Five Ways to Make Recovery Smoother After Neck Lift Surgery
As a plastic surgeon, I understand that all my aesthetic surgeries are elective. Since these procedures are optional, it’s important for the recovery process to be as smooth and comfortable as possible. These strategies can also be applied to recovery plans for many other surgeries.
Here are my Neck Lift Recovery Tips:
Choose Loose, Comfortable Clothing
You won’t be leaving the surgery center dressed in a miniskirt and stiletto heels! Attempting to do so might leave you walking barefoot to the car in a hospital gown. For recovery, opt for loose, easy-to-wear clothing. Sweatpants, flannel shirts with buttons, and zip-up sweatshirts are great choices.
Clothing with buttons or zippers is especially helpful because you won’t need to pull anything over your head, which is important after neck lift surgery to avoid discomfort or strain.
Fill Prescriptions in Advance
One of the last things you want after surgery is to wait in a car while your loved one runs to the pharmacy to fill your prescriptions. My office often sends prescriptions to the pharmacy at the preoperative clinic visit to ensure they can be filled ahead of time.
We encourage patients to bring their prescribed medications with them on the day of surgery. This allows us to confirm that patients have the correct medications and answer any questions.
Have a Responsible Adult to Care for You
Surgery centers require patients to have a responsible adult accompany them home. Uber or Lyft drivers don’t count as your “responsible adult.”
The staff will review postoperative instructions, discuss dressing care, and go over your recovery plan with the responsible adult you bring.
Prepare Groceries in Advance
Ask your doctor for a list of foods you should eat and avoid during recovery. I generally advise my patients to stick to lighter foods for the first two days. Heavy meals like steak tartare are a no-go, while softer, easily digestible options like bananas are encouraged.
Hydration is key. I tell my patients, “If the pee is clear, there’s nothing to fear. Dark yellow or brown? We’re going down!” While many electrolyte drinks are available, I personally recommend Gnarly Hydrate (without caffeine).
I also emphasize the importance of drinking prune juice since narcotic medications cause constipation. My rule of thumb is:” If you think you’ve had enough prune juice, drink one more glass.” For patients with blood sugar concerns, low-sugar prune juice options are available.
Plan your Postoperative Appointments
Follow-up appointments each have a purpose. For neck lift patients, I typically schedule visits on:
Day 1-3: To remove dressings and confirm patients understand aftercare instructions.
Day 10: To remove sutures and ensure recovery is progressing as expected.
2-month mark: A debrief appointment where we review the results together.
At the debrief, I ask my patients: “What was a 10? What was an 8? And what was a 9?”
This feedback is valuable for both me and the patient.
Final Thoughts
Always consult your doctor for medical advice. However, I hope these five tips serve as a general guide to help you toward a smoother and more comfortable recovery.
