A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure done to improve the visible signs of aging on the neck and jawline. There are a multitude of neck lifting techniques with literally a choice for everyone depending on your needs and goals.

Neck lift surgery can treat a number of signs of aging including:

• Loose skin on the neck. 
• Excess fat and loose skin in the lower face, resulting in jowls. 
• Fatty deposits under the chin. 
• Muscle banding in the neck.

Following your neck lift procedure, bandages will be placed around your ears, neck, and face to help minimize swelling and bruising. A small drain may also be placed to collect any excess fluids during recovery. Keeping your head elevated above your heart is important to minimize swelling. Do not apply ice to the neck, since this could negatively affect blood flow, resulting in the compromise of skin tissue. As time passes, swelling and bruising will go down, and you will start to notice your neck lift results. 

Clients can typically return to work within two weeks of their procedure, sometimes sooner depending on the extent of surgery, though this may differ from person to person. Be sure to follow the recovery instructions given to you by Dr. Walker to ensure that you heal properly for the best possible results.  

After your neck lift in Atlanta, you will be monitored before you are released to go home with a responsible adult who you know. Before your procedure, we will make your follow-up appointments and go over tips to make you feel more comfortable during your recovery process. 

Recovery time depends on the procedure performed and your overall health status. In general, all bandages and drains, if present, are removed the next day although the dressing may be left in place for up to three days. Swelling is normal and to be expected, worsening within the first few days, and then improving. You should expect to have bruising, along with some soreness and discomfort, which can be helped by prescription pain medication we prescribe to you prior to your surgery. Bruising usually goes away after about one week, but may persist for up to two weeks.  

Your neck will be swollen. The majority of the swelling will subside in the first couple of weeks. However, there can be swelling that can last for several weeks to months. The healing time can take up to several weeks, but once completed, you will look and feel more refreshed being able to wear a ponytail or low-collared shirts with confidence. While significant pain is not a usual part of the recovery process, tightness is expected and continues to improve during the first couple of weeks after surgery. All sutures are removed after 1-2 weeks, at which time most bruising will have subsided. The neck may feel tight for the first few days but softens as time goes by. This should not lead to any difficulty breathing or swallowing. Usual skincare and light makeup may be worn at 10 days after the procedure once the sutures have been removed and incisions have healed. With the exception of overly rotating or extending your neck, normal non-strenuous activities can be resumed after approximately two weeks. Strenuous activities may be resumed 2-4 weeks after your surgery. Please do not resume such activities without Dr. Walker’s permission! Patients flying in for their operation should make arrangements to stay in town for at least 7-10 days. The final facial and neck contours will continue to improve as residual swelling resolves over the first couple of months. Patients can return to work whenever they feel up to it. For some patients, that might be 3 days after surgery; for other patients, it might be after 10-14 days.  

We will see you at one month and then every few months afterward to follow your progress and ensure your proper healing. We aim to make every part of your rejuvenation journey as pleasant as possible and are confident you will be happy you trusted Dr. Walker to help achieve your goals.