MACS Facelift

Why do patients request a MACS facelift?
With the passage of time the ligaments that hold the skin of the face in position stretch and there is also a decrease in the natural fat that is present in the tissues. As a result of this the skin on the face, the brow and the neck begins to sag. Patients do not like the appearance of the jowls that start to develop. A MACS facelift can improve the appearance of the face when a full face lift is not required.

Are there any reasons for a patient to not have a MACS facelift?
Patients who are actively smoking or on blood thinning medication such as aspirin and warfarin are at a high risk of complications such as bleeding or wound infections and delayed wound healing. It is advisable to not consume nicotine in any form for six weeks before a facelift and to stop medication is such as aspirin or warfarin (if this is not for an essential or life-threatening condition) at the appropriate time before surgery.

What does a MACS facelift involve?
A MACS facelift is performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthetic with sedation. The skin and the underlying soft tissues are usually tightened through a scar just in front of the ear. Your consultant will discuss with you the exact process. Liposuction is usually performed under your chin.

What you need to know

How long does the operation last?
A MACS facelift usually takes about 2 hours to perform.

How long am I in hospital?
Patients usually stay in hospital for one night. The operation can be done as a daycase with the patients returning the following day for the dressings to be changed.

What happens when I go home?
Before you go home the bulky dressing around you face is removed and any small drains are taken out. Your hair is washed and you are put in a face mask. An outpatient appointment is arranged for a few days after surgery for removal of sutures. The fine sutures in front of the ear are removed after 5-7 days. Generally the pain after a MACS facelift is mild but once home, further painkillers may be taken if needed, as advised by your doctor.

Applying a cold compress, such as ice or a bag of frozen peas (both wrapped in a towel) can help to reduce the swelling and bruising. You should not apply ice directly to your skin as it can give you an ‘ice burn’.

There are some important things to remember while recovering from a MACS facelift:

• keep your head elevated on pillows at night while sleeping for a couple of days to reduce swelling
• avoid bending or straining
• avoid saunas and massage for at least two weeks
• avoid the sun for a few weeks
• Vigorous activity should be avoided for four or five weeks.

How long does bruising and swelling last following the operation?
Bruising and swelling following surgery normally resolves within ten to fourteen days after the operation.

How much time do I need off work?
Most patients are able to return to work and to social activities within two to three weeks of their operation.

How long does the effect of a facelift last?
The effects of a facelift can last up to five to ten years following surgery. A facelift does not stop the process of ageing but can make the effect of the ageing process less obvious.

What are the risk and complications of this procedure?
A small percentage of patients undergoing a facelift can have complications just like any other surgical procedure which include:

• Bleeding and or haematoma (blood clot under the skin)
• Infection
• Delayed healing of the wound
• Asymmetry.

Scars which are visible in the early post-operative stage but which normally fade over a period of months. Sometimes the scars behind the ear can become thick and more red. These are called hypertrophic scars and can take sometime to settle down.

There can also be a loss of function or injury to the branches of the facial nerve which is responsible for movements of the muscles of expression in the face. Very occasionally patients may need a small revision procedure. Depending upon the nature and extent of the procedure that you need your surgeon will discuss the potential complications with you in detail during your consultation.