While you may notice a more refined neck contour soon after surgery, it is important to understand that swelling can temporarily obscure your final result. Healing occurs gradually, and the neck tissues continue to settle for several months following surgery. Following your post-operative instructions carefully is one of the most important factors in achieving an optimal outcome.
What to Expect After Your Procedure
As your recovery begins, you may experience the following normal healing responses:
- Swelling: Swelling beneath the chin and throughout the neck is expected and may temporarily make the area appear fuller than anticipated. Swelling is typically most noticeable during the first several days and gradually improves over the following weeks.
- Bruising: Bruising varies from patient to patient but commonly develops beneath the chin and along the neck. Most bruising begins to fade within one to two weeks.
- Tightness: Many patients report a sensation of tightness or firmness in the neck after surgery. This is a normal result of tissue repositioning and healing and gradually softens over time.
- Discomfort: Mild to moderate soreness is common during the first few days following surgery. Prescribed medications will help manage discomfort during the early stages of recovery.
- Numbness: Temporary numbness or altered sensation beneath the chin, along the jawline, or in portions of the neck is expected and typically improves as healing progresses.
- Compression Garment: You will be provided with a supportive chin and neck garment to help minimize swelling and support the healing tissues. Wear this garment exactly as instructed by Dr. Daraei.
- Drainage: Small amounts of blood-tinged drainage from incision sites may occur during the first 24 to 48 hours and are generally considered normal.
- Follow-Up Visits: Your scheduled post-operative appointments allow Dr. Daraei to monitor your healing and recovery. These visits are an important part of your surgical care and should not be missed.
When to Call Our Office Immediately
Please contact our office if you experience any of the following:
- Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling
- Significant swelling on one side of the neck
- Excessive bleeding from the incision sites
- Increasing redness spreading away from the incision
- Pus-like or foul-smelling drainage
- Severe pain not controlled by medication
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
What to Avoid After Your Procedure
Your healing tissues are particularly vulnerable during the first several weeks after surgery. Please follow these restrictions carefully:
- Do not remove your compression garment unless instructed to do so.
- Avoid turning, stretching, or excessively extending your neck during the first week.
- Do not participate in strenuous exercise, weightlifting, running, or vigorous activities for at least two weeks.
- Avoid bending forward or lifting heavy objects.
- Do not engage in contact sports or activities that could result in trauma to the face or neck for at least six weeks.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and ocean water until your incisions have fully healed.
- Do not apply heat packs to the neck or chin area.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, nicotine products, and secondhand smoke for at least one month after surgery.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during the first week after surgery.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil supplements, or other blood-thinning products unless approved by your surgeon.
- Avoid direct sun exposure to the neck and incision sites. Once healed, apply sunscreen daily to protect scar quality.
- Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication.
General Post-Operative Care Instructions
Compression Garment Care
Your compression garment helps control swelling and supports the newly contoured tissues beneath the chin and neck. Wear it continuously during the initial recovery period except when otherwise instructed. Keeping consistent compression can significantly improve comfort and healing.
Incision Care
Keep all incision sites clean and dry. Follow Dr. Daraei’s instructions regarding cleansing and ointment application. Avoid unnecessary touching or manipulation of the incisions. Small incisions may be located beneath the chin and behind the ears. These areas should be treated gently throughout the healing process.
Sleeping Position
Sleep on your back with your head elevated above heart level for at least the first week after surgery. Use two to three pillows or a recliner to maintain proper positioning. Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach.
Swelling Management
Keeping your head elevated throughout the day and night helps reduce swelling. Short walks throughout the day can also promote healthy circulation and recovery.
Blood Clot Prevention
Beginning the evening of surgery, take short walks every few hours while awake. Gentle movement improves circulation and lowers the risk of blood clot formation.
Medications
Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed. Pain medication is usually needed for only a few days. Always take narcotic medications with food to reduce nausea. If antibiotics have been prescribed, complete the entire course even if you are feeling well. Constipation can occur after anesthesia and pain medication use. Consider an over-the-counter stool softener while taking narcotics.
Diet
Start with light foods and gradually resume your normal diet as tolerated. Staying hydrated and consuming protein-rich foods can help support tissue repair and healing.
Submentoplasty Results
Submentoplasty can provide dramatic improvement in neck definition and jawline contour while maintaining a natural appearance. As swelling subsides, the improved angle between the chin and neck becomes increasingly visible, creating a more youthful and refined profile.
It is important to remember that healing occurs gradually. While early improvements are often noticeable within a few weeks, residual swelling can persist for several months. Most patients continue to see refinement and softening of the tissues throughout the first 6 to 12 months following surgery.
Contact Us
Dr. Daraei and the entire team at Daraei Facial Plastic Surgery are dedicated to supporting you throughout your recovery journey. If you have questions or concerns at any point during healing, please contact our office. We are always here to help ensure a smooth recovery and results.
Paul Daraei, MD
Dr. Paul Daraei is deeply committed to excellence and patient-centered care. As a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, he specializes in all surgical and non-surgical procedures of the head and neck. Dr. Daraei completed a rigorous head and neck surgical program, followed by a fellowship dedicated solely to cosmetic facial plastic surgery. He has worked with prestigious and elite surgeons nationally and internationally to provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art care for his patients in the Atlanta area.
Learn more about DR. daraei
Dr. Paul Daraei is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon recognized for his exceptional skill, academic excellence, and leadership in the field of facial aesthetics. With advanced fellowship training and thousands of surgical cases completed at Emory University, he combines technical precision with an artist’s eye for natural results. As an affiliate professor and published author in leading medical journals, Dr. Daraei continues to advance the field through teaching, research, and innovation. His commitment to excellence and patient-centered care has established him as one of Atlanta’s most trusted authorities in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
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