What to Expect After the Surgery
Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a compression bandage to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. Some following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a compression bandage to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. Some degree of discomfort, swelling and bruising is unavoidable. You will be prescribed medication for pain management and you will be instructed to use cold compresses and sleep elevated for the first few days to keep swelling to a minimum.
In some cases, a drainage tube may have been inserted during surgery. This, along with compression bandage, will be removed two to three days after surgery after which the compression bandage will worn for about one week. For a full neck lift, or platysmaplasty, sutures and staples are usually removed within 7 to 10 days and most patients return to work in 2 weeks. With sub-mental liposuction, healing is much quicker with some returning to work in as little as 2-3 days. As with all surgery, there is always a risk of delayed healing.
Scars are usually not noticeable after they mature as they are easily disguised in natural skin creases along hairline or underneath the chin. Makeup may be worn to camouflage until total healing has occurred and scar bandages may be used to hasten the healing process.
Keep all post operative appointments as scheduled. Anything unusual should be reported to your doctor immediately.