Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

Stop smoking

Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery.

During your recovery from neck lift surgery, a bandage could gently be placed around your face and neck to minimize swelling and bruising when your procedure is completed.

A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.

It is important to keep your head elevated above your heart to minimize swelling and to keep your head straight (no excessive twisting or bending of the neck). DO NOT APPLY ICE to the neck as this can compromise blood flow and result in skin death.

You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Call the office if you experience:

Severe pain not responding to the medications

Excess swelling or swelling that is greater on one side than the other

Significant changes in vision (anything more than mild blurring).

A fever.

Call if you have any questions.