Neck Lift Surgery Precautions

1. After-Surgery Position

01. After neck lift surgery, it is best to keep your head elevated higher than your heart while sleeping.

2. Post-Surgery Diet

01. You may resume a normal diet, but please avoid very spicy or strongly seasoned foods.

3. Swelling Care

01. For the first 2–3 days after surgery, swelling and bruising will gradually worsen. From around 2–4 weeks, they will slowly subside, although this varies from person to person.

02. Including the day of surgery, apply cold compresses until day 3, then switch to warm compresses afterward. (Compress is provided by the clinic.)

-Cold compress: Use the cold pack after storing it in the freezer.

-Warm compress: Heat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. (Do not overheat—there is a risk of bursting.)

-Due to temporary numbness in the treated area, you may not feel heat correctly, increasing the risk of burns. Always check the temperature with your hand before applying.

03.About 2 weeks after surgery, the treated area may feel firm but will gradually soften.
This is a natural healing process, so please allow some time.

4. Incision & Wound Care

01. The stitch removal will be performed 7 days after surgery.
After stitch removal, the white Steri-Strips applied at the clinic should be removed after 2–3 days. Once removed, please start applying the beige 3M tape under the chin for about 3 months. Taping under the ears is not necessary.

02. After stitch removal, always apply the antibiotic ointment (Esroban) behind the ears and under the chin for 2–3 days. (Cover under chin with 3M tape after applying ointment)

03. Medical drain and hemostatic net sutures will be removed on post-op day 3. After removal, apply the antibiotic ointment (Esroban) with clean qtip to the treated areas 1–2 times daily.

04. The compression garment should be worn for 1–2 weeks, 24 hours a day.
During meals or showering, you may temporarily remove it.
It is recommended try to wear the garment for at least 8 hours for 1 month after the initial 1-2 weeks.

05. If salivary gland reduction surgery is done together, there is a gauze placed on the inside of the garment that must be kept in place for at least 7 days.

When you remove and reapply the compression garment, place the gauze back in the same position so that it stays aligned with the treatment area.

06. Total 2 sessions of high frequency massage is provided. Please schedule with clinic after stitch removal.

• If you notice redness or warmth at the incision area, or persistent pain, please visit the clinic.
• Do not touch the wound with your hands for 1 month. (risk of infection)
• If a surgical drain (bulb drain) has been placed, it needs proper care.
  You can scan the QR code to see detailed instructions on how to manage the drain.
  Normally, the drain is removed about 2–3 days after surgery, so please follow the provided instructions until it is taken out.

5. Sutures at the Incision Site

01. The blue or black sutures (such as Vicryl, PDS, etc.) placed inside the incision during surgery may become slightly visible or may protrude a little under the skin about 1 month after surgery.

This is a temporary and normal phenomenon, and these sutures will naturally dissolve inside the body within approximately 3 months, so there is no need to worry.

If the suture becomes exposed on the skin surface and you touch it or pull it, there is a risk of infection, inflammation, or wound disruption.

Do not touch or remove it yourself — please contact the clinic immediately for proper management.

6. Showering & Washing

01. When washing your face, avoid getting water on the surgical area until the stitches are removed. Gently wipe around the area only.

02. Please wash only from below the chest until the stitches are removed.

03. Public pools, sauna, beach is prohibited for one month after surgery. (Risk of infection)

04. Contact lenses may be worn starting the next day.

05. Makeup can be applied after stitch removal.

7. Exercise

01. Normal daily activities are allowed. Light walking exercise can be resumed 1–2 weeks after surgery. Strenuous exercise is allowed after 1 month.

8. Medications

01. After you return home, please take the prescribed medications starting 30 minutes after your first meal. Take them regularly as instructed.
If you develop symptoms such as rash or allergic reaction after taking the medication, please contact the clinic.

02. Do not take aspirin or vitamin E for one week after surgery, as they may cause bleeding.

If you had salivary gland removal:
Apply only 1 patch at a time for 1 week. 1 patch lasts 2-3 days. Do not use more than 1 at a time.

9. Alcohol & Smoking

01. Avoid alcohol and smoking for 1 month after surgery. It can worsen bleeding, wound healing, and infection risk.

10. Progress / Recovery

01. Feeling tightness or firmness in the skin is a normal part of recovery and gradually improves with time. This sensation is strongest between 1–2 months after surgery.

02. After double-chin surgery, the area may feel firm or slightly bumpy temporarily.
(Usually improves after around 3 months.)

03. Because nerves may be stretched during surgery, the lower lip may feel slightly stiff or weak.
This typically resolves within 2–3 months, so please do not worry.

04. Please avoid massaging or applying strong pressure to the treated area for 1 month.

05. Avoid ultrasound or laser lifting treatments in the surgical area for 6 months.

06. Avoid lifting your head sharply backward to a 90-degree angle for 3 months.
The tightened muscles need time to stabilize and re-adhere.

11. Scar Ointment Care Instructions

01. How to Use the Ointment

• Use Dermatix Ultra Gel or Contractubex Gel (choose one of the two products).
• For effective scar improvement, start using the ointment 3 months after suture removal and continue consistently for at least 6 months.
• Clean the scar area first and gently remove any moisture before applying the ointment.
• Use only after the wound has completely healed. (Avoid use if the wound is still open.)
• Apply a small amount of ointment thinly (about the size of a pea is sufficient).
• Gently massage the ointment into the scar area.
• Wait about 1–2 minutes until it completely dries.
• It is recommended to use twice a day (morning and evening).

02. Precautions

• After applying the ointment, avoid rubbing or scratching the scar area.
• Sun exposure can worsen scar pigmentation, so when going outside, apply sunscreen thoroughly.
• If skin irritation or an allergic reaction occurs during use, stop using it immediately and contact the hospital.

※ Postoperative care is just as important as the surgery itself, so we ask for your cooperation in following these instructions.
※ If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the hospital at any time.

813, Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, South Korea 4th(F) floor
T. +82 10 3476 1175  Clinic Hours — Weekdays: 10AM–7PM | Saturdays: 10AM–4PM