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Austin, TX 78705
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MACS Lift Austin

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MACS LIFT PROCEDURE

What is a MACS lift?

  • MACS lift is a new facelift technique which stands for Minimal Access Cranial Suspension lift. It is less invasive than a conventional facelift with a recovery period that can be as short as 14 days with less-visible scarring than conventional facelift. The procedure is particularly suited to women with a sagging mid-face who would like it refreshed with a subtle tightening of the skin.

Why should I have this procedure over a traditional facelift?

  • The MACS lift is a significant advancement in a facial rejuvenation surgery as it involved relatively little undermining and consequently the recovery is quicker. It also has the significant advantage of improving the mid-face and malar area which other facelift techniques do not tend to affect.

Where will my incisions be located?

  • The MACS lift 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 facelift — is much smaller and only involves a portion of the sheek 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.

How is the operation done?

  • The operation is performed under a general anesthetic and most patients stay in the hospital for two days following surgery. The operation generally takes about three hours and in nearly all cases should be combined with a lower lid blepharoplasty, as lifting up the malar fat pad also lifts the lower eyelids and it is relatively simple to remove the excess skin.

How long is the recovery period?

  • During the first post operative night, the patient is placed in a firm, bulky bandage and two small non-suction drains are inserted behind the ear. The bandage is removed the following day, along with the drains. Following this, a light chin-up bandage is work for one week. There may be some residual bruising, particularly around the eyes which will fade over the first 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Will I need to have sutures (stitches) removed after surgery?

  • Stitches in the lower blepharoplasty incision are removed at three days, those in front of the ears and alternate stitches in the hairline are removed at five days. The remaining sutures in the hairline are removed ten days after surgery.

How long will the cosmetic effect of this procedure last?

  • The positive effects of a MACS facelift last for about 10 years, but are dependent upon the elasticity of your skin as well as other considerations such as diet and exposure to UV sunlight rays.

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