Neck Lift (FAQ)

1. What is chin, neck and jowl aesthetics?

Chin, neck and jowl aesthetics include procedures applied to make the lower face area look more aesthetic and younger.
Jowl aesthetics is performed to correct excess fat and sagging under the chin.
Neck lift is performed by correcting platysmal bands and tightening the skin.
Jawline aesthetics includes procedures to emphasize or correct the jawbone.
These surgeries are performed to correct deformations caused by aging, genetic factors or weight loss.

2. Who are suitable candidates for neck lift surgery?

People aged 40 and over, those with prominent skin sagging and platysmal bands.
Individuals with significant fat accumulation in the jaw line and neck area.
Those who experience sagging in the neck area after weight loss.
Those with impaired jaw-neck angle due to jaw retardation.
Individuals with genetically loose skin structure in the neck area.

3. How is neck lift surgery performed?

Neck lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes 2-4 hours.
Excess skin is removed through incisions behind the ear and under the chin and the platysmal bands are tightened.
If the salivary glands are sagging, they are surgically corrected.
A neck bandage and special corsets are used after surgery.
The full recovery period varies between 3-6 months.

4. What is the recovery process after a neck lift?

Swelling and bruising may be evident during the first week, but these usually subside within 3 to 6 weeks.
Patients can usually return to their daily activities within 1-2 weeks, but should wait 4-6 weeks for heavy physical activities.
Keeping the head elevated for the first few weeks can help the swelling go down faster.
Stitches are usually removed in 7-10 days and the incision sites take about 4-6 weeks to heal.
It may take about 3-6 months for the full results to appear and the tissues to settle completely.

5. What are the most common complications after neck lift surgery?

Swelling and bruising may last longer, especially in patients on blood thinners.
Temporary numbness and loss of sensation may last for several months, depending on how the nerves heal.
The risk of infection, although rare, can be minimized with appropriate antibiotic use and hygienic care.
Suture line dehiscence or wound healing problems are more common in patients who smoke.
Skin irregularities or asymmetry usually disappear after the edema disappears, but retouching procedures may be required in some cases.

6. Can neck lift and chin aesthetics be performed at the same time?

Yes, for many patients, neck lift and chin aesthetics can be performed in combination, because these procedures complement each other.
While the jowl area is corrected with chin augmentation or liposuction, skin sagging can be removed with a neck lift.
Combined procedures performed in one go allow the healing process to be completed in one go.
With a holistic approach to facial aesthetics, more natural and balanced results are achieved.
The patient’s age, skin structure and general health condition determine the applicability of such combined surgeries.

7. How many days bed rest is required after neck lift surgery?

Patients should usually be on bed rest for 1-2 days, but complete immobilization is not recommended.
During the first week, the head should be kept elevated and 2-3 pillows should be used when lying down, this helps to reduce edema.
Heavy physical activity should be avoided for the first 3-4 weeks, as sudden movements can strain the stitches.
Lying face down should be avoided, as this position can affect blood circulation and slow down the healing process.
After the first week, light walks are recommended because they increase circulation and promote healing.

8. When can I wear make-up after a neck lift?

It is recommended not to wear makeup for the first 10-14 days after surgery, because there is a risk of infection of the incision sites.
Especially foundation and concealers can damage sensitive skin after surgery, so they should be avoided for the first 2 weeks.
If makeup is to be used to hide bruises, mineral-based products can be used with the doctor’s approval.
Gentle movements should be used when removing make-up and the skin should not be tugged, as this can negatively affect the healing process.
The use of sunscreen should not be neglected before makeup, because the skin is more sensitive after surgery and should be protected against sun spots.

10. How to reduce edema after neck lift surgery?

Applying cold compresses for the first 48 hours helps to control swelling.
Keeping the head elevated prevents fluid accumulation and helps to eliminate edema faster.
Excessive salt consumption should be avoided because salt can cause water retention in the body and increase swelling.
Low-paced walks can help resolve edema faster by increasing blood circulation.
Special techniques such as lymphatic drainage massage can be applied with the doctor’s approval, but it is important not to apply too much pressure in the early period.

11. Are there any scars after neck lift surgery?

Since the scars are usually in hidden areas such as behind the ears and under the chin, they are not visible from the outside.
Silicone-based creams and laser treatments can help surgical scars heal faster.
It is very important to avoid the sun for the first few months, as the sun’s rays can cause the scars to darken.
Smoking can adversely affect wound healing and cause scars to become more prominent, so it should be avoided.
It may take 6 months to 1 year for complete scar disappearance, but for most patients, scars do not pose a significant problem.

12. Should lymph drainage massage be performed after neck lift?

Lymph drainage massage is useful to reduce swelling after surgery, but should be done with caution in the early period.
Hard or intensive massages should not be performed without the doctor’s approval, as they can negatively affect the healing process.
Massages with light, gentle movements can help to remove the edema faster.
It is recommended not to massage for the first 2 weeks, then it can be started with a specialist.
Lymph drainage massage, especially for patients who have undergone a deep plan neck lift, can accelerate tissue healing and make the skin look smoother.

13. What are the most common complaints after neck lift surgery?

Swelling and bruising are among the most common complaints after surgery and usually subside within 3-6 weeks.
Tension and mild discomfort in the neck area are common in the first weeks after surgery.
The surgical scars are usually hidden behind the ear, but some patients may experience temporary redness or stiffness.
Tissue stiffness and mild numbness may last until nerve healing is complete and resolves within a few months.
Patients may sometimes worry that the results are not immediately apparent, but full recovery can take 6-12 months.

14. How many weeks should I wear a corset after neck lift surgery?

It is generally recommended to wear a corset for the first 4-6 weeks, because it helps to tighten the skin and to heal properly in the surgical area.
It should be worn 24 hours a day for the first 2 weeks, after which it can be worn only during the day or at night.
The corset prevents fluid accumulation at the surgical site, reducing edema and improving surgical outcomes.
It is important not to wear it too tightly, as too much pressure can impede circulation and slow healing.
In accordance with the doctor’s recommendations, the duration of the corset may vary individually, so individual consultation should be made.

15. How should nutrition be after neck lift surgery?

During the first week, soft and nutritious foods should be preferred because jaw movements may cause discomfort in the surgical area.
Drinking plenty of water and eating a low-salt diet helps to remove the edema faster.
Protein-rich foods (such as fish, chicken, eggs, legumes) should be consumed to accelerate skin healing.
Foods containing vitamins C and E promote tissue regeneration and accelerate the healing process.
Caffeine and alcohol consumption should be limited, as these substances can negatively affect postoperative healing.

16. How many weeks should one avoid heavy lifting after neck lift?

Heavy lifting should be avoided for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery, because it can negatively affect the healing process by putting pressure on the suture areas.
It is recommended not to lift objects heavier than 2-3 kg during the first two weeks, because sudden movements may complicate tissue healing in the neck area.
If the patient’s job requires physical strength, the return to work process should be determined under the supervision of a doctor, because tissue healing can vary individually.
Heavy lifting should be avoided, as well as bending and sudden head movements, as these can increase postoperative edema.
Caution should be exercised until full recovery is complete and doctor’s approval should be obtained before starting heavy exercises.

17. How does smoking after a neck lift affect healing?

Smoking slows the healing process and increases the risk of infection at the suture sites.
Nicotine constricts blood vessels, preventing oxygen from reaching the tissue and delaying wound healing.
It is recommended not to smoke for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery, because it can cause scar tissue to become more prominent at the surgical site.
Patients who smoke have a higher risk of developing tissue stiffness and asymmetry, so quitting smoking is the best option.
Even passive smoking can negatively affect healing, so smoking environments should be avoided.

18. After how many days is it safe to shower after neck lift surgery?

It is generally safe to shower 48 hours after surgery, but water should not directly touch the suture areas.
Short showers with warm water are recommended and the surgical site should be kept dry.
Bathing should be avoided until complete stitch healing is achieved, and only regional cleaning should be preferred.
When using shampoo and soap, products that do not irritate the skin should be preferred.
Hot environments such as sauna or steam bath should not be entered without the doctor’s approval, as this may increase edema.

19. What should be the sleeping position after neck lift?

For the first 2-3 weeks you should sleep on your back with the head slightly elevated, as this reduces edema and protects the surgical site.
Side sleeping should be avoided because it can affect tissue healing and lead to asymmetry.
The use of an extra pillow can support the neck area and reduce pressure on the surgical site.
Careful sleep is recommended until full recovery is achieved, thus preserving the results of the surgery.