The MACS Lift? how it differs from Conventional Facelifts
Background The MACS lift (minimal access cranial suspension lift) was described as a modification of the S-lift by a Belgian group in 2001. It was reported in the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery journal, which is the main scientific journal for plastic surgeons. Essentially, it differs from a regular facelift in the following ways: 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 essentially 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 malar 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. 6. Because the malar fat pad is elevated it combines very well with lower lid blepharoplasty, as can be seen in the illustrations. It essentially reduces the height of the lower eyelid giving a more youthful, smooth appearance. 7. 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. 8. In my opinion 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 really excess skin facility in the neck region, 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. DETAILS OF PROCEDURE The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and most patients stay in hospital for two days post operatively. The operation generally takes about three hours and in nearly all cases should be combined with lower lid blepharoplasty, as lifting up the malar fat pad also lifts up the lower eyelids and it is relatively simple to remove the excess skin. Usually no additional work needs to be done to the fat pads because of the suspension of the malar area. During the post operative night, the patient is placed in a firm bulky woollen 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 worn for one week. Following this, the patient normally looks fairly reasonable, although there may be some residual bruising, particularly around the eyes. This is treated with Arnica cream and massage on a twice daily basis. 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 and the remaining sutures in the hairline at ten days. In my opinion the MACS lift is a significant advancement in facial rejuvenation surgery as it involves 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 help. I use this type of facelift now exclusively, and as I mentioned, in patients with really severe neck skin excess I would do a posterior skin excision, but this is not necessary in 90% of patients.
This lift is ideally suited to the younger patient with mid face ageing changes and moderate changes in the neck. Author Bio Mr Richards is a full member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (B.A.A.P.S) and the British Association of Plastic Surgeons (B.A.P.S) as well as a being a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) and registered on the specialist register of the GMC for plastic surgery. Adrian Richards and Associates has a series of clinics and accredited hospitals across the mid shire counties and at 10 Harley Street London and offers a complete range of cosmetic surgery and non surgical procedures using the most advanced techniques available. For further information or to find your nearest treatment centre visit http://www.arandassociates.co.uk or call the information line on telephone number (UK) 0800 3285743 for specialist and sympathetic advice. Mr A RICHARDS MSc FRCS (Plas)
Consultant Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
http://www.arandassociates.co.uk
Suite 3, Samuel House
Chinnor Road
Thame
Oxon OX9 3
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Tanning Beds: A Brief Intro
You look great, work out every day and have a fit body. Beyond that, you crave for that golden bronze look, the look that would send the opposite sex into a tizzy.
Should You Get Plastic Surgery?
These days, plastic surgery is often much maligned, and while the apparent levity with which it is sometimes undertaken and its almost epidemic-type spread can seem rather worrying, the benefits of plastic surgery can easily be overlooked. While there is an overwhelming array of various plastic surgery horror stories reported in the press, the quiet stories of success often remain untold. For the right candidate, plastic surgery can truly be a life-enhancing procedure.
Create a Home Spa Experience ? Homemade Facials, Scrubs, and More
The same stress in our daily lives that makes us yearn for a spa experience often keeps us from taking the time out from a busy schedule to book a day of relaxation. Even with time, a day at the spa can be a big hit to wallet. While I often can't find the time (or budget) to be pampered in a luxurious spa, I do my best to treat myself with a home spa experience. When I take a few hours out of my schedule to treat myself right, I am rejuvenated and energized to take on the daily grind!
Color Contact Lenses - Do They Work on Dark Eyes?
Do you want to change dark eye color to something different, but you are unsure if color contacts will work for your eyes? If you have brown eyes and tried color contact lenses several years ago, you were probably disappointed. Color contacts of the previous generation ether gave your eye color only a very slight change or your eyes looked blue but completely unnatural.
New Sources of Hyaluronic Acid Provide Hope for Increased Availability
Recent research into the purification of Hyaluronic acid (HA) from the vitreous humor of fish has shown great promise. This method is highly efficient and easier than derivation from rooster combs and other traditional sources of HA.
Hair Styles - How To Get The Most Flattering Hair Style
Do you ever wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and just want to crawl back in bed because of the way your hair looks? We all have bad hair days, but if your bad hair days are turning into bad hair weeks or months, then you might need some help.
Tips on Using a Hair Iron
The hair iron is coming more and more popular. It is used by women of all ages and for various purposes. We have gathered a few tips and guideline by women who use or used hair iron or other products to straighten their hair.
We strongly advise to read it before you start using hair iron or other hair straightening tool
Foundation Top Picks!
Hi, I'm the Fashion & Beauty Consultant for Estate Jewelry International where we don't just sell jewelry but "pamper" the whole you!
How to Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells
Exfoliating dead skin cells is one of the simplest ways to achieve the fresh and healthy glow of new skin. After all, that's exactly what exfoliating is -- removing the top layer of dead skin cells and allowing the new and healthier skin cells to rise to the surface. Simply washing your skin with traditional soap and water isn't enough. To remove those nasty dead skin cells you will need to exfoliate your skin on a regular basis.
Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses - More Style, Same Utility
At one time, promotions on television advertised a new,
sexier you if you elected to lose the glasses and pop in a
pair of contact lenses. This image has always been
demonstrated in Superman comics, television programs and
movies.
Cheap Colored Contacts Non Perscription are Fun and Easy to Buy Online
The Internet has provided an ideal forum for discovering cheap colored contacts non perscription. This is an especially promising opportunity for those who know how to exercise caution online, and can distinguish a quality site and a good deal, from those that only appear to be offering something special. In fact, if you comparison shop, and make certain that you've discovered a safe site, you can be sure to find cheap colored contacts non perscription that will give you affordability, as well as a great look!
Spray Tan Basics
I miss summer! I think I suffer from season depression disorder (and it's only November). You know what would make me feel better? A healthy glow! No, I don't want to be one of those tanning booth tanorexics. Those days went out for me in college when, after a steady month of tanning booth visits, a really cute football player told me I was starting to look like an oompa loompa.
The Facts About Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is big business now, the advances of science and technology meaning it has become more affordable and much more accessible for anyone to consider it. Far from breast enhancements being the only option anymore, there are operations that can be done on virtually any part of your body to aesthetically enhance your appearance. Getting the 'body beautiful' has never been such a viable option as it is now.
Cosmetic Chin Surgery - The Final Facial Touch
When either cosmetic or plastic surgery are mentioned to us, our thoughts run immediately to breast implants or liposuction, but there are many other procedures available that although they might not receive the same attention of their more obvious counterparts can have a huge impact upon both the appearance and the self confidence of a patient. One of these unsung heroes is cosmetic chin surgery, which can exert a profound effect that belies the ease with which it can be performed.
Flax Seed Oil and Wrinkles
Flax seed oil helps lubricate the digestive system and softens the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Flax seed is packed with oils, fibers and protein that supply your body with essential fatty acids (EFAs), notably omega 6 (linoleic acid) and omega 3 (linolenic acid) fatty acids. Your body uses EFAs through hormone production, the metabolism of vitamins and protection at the cellular level. The lignans from flax seed hulls help control blood sugar and insulin, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. Flax seed oil has also been shown to be helpful in reducing "bad" cholesterol. Deficiencies in EFAs have been found to be associated with eczema and dry skin. Some women have also found flax seed be helpful to in relieving hot flashes associated with menopause.
Indoor Tanning Beds - All You Wanted to Know!
So you are nearing the end of your search for the formula to look the modern day Adonis or Helen. Good news. Your search stops right here with Indoor tanning beds!! Read on to know more about indoor tanning beds, tanning accessories and purchase options for your tanning beds.
How You Can Use Your Kitchen to Develop an All Natural Skin Care Regimen
Today when we want to try out a skin care product, we immediately think of 'which one will I buy'. It wasn't that long ago when the only option available was to make your own skin care treatments. Of course there are many excellent commercial skin care products who have thousands of adoring customers. If you wanted something different, something more holistic or even organic, there are companies who produce these items as well. What if you wanted to go an even more all natural route and create your own skin care regimen at home?
Protect the Skin Youre In
Summer is approaching and thousands of people will be working on their tans before they whip out their shorts and swimsuits. However, improper skin care can cause permanent damage from the suns rays. Regardless of your skin type, it is very important to protect your skin. Here are some key tips to keep in mind this summer.
The Eyes Have It
Did you know Leonardo da Vinci sketched and described several forms of contact lenses in 1508, and in 1632 Rene Descartes suggested the possibility of a corneal contact lens? Civilization has come a long way from these early ideas to the high-tech advancements we have to care for our eyes today. We even have choices for improved vision other than through a contact lens or eyeglasses. LASIK surgical procedures are done on the eye and intended to reduce dependency on eyeglasses. It doesn't promise perfect vision, but it offers convenient benefits to people that don't want to put on glasses.
Tips on Choosing the Best Skin Care Product for You
Your face is the first thing that people notice when they meet you. So, it is no wonder that skin care is big business! Millions are spent each year to treat acne, under eye circles, wrinkles, discolorations, and a variety of other ailments. If you are in the market for a skin care line, there are a few things that you should consider before settling on a product. First you need to look at the type of ingredients the product contains, and then find out what works best for your particular skin type. So, get ready to put your best face forward!
|
