even while sleeping) to minimize swelling.
- Avoid turning or bending your neck and keep movements slow.
- Use cold compresses around the jawline and neck (as instructed) to reduce swelling.
- Stay hydrated and eat soft, easy-to-chew foods to avoid strain.
- Do not remove or adjust the dressing unless instructed by your surgeon.
- Arrange for an adult to stay with you for at least the first 24–48 hours.
First Post-Op Visit
During your first post-op visit, the large cotton dressing is replaced with a smaller, Velcro-applied chin strap, which you can put on and take off yourself. Here’s what you can expect:
- Bruising is minimal for most patients.
- You’ll likely only need over-the-counter pain relief at this point.
- You can shower after this visit.
Days 4 to 7: Comfortable Healing
Between days 4 to 7 post-op, patients are usually very comfortable.
By around day 7, all sutures from the scalp line and behind the ears are removed. You can begin to slowly increase your activity, but:
- Avoid bending
- Avoid lifting
- Avoid straining
Weeks 2 to 4: Getting Back to Normal
Between weeks 2 and 4, you can:
- Return to the office for follow-ups
- Can go back to the gym (with limitations)
- Begin scar care (makeup or scar therapies)
At this stage, swelling continues to decrease, and the final results of your neck lift start to become visible.
Weeks 4 to 6 and Beyond: Full Recovery
After 4 to 6 weeks, you can return to your usual activities. You should continue to follow your surgeon’s guidance to ensure proper healing.
Factors That Can Affect Your Neck Lift Recovery Time
While most patients recover smoothly, certain factors can slow your healing or impact your final results:
Smoking or Nicotine Use
Smoking is one of the most common reasons for delayed or complicated healing after any surgical procedure.
- Nicotine restricts blood flow, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues.
- Smoking also increases the risk of wound breakdown, infection, and poor scar formation.
If you’re a smoker, your surgeon will likely require you to stop all nicotine use for several weeks before and after surgery.
Not Following Post-Operative Instructions
Even the best neck lift can’t give you the best results without proper aftercare. Ignoring your surgeon’s guidelines can lead to:
- Increased swelling or bruising
- Prolonged discomfort
- Unfavorable scarring or results
Follow these guidelines to support the neck lift healing process:
- Wear your compression garments as directed
- Avoid strenuous activity or lifting
- Take prescribed medications on schedule
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Choosing an Inexperienced Surgeon
Your surgeon’s skill level can impact your recovery and your long-term results.
- Inexperienced or underqualified providers may use techniques that cause unnecessary trauma or place incisions poorly.
- They may also fail to give you the aftercare instructions you need to recover efficiently.
To reduce your risk, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with proven experience in facial and neck procedures. Be sure to review their before-and-after photos and patient testimonials.
When to Call Your Surgeon: Warning Signs of Infection
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If something doesn’t feel right during your neck lift recovery, don’t wait or try to self-diagnose; reach out to your surgeon.
Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice:
- Unusual or increasing pain that isn’t relieved by your prescribed medication
- Excessive swelling or bruising, especially if it’s only on one side or appears suddenly
- Redness, warmth, or pus around the incision sites
- A fever over 100.4°F (38°C), which may suggest an infection
- Persistent bleeding that doesn’t stop after gentle pressure
- Drainage with a foul odor from the surgical site
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Redefine Your Neckline with A Neck Lift from Dr. John Reilly
With a custom neck lit, Dr. Reilly can create a smoother, more defined profile to take years off your appearance. With decades of experience and precise surgical technique, you’ll enjoy discreet results with minimal scarring.
Book your consultation with Dr. John Reilly today and get the elegant neckline you’ve always wanted.