Indications For individuals with a minimal amount of loose neck skin, a limited or modified facelift might be an option. This procedure concentrates on the neck area and can give a dramatic improvement to the neckline without having to have a facelift.

You may hear it described as a "mini-facelift" or a "partial facelift" or "neck lift. Dr. Mariotti can remove some of the saggy and redundant neck skin through incisions behind the ear (sometimes these incisions extend in front of the ear) and under the chin area as well. Dr. Mariotti may tighten the tissues under the chin by placing a suture across the neck crease that will tighten and elevate the muscle. Loose skin may be tightened by pulling the skin upward and backward; excess skin can then be removed from behind the ear.

Intended Results
A more youthful neck with a better contour.

Procedure Description
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia.

External Ultrasound Assist technology is used to soften and liquefy the fat, reduce bruising and swelling, and tighten the skin.

The procedure may require an incision under the chin or jowl area and a small incision behind the ears. Fat is suctioned or excised, the muscles may be tightened, and the under chin skin is suspended with long internal sutures to promote a more defined neckline -- all depending on individual findings.

Facelift vs Necklift
This modified facelift (Necklift) is not for individuals who have a considerable amount of loose skin under the jaw or in front of the neck (sometimes called a "turkey waddle"). For these patients a full facelift is needed to achieve the best results.

Recuperation and Healing
The patient goes home with chin and neck wrapped in dressings or in an elastic neck sling which must be worn 24 hours a day for a week. Minimal initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Sutures are removed within 5-7 days. Bruising and swelling decrease to socially acceptable levels in 7-10 days. The final result is evident in 4-6 weeks or sooner with continued improvement for several months.

For the first week following surgery you may be allowed to resume light activity with no bending or heavy lifting. You can usually return to work in seven to ten days (if your work is not strenuous) and you can often use makeup to conceal bruising.