MACS (minimal access cranial suspension) face lift
A MACS-Lift is a face lift operation that is designed to lift the lower two thirds of the face and neck in a vertical (anti-gravity) direction with limited scars and a quick recovery. Only a small amount of excess skin is surgically removed, resulting in an inconspicuous scar in the crease in front of the ear and extending to the temple. In contrast to most other face lift techniques, the MACS-Lift can be performed under local anaesthetic and light sedation. Liposuction under the chin may also be carried out at the same time for an improved result in the neck and eyelid surgery and fat grafting may also be performed.
MACS-Lift Information
Many individuals between about 50 and 70 years of age may be suitable for this type of superficial
plane face lift. It is best when your neck and facial skin begin to sag, but when you still have some skin elasticity and tone in your facial muscles.
The following features can be improved:
• Sagging skin near over cheek bones
• The jaw line where there is ‘squaring off’ and ‘jowling’
• Loose skin under the chin
How a MACS-Lift is performed
The surgery takes about 4 hours in our Day Stay accredited facility, KM Surgical. The procedure is performed under light sedation and tumescent anaesthesia. This approach reduces bleeding and side effects. Following the initiation of anaesthesia and sedation an incision is made on pre-marked skin in front of the ears, where dissection (separation of the skin and underlying tissue) is performed after administration of tumescent anaesthetic fluid which ensures pain relief, hydrodissection and haemostasis. The underlying tissue is then elevated and the skin repositioned and re-moulded with a fibrin tissue glue. The excess skin in front of the ear is removed and everything is repaired with meticulous technique to minimize and the appearance of skin stretching.
Will the scars be noticeable?
Scars maybe a concern for patients. Every time your skin is cut, a scar will be left – it’s just a fact of life. But with our specialised approach, scarring will be minimal, and most of it will be hidden within your hairline and crease of your ear, even if you have a lot of skin removed. There is always a very small risk of hypotrophic scarring, but this will settle with time.
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