Necklift Discharge
AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS: NECK LIFT
INCISION:The best thing to minimize future scars is to keep your incisions clean and scab free.There will be lumps under it as it heals, these will smooth out over time.You will have numbness around the incision, which is normal.The numbness may decrease over time, or you may remain numb indefinitely.
SHOWER:As long as you are up to it,you can shower the day after surgery.Be careful!You may feel faint so please have someone close.
BRUISING: Bruising is normal after surgery.You will notice bruising spreading down your neck, this is to be expected. A scarf or high neck shir t will help you feel more comfor table in public while the bruising fades.
PRESSURE BANDAGE: Wear your chin strap in order to limit swelling along and under your jawline.This is necessary for at least the first 3 days after surgery.Adjust the strap carefully to avoid too much pressure on the skin which is numb early on. It should be snug but not so tight it indents your skin.
LAY LOW: An adult must stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.The effects of anesthesia can persist for that long and you are at an increased risk of falling or making bad decisions. Stay safe. Heal well!
ACTIVITY: Walk around, move frequently, but nothing strenuous for the first 3 days. Help your body focus on healing.
BLOOD CLOTS: The best way to prevent a blood clot is to move frequently, even while laying down. Signs of a blood clot include pain, heat, asymmetric swelling, and redness, usually in one of your legs/calves. Notify us ASAP if you experience these symptoms, or go to the emergency room for life threatening symptoms.
ICE: Please DO NOT use ice.Your skin is healing and therefore compromised. Using heat or ice on the area can cause tissue damage which can prolong the healing process. Please protect that sensitive skin.
SLEEP: Sleep however you are comfortable.There is no need to sleep sitting up or with your head elevated, unless it feels the most comfortable to you.
MEDICATIONS: Take it easy on the narcotic pain medications for the first 12 hours after surgery.Try rotating Ibuprofen or Tylenol with the pain medication. Use ice for pain as well. Neck lift patients frequently report having minimal pain, take the narcotics only if you need them.
DIET: You may not be hungry, this is normal. Eat small portions when you feel like eating. Remember in the first three days after surgery (at least) your body will retain fluid. Limit high salt foods and keep your rings off. DRINK plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps with healing and it will help your bowels. If you are concerned about constipation try a little milk of magnesia, fiber powder, fresh grapes or maybe a suppository.
NAUSEA: Nausea is often a sign of low blood pressure, which is a normal response to both pain medication and the initial recovery phase after surgery. Laying down, elevating your legs on a couple of pillows and a cold compress can help ease the nausea.This sensation may come on suddenly, which is why we recommend LAYING LOW for the first few days.
DO NOT DRIVE: No driving for the first week after surgery is safest. No driving for as long as you are taking pain medication.
NO SMOKING: This should go without saying.Any nicotine you were exposed to for a month before your surgery will hurt how well you heal. Smoking directly interferes with you result.
INFECTION: This is rare!! BUT, any high and sustained fever with rapidly increasing redness and discharge from your wound requires attention. Contact our office 801-278-9062.