This was first developed in Belgium, where Dr. Ned Snyder trained with Patrick L. Tonnard, M.D. and Alexis M. Verpaele, M.D., the inventors of the MACS Lift procedure and authors of the book The MACS-Lift: Short-Scar Rhytidectomy.

For the increasing number of women contemplating a face-lift there is a new technique called the MACS Lift (minimal access cranial suspension lift). It is less invasive than a conventional face-lift with a recovery period than can be as short as 14 days with less-visible scarring than conventional face-lifts. The procedure is particularly suited to women with a sagging mid face who would like it refreshed with a subtle tightening of the skin.

MACS limits the incision to the skin hairline junction just above the ear and anterior ear but with no extension behind the ear. The area of undermining -- unlike a conventional face-lift -- is much smaller and only involves a portion of the cheek which means there is far less risk of skin damage. Dissolvable internal stitches are used to reposition the deep layers of the face in a more youthful position.

Due to the less invasive nature of the MACS face-lift, recuperation time is normally 14 days and there are less associated risks of surgery compared to a conventional face-lift. Reports show that the results are just as good as a conventional lift, if not better, as a more subtle and natural look is achieved and there is less scarring. The positive effects of a MACS face-lift lasts for about 10 years but are dependent upon the elasticity of the skin and other considerations such as diet, UV exposure and smoking.

 

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BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES

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BEFORE	AFTER
BEFORE	AFTER
BEFORE	AFTER
BEFORE	AFTER
BEFORE	AFTER

 

 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MACS LIFT PROCEDURE

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How does it differ from a traditional face lift?

1. The incision is limited to the skin hairline junction above the ear and anterior to the ear. There is no extension behind the ear.
2. The area of undermining, unlike a conventional facelift, is much smaller and only involves a portion of the cheek. Because there is less undermining, the blood supply to the skin is much more robust and the technique is therefore safer in smokers. There is much less risk of any skin necrosis, unlike other lifts.
3. Permanent suspension sutures are used to elevate the underlying tissue. These pass down to the neck, jowls and cheek fat pad. Unlike many other facelifts which do not include significant mid face elevation the MACS lift elevates the malar fat pad reducing the naso labial folds.
4. Because there is no undermining under the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) there is very little likelihood of damage to the facial nerve.
   5. Because the undermining and dissection is much more limited the post operative swelling and oedema is much less than in normal facelifts and recovery is therefore quicker.
5. Because the malar fat pad is elevated it combines very well with lower lid blepharoplasty, as can be seen in the illustrations. The result is a reduction in the height of the lower eyelid giving a more youthful, smooth appearance.
6. In nearly all cases liposuction is performed to the neck area below the angle of the mandible, both to remove excess fat here and also to free up the skin to allow it to be re-draped by the suspension sutures.
7. The MACS lift produces results at least equivalent, or in most cases, better than a conventional facelift. It is ideally suited to the younger patient with a sagging mid face. In patients with marked sagging of the neck it may be necessary in some cases to make an incision posterior to the ear to take up this slack, but in most cases this is not necessary.