You look in the mirror one morning and notice those first subtle signs of aging – maybe a bit of looseness in the jawline, a deepening nasolabial fold, or a touch of volume loss in the cheeks. While you still feel youthful and vibrant, you wouldn't mind a subtle refresh to match how you feel on the inside.
If this sounds familiar, you may be a great candidate for a MACS facelift – a minimally invasive procedure that has helped thousands of patients worldwide achieve natural-looking rejuvenation with less downtime than a traditional facelift.
If you want to learn more about this facelift technique, continue reading the rest of this article.
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The MACS facelift, short for Minimal Access Cranial Suspension lift, is a revolutionary technique developed by Belgian plastic surgeons Dr. Patrick Tonnard and Dr. Alexis Verpaele in 1999.
This procedure is designed to lift and rejuvenate the face in a simple, natural manner with minimal risks and downtime for the patient.
One of the key benefits of the MACS facelift is the upward pull of the skin, which counteracts the effects of gravity and creates a more natural-looking result. This technique helps to avoid the "windswept" or "pulled" look that some patients fear with traditional facelifts.
The MACS lift is an excellent option for patients aged 40 to 50 with mild to moderate loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone in the face, neck, and jowls. They might also have deep creases around the mouth and nose and a tired or sad appearance due to sagging skin.
However, it may only be suitable for some, and your surgeon can help determine if a MACS lift or a traditional facelift is the best approach for your individual needs and goals.
The MACS facelift offers numerous benefits for those seeking to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance:
Lifts and repositions facial tissues (skin, fat, and supporting structures) for a natural, rejuvenated look.
Preserves your unique facial features, avoiding the "windswept" or "pulled" appearance some associate with traditional facelifts.
Addresses sagging skin and muscles from the mid-face to the lower face and neck.
Effectively erases jowls and wrinkles around the nose and mouth.
Combats the effects of gravity, sun damage, and lifestyle factors on facial skin laxity.
Requires smaller incisions compared to a traditional facelift, resulting in minimal to no visible scarring.
Reduced post-operative swelling and faster recovery times, allowing you to return to your regular routine sooner.
Tightens underlying facial muscles and SMAS for long-term lifting effects and sustainable results.
Appropriate for a range of ages, with immediate visible improvements.
Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift is a more extensive procedure involving incisions that run from the hairline down and around the ears. It is typically performed under general anesthesia and addresses sagging skin and underlying muscles. This procedure is better suited for those with more advanced signs of aging.
In contrast, the MACS facelift is a less invasive option, focusing primarily on the underlying facial muscles with limited skin removal. The incision for MACS lift is shorter, ending at the earlobe, and the procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. This technique is ideal for patients with mild to moderate sagging and good skin elasticity.
The SMAS facelift is a more extensive procedure that targets both sagging skin and the underlying muscular-aponeurotic structures of the face. It involves incisions in the hairline that extend around the ears, allowing for the suspension and tightening of sagging facial tissues, elimination of jowls, and neck refinement.
The SMAS facelift is usually performed under general anesthesia and best suits those who need significant correction of facial drooping and loose skin.
On the other hand, the MACS facelift is a SMAS imbrication or tightening technique. It is a less invasive technique that primarily targets the underlying muscular structures of the face. It is ideal for younger patients with limited facial sagging and good skin elasticity.
The incisions for a MACS facelift are shorter, ending at the earlobe, and the procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. Benefits of the MACS facelift include minimal scarring, faster recovery time, and reduced risk of complications compared to the SMAS facelift.
Want to learn more about SMAS facelift and other facelifts? Check it out here.
In traditional facelifting, an oblique vector is used for redraping the skin, which can be decomposed into a vertical and oblique component.
In MACS-lifting, the horizontal component of the lifting is avoided as much as possible to create an anti-gravitational lifting of the facial features.
Disclaimer: The medical illustrations are the intellectual property of Dr. Siamak Agha. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited.
The MACS facelift is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia if you prefer. As an outpatient procedure, it usually takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Dr. Agha makes a short, discreet incisions hidden within the curves in front of your ears, extending into your hairline. This short-scar technique allows you to wear your hair pulled back without visible scarring.
During the procedure, Dr. Agha will gently lift and reposition the underlying facial muscles using suspension sutures in the deep tissue. This ensures long-lasting results and avoids the "windswept" look associated with some traditional facelifts.
The skin is then delicately pulled up and back to smooth wrinkles and address skin laxity in the cheeks, chin, nose, mouth, and neck. Any excess skin is removed at the incision site.
The MACS facelift can help you achieve a refreshed, more youthful appearance that lasts for years.
You can expect smoother, tighter skin on your cheeks, chin, and neck. The procedure greatly improves skin laxity, diminishing the appearance of nasolabial folds and marionette lines around the mouth.
If you were concerned about sagging or wrinkled skin on your neck, you'll be pleased to see a more youthful, refined contour in this area.
Depending on your individual needs, the MACS facelift can be combined with other procedures for a complete facial rejuvenation. These may include Lipo to remove excess fat from the neck, an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), rhinoplasty, or a lip lift. Your surgeon will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns and goals.
The best part? The results of your MACS facelift can last up to 12 years, allowing you to enjoy your rejuvenated appearance for a significant amount of time.
To maintain your results, be sure to protect your skin from sun damage and consider using medical-grade skincare products tailored to your specific needs.
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