Pre Operative Neck Lift Information
All cosmetic surgery involves risks and individual results vary. Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision. Decisions about whether to proceed should be made after careful consideration and following at least two consultations with a qualified medical practitioner.
This page provides pre-operative and post-operative information for patients preparing for neck lift surgery with Dr Roth. Please read it alongside the written instructions provided at your pre-operative appointment.
Full neck lift information → | Deep neck lift information →
About Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift addresses redundant skin, excess fat, and laxity of the platysma muscle in the neck region. Depending on your anatomy and the degree of change required, the procedure may involve submental liposuction, platysmaplasty (midline suturing of the platysma), digastric muscle reduction, submandibular gland management, and skin excision through incisions around the ears and under the chin. Neck lift is frequently combined with facelift surgery.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Most patients stay one night in hospital. Operating time varies from two to five hours depending on the extent of the procedure.
Before Surgery
Medications to Cease
- Aspirin and aspirin-containing products
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil) and all other anti-inflammatory medications
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprogesic)
- Warfarin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants — discuss with Dr Roth and your GP before stopping
- Vitamin E, fish oil, garlic tablets, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St John’s Wort
Smoking
Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine for at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Smoking significantly increases the risk of skin flap necrosis in neck lift surgery. This is not negotiable.
Fasting
Practical Preparations
- Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you on the first night
- Purchase prescribed medications in advance
- Plan two weeks away from work; six weeks off strenuous activity
- Prepare loose, front-opening clothing — nothing pulled over the head
- Purchase a chin compression garment if not already provided
Recovery Timeline
Important Post-Operative Instructions
- Wear the compression garment continuously for the first week, then at night for four further weeks
- Sleep with head elevated for at least one week
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and vigorous activity for four to six weeks
- Avoid alcohol for two weeks — increases bleeding and swelling risk
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms for four weeks
- Protect the submental scar from sun exposure for at least six months — use SPF50+
- Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed
- Take paracetamol for pain — avoid ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory medications
- Attend all follow-up appointments
When to Seek Urgent Assistance
- Rapidly expanding or tense swelling in the neck (may indicate haematoma — requires urgent review)
- Brisk bleeding from any wound site
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever above 38.5°C
- Any new weakness in the face or around the mouth
Dr Roth’s rooms: (02) 9982 3439
Out of hours: attend the nearest emergency department.
Neck Lift Surgery → | Deep Neck Lift → | Facelift & Neck Lift Risks → | Contact the Rooms →
Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
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