After Liposuction of the Neck

You should not remove the neck bandage, other than for 1 or 2 hour periods twice a day, for the first 4 days after surgery. The day after surgery you may reduce the tightness to a comfortable, supportive level.

You should remove the bandage twice each day starting the day after surgery, wash your neck gently, and re-apply the bandage. After 3 to 4 days you may go without the bandage during the day, but you should wear it at a comfortable pressure when you are around the house and while sleeping. You will tend to bruise in your neck below the bandage but not under it.

Any unexplained pain, facial swelling, bruising or fever should be reported to us immediately.

Drainage

Drainage from the small incision in front of each ear will usually occur. This drainage may increase when you are up and moving around the house. It is rare to have more drainage than is absorbed by the gauze. However, you may need to change the gauze pads as needed (you may use gauze or facial tissue) during the first 6-12 hours. Simply lift the edge of the support bandage, remove the gauze in front of the ears, and place a new gauze or tissue pad. Your bandage may stain. Your bandage may be hand washed and dried on low heat if it becomes stained.

Medications

If needed, take the pain medication with food or liquid as prescribed. You may take any of your regular medications as usual unless instructed not to take them. Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, etc.) for seven days after surgery, these medications can increase bleeding and bruising. Other routinely taken medications may be taken as necessary.

If sutures are used they will be removed in 7-10 days.

 About 5 days after surgery you may apply an electric heating pad to your neck. Do not set above medium heat. The heat should be held under the chin and jaw for about 30 minutes every 2 hours. Use the heat as desired to help reduce residual bruising, swelling, tightness.

Patients who received general anesthesia should return home from our office immediately upon discharge and lie down with the head elevated until all the effects of the anesthesia have disappeared.  Anesthesia effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours.  You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours or longer if you feel any residual effects from the anesthesia.  Do not use appliances or equipment that could be dangerous such as power tools, stoves, burners or lawn mowers.  Watch out for dizziness.  Walk slowly and take your time.  Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea or dizziness.  Do not drink any alcoholic beverages.  The drugs in your body may cause your reaction to alcohol to be dangerous.