Neck Lift in Nashville

We work hard to ensure the day of your neck lift in Nashville feels smooth, calm, and well planned.

In addition to booking the procedure itself, we will also schedule a pre-operative appointment to take place between 1 month and 2 weeks out from your surgery. This check-in allows us to finalize the details of your neck lift, inform you of all pre- and post-op instructions, and answer any and all questions you have, so you can feel confident going into the day of your surgery.

Your surgeon will first mark the area for treatment, explaining what these marks mean. Once you’re ready, we will escort you to our on-site operating suite—a AAAA, State-accredited facility—where we will place you under anesthesia and begin your procedure.

A neck lift focuses primarily on the neck and jawline. It involves making incisions behind the ears and under the chin to remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the underlying muscles. After carefully and precisely making the incisions, your surgeon lifts the skin of your neck to remove any excess fat. At this point, he or she will also reposition the tissue beneath your skin (a layer called the SMAS) so that you’re less likely to see sagging or wrinkles in the future. Then, your surgeon sutures the area closed and releases you out of the operating room to a quiet, comfortable area for recovery.

Throughout the entire neck lift procedure, you will be under the watchful eye of our experienced and attentive anesthesia team, there to monitor your heart rate and maintain your physical safety.

If previously discussed in your consultation or pre-op appointment, we will also perform a resurfacing treatment (such as a chemical peel, Renuvion skin tightening, or other laser treatment) to help address the quality of the skin in conjunction with your surgical procedure.

It’s important to prepare physically, emotionally, and logistically before a neck lift. In Nashville, our entire physician-led surgery team will be along with you for the journey from start to finish, walking you through everything you need to know to ensure the safest, smoothest, most effective surgery day possible.

First and foremost, our office will not clear you to drive immediately after your neck lift. You’ll need to line up transportation to and from the surgery, as well as a caregiver to stay with you through the night.

Additionally, taking care of your body before the procedure is just as important as the aftercare. Staying hydrated, taking multi-vitamins, and eating nutrient-rich meals will provide all of the fuel your body needs to prepare for surgery and set you up for a smoother recovery. Additionally, you should not be actively taking blood thinners, diet pills, or weight loss shots.

We also recommend making sure your space is clean and comfortable, and you pick up any/all necessary prescriptions in advance. Lessening the number of chores or errands to run the day of surgery, so you can focus solely on the recovery process. Some patients even meal prep beforehand!

Our Nashville estheticians are highly experienced in the unique needs of caring for plastic surgery patients; we will recommend medical-grade skincare products to use both before and after and can provide in-depth education on taking proper care of your skin.

Finally, be sure to let your provider know what medications you are on. We may ask that you stop taking certain prescriptions with approval from your doctor, as they may interfere with the efficacy of surgery.

Immediately after your neck lift, we advise you:

• Walk around at least every two hours during waking hours to prevent a blood clot.
• Wear compression leg hose for three days and do foot pumping exercises when in bed.
• Perform periodic deep breathing exercises to help prevent pneumonia.
• Do not drive until cleared by the office staff.
• Resume eating food as soon as you are ready, but avoid spicy and greasy foods for 24 hours.

Keep in mind that at no point while taking pain medication can you drive a car, go to work, make important decisions, or consume alcohol.

Also, note that antibiotics can interfere with the efficacy of oral birth control. If you currently take a birth control pill, you should use a backup method of contraception while you are on your antibiotics after surgery.

Your physician will give you and your caregiver a call the night of your surgery to ensure you are settled, comfortable, and able to ask any clarifying questions about your post-care. We also ask that you please call the office if you develop a fever, nausea & vomiting, diarrhea, excessive swelling, bruising, or bleeding.

The next day following your neck lift in Nashville, we welcome you back to our office for a follow-up appointment. During this time, your surgeon will remove your drain and assess the treated area; and our skilled estheticians will remove and replace the wrap and wash your hair. We will also instruct you on how to apply antibiotic ointment to the incision for the next week.

Bruising and swelling typically subsides within about 2 weeks. During this time, you may experience numbness or decreased sensation, but this is normal and should subside as you fully heal.

During this period of recovery, there are a few things you can do to help your body heal in addition to resting:

• Use a cold compress in 10-minute intervals to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• When sleeping or lying down, keep your head elevated and your face upward to prevent further swelling.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or other difficult physical activity for at least 2 weeks.