Neck Lift Post-Op Instructions

The following instructions and information are provided to help you through the recovery process. Please review these carefully before your surgery and call our office at (865) 218-6210 should you have any questions before or after your surgery.

Discharge Instructions:

Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night after your surgery.

• Do not smoke for 24 hours after surgery.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after surgery or while taking prescribed narcotic medications.
• Resume a regular diet and activity as tolerated.
• Take prescribed medications as directed by Dr. Lucas.
• Use cool gel packs or frozen peas on neck for 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling.
• Empty drains and record output as instructed until first post-surgery appointment.
• Post-op appointment will be the day following surgery.
• Elevate head of bed 30 degrees until swelling subsides.
• Bathe, keeping bandages dry and intact.
• Cleanse face and neck using a warm washcloth and wiping gently around incision areas.
• Leave bandages in place until your post-op appointment.
• Sutures are usually removed between five and seven days after surgery.
• After bandages are removed, a facial garment is provided. This should be worn continuously for approximately two weeks to help reduce swelling.
• Shower and wash hair after your first post-op appointment; a hair dryer with no heat may be used.
• Do not submerge face and neck in water for approximately six weeks.
• Avoid strenuous exercise six weeks, i.e., heavy lifting, running.

What to Expect after Surgery:

You may experience one or more of the following for up to six weeks after your surery:

• Swelling of face, ears and chin
• Numbness of face, ears, and chin
• Bruising
• Skin tightness
• Minimal to moderate pain controlled by prescribed abalgesic
• Low-grade fever

If you experience any of the following, call our office at (865) 218-6210:

• Excessive swelling
• Extreme redness or drainage around incisions
• Severe pain not controlled by prescribed analgesic
• Excessive bleeding (blood soaked dressings or increasing amounts of bright red blood in drains)
• Fever greater that 101.5
• Nausea and/or vomiting