So you’re all booked in for your neck lift procedure and now you’re wondering, so what happens after the surgery? Now that the surgeon’s hard work is done, it’s your turn to ensure the best possible recovery for yourself.
Here are our top seven tips for achieving the best results.
Be prepared
The first day after a neck lift procedure can be uncomfortable, so you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got some support – whether that be friends or family – to help make your recovery smoother.
Having someone take you home, prepare your meals and help you with any strenuous daily activities can help speed up recovery. Alternatively, you may like to prepare some meals, do your laundry and any house cleaning in advance of your surgery.
Wear comfortable and loose clothes
Its recommended to stay away from pull-over shirts for the first few weeks. Instead, opt for loose clothing that’s comfortable and won’t irritate your neck. Button-up shirts or something that you can easily slip on are the best options.
Stay hydrated
Not hydrating enough can cause your skin to dehydrate and contract – especially at the incision site. With that, it’ll not only result in impaired wound healing, but also the formation of scars.
To prevent any complications from occurring, it’s recommended that you drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day.
Minimise swelling with ice
Make sure you’ve got ice packs on hand as they can help with managing both pain and swelling. When using ice packs, however, make sure that you wrap them in a towel and not placing them directly on your skin. After the first few days, there may be a reduction in sensation and leaving an ice pack that’s unwrapped for too long could potentially cause an ice burn.
Avoid sun exposure
After a neck lift procedure, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure as it can result in darkening of the skin and hyperpigmentation. Moreover, the skin around the incisions is also incredibly sensitive after surgery so you’ll want to protect it as much as possible.
If you do need to venture outside, it’s best to cover the neck area with a scarf or clothing. You should also apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on your incision area – even if it’s covered by clothing.
Keep in touch with your doctor
After your procedure, your doctor will provide you with personalised and specific instructions on what medications you should be taking, and details for your recovery. It’s important to take all this onboard and ask questions if there’s anything that you’re unclear on.
If any questions arise during your recovery, please ensure you reach out to your doctor for advice or guidance.
Prioritise rest and nutrition
Rest and nutrition are both important in ensuring a smooth recovery. As your body uses energy to heal itself, make sure that you’re getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep a day.
Some of the best foods that you can incorporate into your diet within the recovery period include fresh vegetables, wholegrains and lean protein. Foods you should avoid on the other hand, include processed foods and dairy products as they can also cause inflammation.
If you’re ready to schedule your first consultation, get in touch with Dr. Mark Lee here.
Please be aware that choosing to have surgery is a serious personal decision and undertaking. Be mindful that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
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