A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck area to redefine the jawline and neck. It also tightens loose neck skin and lifts the underlying muscles and tissues. This can create a more youthful, lifted appearance and an instantly thinner neck area. This guide will cover what you can expect from a neck lift cosmetic surgery and how to prepare for one.
Before the Surgery
You will need to book an initial consultation with your surgeon to discuss your aesthetic goals and assess your suitability for the surgery. If they recommend you proceed with a neck lift, they will provide a list of instructions.
1. Stop Smoking
One of the most important things you should do before your procedure is to stop smoking. This is because smoking can impair wound healing. If you are planning to quit, then begin as soon as possible.
2. Consult Taking Medications
It is crucial to inform your plastic surgeon of all the medications you are taking. This includes prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements. If you are taking blood thinners, birth control pills, or other medicines that can cause excessive bleeding, then you may need to work with your specialist to assess your pre-surgery options.
3. Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Advice
You will receive a list of instructions on what you must do before your procedure. This can range from stopping the use of skin care products to not shaving the day before your procedure. You must follow these instructions because following them will optimize results.
4. Eat Healthily
The foods you eat will affect your general well-being. This is why you should eat healthy foods before your neck lift procedure. Doing so may help improve your overall health and give you energy for your recovery.
Reduce your sugar intake to avoid sugar highs and crashes. This can cause you to experience fluctuations in energy levels, mood, and sleep patterns. It is also essential to stay hydrated to limit your swelling.
Do not make any drastic changes to your diet, though. You will want to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
5. Take Care of Your Skin
You must protect your skin, including any areas of your face and neck. If you can, avoid the sun and harsh chemicals. Both can cause premature aging and damage to your skin. This can make your skin harder to work with and more challenging to recover from the procedure.
If you are using skin care products, then make sure they are natural and gentle on the skin. This can include lotions, creams, and cleansers. You may also need to avoid perfumes since they can cause irritation and skin allergies.
After the Surgery
1. Have a Buddy
It is a good idea to have someone by your side right after your surgery. This will help provide you with someone to drive you home and make sure everything is in place for your recovery. If you don’t live near your relatives, then you should ask a friend to accompany you after the procedure.
2. Take It Easy
Shortly after your surgery, you need to take it easy. This means taking it easy with both your physical and mental activities.
As we mentioned, you should not drive yourself home after your surgery. Having someone pick you up and drive you home is a good idea. Additionally, avoid lifting heavy objects for at least the first week after your neck lift surgery, and strenuous walking and exercise for as long as your plastic surgeon tells you (usually 4-5 weeks).
3. May Take Pain Medications
You will be given a prescription for pain medications after your neck lift surgery. This will help to reduce pain and discomfort and make you feel more relaxed. You should take any pain medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon, as needed.
Conclusion
Overall, there are some things you can do to help you prepare for a neck lift. You can cut down on your smoking, meditate, and eat a healthy diet. You should also spend time taking care of your skin, taking it easy, and following your plastic surgeon’s instructions before and after. This will help you get the results you want.
Are you looking to undergo neck lift surgery? Turn to Peninsula Plastic Surgery, providing neck lift, facelift, breast augmentation,, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, and more. Call us.