Fans were concerned when Wendi McLendon-Covey was the only “bridesmaid” missing from the 2011 comedy’s onstage reunion at the Oscars on Sunday, but she explained later that her appearance wouldn’t have been pretty.

“In response to some of the dms I’m getting: I had a neck lift last week because I’m tired of looking like a melting candle,” the “St. Denis Medical” star in an Instagram post punctuated with a kiss emoji alongside a closeup of her sporting a bloodied bandage. “So I had to skip the Academy Awards. No drama. Everything is fine.”

The admission was especially fitting in light of the faux audience notes read aloud by “Bridesmaids” castmates Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper and Maya Rudolph before presenting the awards for best original score and best sound.

First the stars marveled at how much time had passed since the blockbuster broke box office records and redefined female comedy by proving to Hollywood doubters that women, just like men, could be both funny and raunchy. Then Rudolph read the first faux missive after the five swished onstage in their Oscars finery.

“ ‘First of all, you ladies look extremely beautiful tonight,’ ” Rudolph read, replying, “Thank you,” before continuing. “ ‘You’re aging well.’ Signed, Stellan Skarsgård.”

McCarthy then read another note, supposedly written by Elle Fanning but revealed to be Skarsgård again.

“I also agree you ladies look radiant,” McCarthy said. “All the things you’ve done to your faces are very tasteful.”

“Bridesmaids” director Paul Feig addressed McLendon-Covey’s absence on the red carpet before the show but did not have any answers.

“I just heard that she was not available,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “She might even be traveling, I’m not sure. But we will miss her terribly, because I love Wendi.”

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