What You Need to Know about the MACS-Lift

The MACS-lift (minimal access cranial suspension lift) is a facelift technique that provides natural results with less scarring and downtime than traditional facelift procedures. Offered by Dr. Kahlil Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, the procedure provides excellent results to patients looking for a way to achieve a younger, more refreshed appearance.

What is the MACS-Lift?

The MACS-lift specifically addresses areas of the mid to lower face, including:

Creases extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth
Loose, sagging skin around the jawline (jowling)
Neck laxity, bands in the neck

Traditional facelift procedures lift the skin horizontally, which can result in the windswept look seen on many facelift patients. However, the MACS-lift lifts excess skin and underlying facial structures vertically, assuring a more natural result that makes you look more youthful avoiding the “operated look.” The procedure was developed by Belgian surgeons, Drs. Patrick Tonnard and Alex Verpaele, and has become the technique of choice for many plastic surgeons over the past decade.

The MACS-lift involves an incision in the outer hairline that courses down the front crease of the ear. The incision allows for access to underlying muscle and fatty tissue across the cheekbone, jaw-line and neck. Strategically placed sutures pull these tissues vertically. The overlying skin is also pulled vertically, and the excess is removed. The procedure results in an obvious rejuvenation of the face and neck and smoothing of the facial skin. The entire procedure usually takes about three hours to complete.

Benefits of the MACS-Lift

There are a number of reasons to consider the MACS-lift over traditional facelift procedures:

• The surgery is often completed in a shorter period of time
• Patients may have the option of general or local anesthesia
• Patients often have a shorter recovery period after the MACS-lift
• The MACS-lift can be associated with a lower risk of nerve damage 
• Avoiding an incision behind the ear prevents a telltale sign of face lifting
• Results are more natural, without the windswept look that can be seen with other techniques

Who is it For?

The MACS-Lift can be used in place of the traditional facelift for nearly any patient looking for a more permanent anti-aging treatment. It is usually recommended for patients in their 40s or early 50s to combat the early signs of aging, but can be effectively used for older patients as well. It may be combined with other procedures, such as a blepharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation), brow lifting, nose reshaping or laser resurfacing around the eyes and mouth to produce more dramatic results.

Dr. Andrews performs MACS-lift facial rejuvenation surgery. To learn more about this procedure or other cosmetic procedures, please contact Dr. Andrews’ staff at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, at 319-800-6877.