As excited as you may be for your neck lift, it’s important to start preparation a few weeks before your procedure for maximum results. As your partner on this journey, we’ve created a list of pre- and post-operative instructions and best-practice tips for you to review.
As with any surgery, some careful consideration must be given to successfully prepare for the procedure and plan for your recovery.
Neck Lift Pre-Operative Instructions
Two Weeks Before Surgery:
- Stop taking aspirin, products containing aspirin, and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen
- Quit smoking
- Notify your doctor if you develop a cold or illness
- Schedule pre-op exam and any necessary blood work and tests to be completed within one week of surgery
- Schedule your post-op visit
- Make arrangements for someone pick you up after surgery and stay with you for 24 to 72 hours post-op
Two Days Before Surgery:
- Have your hair done – color, perm, cut, etc. – and set aside sunglasses and a scarf
- Prepare small zip-lock bags for crushed ice, frozen peas, or soft commercial ice pack alternatives
- Download new music or audiobook
- Buy light foods, such as juices, tea, soup, toast, crackers, bagels, jelly, etc.
- Fill your pain medication prescription and any other prescriptions you might have
Evening Before Surgery:
- Get a full night’s sleep
- Do not eat or drink anything after 12 midnight prior to surgery, if surgery is performed using general anesthesia or IV sedation
Day of Surgery:
- Do not eat or drink anything prior to surgery
- Do not smoke
- Use the restroom
- Do not wear any makeup
- Do not wear wigs, hairpins, hair pieces or jewelry
- Dress in loose comfortable clothes – consider a top that buttons close (no pullover tops or pantyhose)
Neck Lift Post-Operative Instructions
At Home After Surgery:
- Elevate head at all times
- Avoid turning head from side to side; instead, move head and shoulders together
- No lifting or bending over
- Get help to get out of bed
- Take liquids slowly and progress to soups or JELL-O
- Do not smoke or be around smoke
- As soon as you’re able, walk around to prevent clots in your legs
- Get lots of rest
- Do not bend, lift, strain or drive until your doctor gives you the okay
- Follow your doctor’s orders to the letter
These step-by-step recommendations will help you achieve optimal results from your surgery, but should you have any further questions or concerns regarding your procedure, give the experienced professionals at Youthful Reflections a call.
