The central neck area can begin to look older in appearance when the muscles begin to sag and an excess of fat is present. This condition can often be seen in the younger patient who complains "I am beginning to look like my mother/father!" but are too young for a facelift. This elegant procedure can completely redefine the central neck by removing the fat pocket, tightening the platysma bands, and creating a much more defined "sling" and lifted definition of the upper neck and jawline. The best candidates for a neck lift are men and women who have localized deposits of fat in the anterior part of the neck and when muscle laxity is present under the chin only. There should be no significant true skin excess in the neck or jawline area. The operation is done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. The procedure requires an incision under the chin. Fat is suctioned or directly excised, muscles are tightened, and a small amount of skin may be removed -- all depending on individual findings. The patient goes home with chin and neck wrapped in dressings or in an elastic neck sling. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Swelling and bruising disappear over approximately two weeks. The final result is evident in 4-8 weeks. Additional procedures that may enhance the result are: Face Lift, Liposuction and Chin Augmentation.