PRE-OPERATIVE CONSULTATION

Before deciding on a neck lift, you must meet with our surgeon for a pre-consultation. During this meeting, you will discuss your expectations, and the surgeon will evaluate what will yield the best results for you.

You will also receive a thorough overview of your options, and the risks associated with each surgical option. The surgeon will ask about your health to ensure you are suitable for surgery.
Based on your expectations and the surgeon’s recommendations, you will plan your surgery together.

You are welcome to bring another person to the pre-consultation, as there is a lot of information to consider.

According to the law, you must have a 7-day reflection period after the pre-consultation before you can give your final consent to cosmetic surgery.



EXPECTATIONS

During the surgery, the skin will be tightened, and any excess skin will be removed. Additionally, the underlying muscle will be tightened. There are various techniques for performing a neck lift, so the size and placement of scars can vary. Our surgeon will determine the technique best suited to you.

A neck lift can be performed as a lower facelift, where the scar is placed around the ear and into the hair behind the ear, or alternatively by creating a scar on the neck itself.
It is important to be aware that the results of cosmetic surgery are not permanent. The natural aging process and the rate of body aging are influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

Additionally, it is important to understand that surgery always carries a risk of complications, and the result may not always match your or the surgeon’s expectations completely. If you are significantly overweight or underweight, there is an increased risk of complications with anesthesia and wound healing. If your BMI is over 30, we may not be able to offer you surgery.

PREPARATION

Before the surgery, you must:

Stop taking medication containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Magnyl, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Treo one week before the surgery.

Avoid natural medicines, especially fish oil, ginger, and vitamin D, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop all natural medicines three weeks before the surgery.

Any blood-thinning medication may need to be paused. This will be discussed with the surgeon during the pre-consultation.

Smoking must be paused least 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the cosmetic outcome, increase the risk of infection, and is generally bad for your health. We often choose not to offer surgery to active smokers.

It is a good idea to shop and prepare meals before the surgery, so you can focus on your recovery afterward.
On the day of the surgery, you should take a shower with thorough cleansing of your body and hair. Avoid using body lotion or other products on the area to be operated on.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably a zip-up blouse, loose fitting pants, and flat shoes. Remove all jewelry and any piercings and leave them at home.



ANESTHESIA

The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.
You must fast for 6 hours before the surgery (no eating, chewing gum, smoking, or similar).

You may drink clear fluids like water and sugary drinks in small amounts until 2 hours before the surgery; do not drink milk, juice, etc.
It is crucial to adhere to the fasting rules, as anesthesia can be dangerous if you are not fasting, and the surgery is canceled, if you are not fasting.



SURGERY

On the day of the surgery, arrive at the clinic at the scheduled time. A nurse will greet you and you will be shown to your room, change clothes, and have an intravenous line placed. The anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthesia with you, and finally, you will meet with the surgeon, who will ensure you feel comfortable and well-informed. The surgeon will also mark the area to be operated on.

The surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia and lasts 1-3 hours, depending on the chosen method. The scars will be placed either around the ear and into the hair behind the ear or directly on the neck, sometimes as a combination of both.

In some cases, the surgeon may place one or two drains (small plastic tubes). These are inserted through the skin to drain any blood and wound discharge from the healing areas.
To reduce the risk of infection, you will receive antibiotics during the surgery.

The wounds will be sutures with fine sutures, and tape will be applied over the wounds, along with an absorbent dressing. Finally, a compression bandage will be applied.



AFTER SURGERY

After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where the nurse will monitor you. You will receive something to drink and eat and pain reliefers if needed. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be discharged after a few hours or stay overnight.

Before you go home, the plastic surgeon and nurse will review the post-operative precautions with you and answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable. You should arrange for someone to pick you up, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

DAYS AFTER SURGERY

Since the surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, you will be tired and sluggish on the first day, and you may experience nausea and dizziness. We recommend having an adult at your side for the first 24 hours.

It is important to take it easy for the first days after the surgery and generally listen to your body’s signals to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling. Make sure to stay well-hydrated and consume a sensible protein-rich diet. Avoid hot, spicy, or solid foods in the first few days.
Also, avoid bending forward, as this reduces the risk of swelling and bleeding.
Take it easy for the first few days to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling.



PAIN

This operation is associated with relatively little pain, but you should expect significant swelling and discoloration.
It is important to take the prescribed medication. The medication will reduce pain, but you should expect some discomfort during the first 3-4 days.

Many people experience stabbing and sharp pain in the operated area. This is normal and occurs because the nerves are re-establishing connections. These sensations can last for up to 1 year after the surgery.

You will be prescribed Paracetamol tablets and Ibuprofen tablets to be taken together 4 times a day. Additionally, you may receive a stronger painkiller, a synthetic morphine tablet, which you can take if you experience severe pain.

The nurse will thoroughly review the medication with you before you leave, and you will also receive written material describing everything.



DRAINS

If drains are placed during the surgery, they are often removed before you are discharged. If they are not removed, you will be given detailed instructions on how to care for them and when they are to be removed.



ACTIVITY

For the first week, you should avoid bending forward so that your face is below heart level. Additionally, you should avoid activities that increase your pulse and blood pressure.



WORK

You will likely be able to resume sedentary work after a few days. However, you should wait at least 2 weeks before returning to strenuous physical work.

You should expect significant discoloration and swelling in the area for at least 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Keep this in mind for any upcoming events.



SLEEPING POSITION

You should sleep on your back with your head elevated. Use a couple of extra pillows for the first few days.



BATHING

You can take a shower 24 hours after the surgery or when there is no longer any discharge from the wounds (unless you have drains). Before showering, remove the compressive bandage and the absorbing dressing. The brown plaster must remain until your follow-up appointment. It can withstand water.

Take a gentle shower, rinse the wounds to wash away soap residues (do not wash or scrub the wounds), and pat dry with a clean towel before putting the compressive bandage back on.

You should avoid taking baths, swimming in the sea, or going to a swimming pool and sauna until the stitches are removed and the wounds are fully healed.



CREAM AND MAKEUP

Do not use cream or makeup on the operated area until the wounds are fully healed and there are no visible scabs.



BLEEDING

Some discharge from the wounds with bloody fluid is normal immediately after surgery. You will be given gauze to dab with. Very rarely, a bleeding may occur that requires a new operation to stop the bleeding. This does not affect the result but may cause increased swelling and discoloration during the recovery process.

A minor bleed can usually be stopped by resting and applying firm, constant pressure with something cold for about 15 minutes to the area. Symptoms of a bleed include severe or sudden swelling, discoloration, and intense pain. If you experience this, contact the clinic.



BANDAGE

After the surgery, you will have a head bandage applied. This should be worn day and night for the first week unless you arrange otherwise with the surgeon.

The bandage is compressive and helps prevent bleeding, swelling, and unevenness.



SCARS

The scars from the surgery will typically be red and swollen but will improve over 6-24 months. Over time, scars usually become narrow and lighter I color, but in some cases, they may become wide and darkly pigmented.

You may apply a soothing cream to the scars once they are completely healed. Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of infection, slow healing, and unsightly scars.



CONTACT WITH THE CLINIC

Upon discharge, you will be provided with a phone number for contacting the clinic 24/7 in case of an emergency. Additionally, you will receive a call from a nurse the day after your surgery to answer any questions and ensure you are doing well.



FOLLOW-UP

After 5-7 days, you will have a follow-up appointment with the nurse in the outpatient clinic. At this visit, the plasters will be removed, the wounds will be checked, and the sutures will be removed.

New tape will be provided, which you should change every 10-12 days for about 3 months. We will discuss how to care for the scars moving forward. You will also be offered a follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon 3-6 months after the surgery. If you experience any issues before then, you are always welcome to contact us.

COMPLICATIONS

Infection: Infections are very rare. Symptoms typically appear 3-5 days after surgery and include redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, and possibly fever. If an infection occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics.

Unsightly Scarring: Scars can vary greatly from person to person. Most scars become nice and white over time, but some people may develop red and thick scars, known as hypertrophic scarring. This process can take several years.

Hematoma: A blood accumulation that can occur within the first 24 hours after surgery. In rare cases, this may require another surgery. Usually, it does not affect the result.

Sensory Disturbances: Sensory disturbances and reduced sensation in the operated area may occur. This usually resolves within 6-9 months, but in some cases, it can be permanent.

Bruising and Swelling: This is completely normal and will diminish over the first few months.

Tissue Death: Tissue death occurs when parts of the skin lose their blood supply and die. If this happens, it may require surgical removal or healing from within. This is assessed by the surgeon. Overweight individuals or smokers are at higher risk for this.

Unevenness and Asymmetry: There may be unevenness and asymmetry, especially with poor skin quality. Over time, there might be skin looseness that is not symmetrical from side to side.

Facial Nerve Damage (n. facialis): In rare cases, damage to the facial nerve can occur during surgery. This may lead to reduced or lost ability to use the muscles around the mouth (facial paresis)