INTRODUCTION
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." The surgeon 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. The surgeon 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.

This modified facelift 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.

The neck lift is usually performed in an outpatient hospital or surgery center under general anesthesia but in some cases can be done using local anesthesia and sedation.

Depending upon the preference of your plastic surgeon, your incisions may be closed with stitches that dissolve with time, sutures that will be removed after one to two weeks, or removable surgical staples (which are usually limited to the scalp area.)

Swelling and bruising will be mild to moderate. Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon will help make you comfortable. After a few days you may be able to get by with acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a chin strap for the first one to two weeks after surgery which will help minimize the swelling and bruising. This strap is worn day and night at first.

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.

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