Face and Neck Lift
Quick Fact Guide
1Consultation time required
New patient 30 minutes.
2Approx. total cost
Provided at consultation.
3Usual length of operation
1.5-2.5 hours for neck surgery only, 3-5 hours for face and neck lift.
4Type of anesthesia (usually)
Local anesthesia for direct neck lift only otherwise it is general anesthesia.
5Are there permanent scars?
Yes, but usually well hidden in skin creases and the scars mature over time so that they can be very hard to see.
6Pre-operative Instructions
No aspirin two weeks before, fast according to instructions, take any usual meds with a sip on the day of surgery. If you get ill, i.e. flu before surgery, notify us.
7On discharge
Go home to rest under supervision, drink well, take antibiotic and pain meds as directed, start a light diet if you feel able to. Keep head elevated on 2-3 pillows at night to help with swelling.
8Next Day
Mobilize around the house, rest, drink well, take meds as directed, we encourage walking. Expect bruising around the eyes for 10-14 days.
9Day 2 – 7
Increase mobility as you feel better
10When is my first post-op visit?
Day 1-3
11Is there pain?
Expect mild pain – will need painkillers for a few days. The neck area often feels tight for quite a long time – days to weeks, occasionally longer.
12Is there swelling?
Yes, especially first 4-7 days and swelling will take weeks to go away.
13Is there bruising?
Yes, and sometimes black eyes for 7-14 days, sometimes longer.
14Are there numb areas?
Yes, in front of ears, on cheeks and around neck. This can take a number of months to fully recover. Along the scar will often remain numb.
15Are there stitches to be removed?
Stitches in front of ears and along the sideburn and temple removed around 7 days and from behind the ear along with staples (in the hair itself) removed at 14 days.
16Are there dressings?
Yes, a facial compression wrap around top of head and chin over top of gauze to be worn for 1 week in total.
17Are there drains?
No
18How do I manage the garment?
After the first dressing change, you may remove the compression garment/wrap for hair washing or showering, otherwise wear it for the first week day and night.
19Can I shower?
Yes, after the first dressing change (day1-3).
20When can I see people without surgery being obvious:
When bruising and/or black eyes resolve, around 10-14 days.
21When can I drive?
Must be able to see clearly, be off strong painkillers and able to move comfortably, usually 7-14 days.
22When can I go back to work?
Best to take 2 weeks minimum off if you can.
23When can I exercise?
3-4 weeks after surgery.
24When can I resume heavy lifting?
4 weeks after surgery.
25Things I should call the office about
Pain not controlled by the medication. Sudden swelling and pain on one side or the other. Vomiting or unable to take plenty of fluids. Excessive oozing from the wound or dressings. Fever over 38 degrees. Difficulty breathing well. Progressive swelling or redness in the area of surgery.
