Procedure: Improves sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles andredraping skin. Most often done on men and women over 40.

Length: Several hours.

Anesthesia: Local with sedation, or general.

In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. Some patients may require a short inpatient stay.

Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; tight feeling, dry skin. For men, permanent need to shave behind ears where the beard-growing skin is repositioned.

Risks: Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary but may be permanent). Infection, bleeding. Poor healing, excessive scarring, asymmetry or change in hairline.

Recovery:

• 10 to 14 days: Back to work
• 2 weeks +: Strenuous Activity
• 2 to 3 weeks: Bruising
• Sun exposure must be limited for several months

Duration of Results: 5 to 10 years.