MACS Facelift surgery (Mini Rhytidectomy)

What is it?

The MACS facelift (or Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) is a surgical procedure to improve a sagging mid and lower face. This mini facelift technique was devised in Belgium and is suitable for people from 40 to 55. It is a short scar technique and does not involve a long scar behind the ear. It can restore a youthful-looking jaw line, reduce jowls, and bring back the "apple" of the cheek that tends to sag with ageing. It is often used in men to reduce visible scarring. It produces a fresh natural rather, than stretched, appearance.

What it can’t do?

A MACS mini facelift will not remove bags or wrinkles from around the eyes or forehead, or correct sun-damaged skin. It produces a limited improvement to the nose to mouth (Naso-labial) lines. See our information on chemical peels, dermal fillers, wrinkle treatments and brow lifting for correcting these.

What is involved?

Your surgeon will make incisions in your temples and in the natural crease in front of your ears. The fibrous tissues under the skin are tightened with permanent stitches fixed close to your cheek bones or the connective tissue under the skin. These stitches pass down to your neck, jowls and cheek fat pads. You are likely to have liposuction under your chin at the same time. This removes fatty tissue from your neck and "frees up" more excess skin for re-draping. If your neck is particularly saggy, your surgeon may need to make incisions behind your ears as well as to correct this. It is possible for you to have eyelid surgery at the same time. The whole operation takes about 3 hours to complete and is performed under a general anaesthetic. You will probably stay in hospital for two days afterwards.

Your recovery

Mini facelift procedures are typically less invasive than a traditional facelift: because of this you can expect a shorter recovery time from your MACS facelift. The MACS mini facelift is a less invasive procedure than a traditional facelift and because of this can have a shorter recovery time. Bandages: for the first night after your operation you’ll wear a firm bulky bandage. You will have to have small non-suction drainage tubes inserted behind your ears. The bandage will be removed the following day along with the drains. Following this, you will need to wear a light, elasticated "chin-up" bandage for one week. You will also need to wear this bandage for a further five weeks in the evening. Stitches from your eyelids will be removed around five days after your operation. Removed between 7-10 days, the remaining hairline stitches are dissolvable and will disappear after hair washing.

Possible side effects

Because a MACS facelift involves less skin undermining (lifting the skin from the muscle) than a traditional facelift it does not affect the SMAS (Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System) and damage to your facial nerves is unlikely. You may experience some bruising, particularly around your eyes. This can be treated with Arnica Cream and / or Auroderm. You are advised to refrain from social engagements for around two weeks following your operation, although it may take a little longer before you feel confident enough to face the world again. If you are susceptible to fluid retention, you may find that some swelling persists for a few months after your operation. Manual lymphatic drainage can help with this if it becomes a problem.

Your results

On average you can expect to look around eight to ten years younger when you have fully recovered from your MACS mini facelift. The benefits will last around ten years although this will depend on the elasticity of your skin and your lifestyle. Factors including diet, body weight and exposure to sunlight will affect your overall results and of course your skin will continue to age in the normal way.