*Individual results vary, see disclaimer.
For some people who are determined to defy the effects of Father Time, they often find themselves in a dilemma when their anti-ageing creams, lasers or fillers no longer effectively work. When this happens, a mini facelift, or MACS facelift, may offer them the results that they are looking for. Dr Bernard Beldholm has been successfully performing and perfecting this procedure for many years now. His artistic ability and expertise helps to ensure that a patient’s results are beautiful, natural and, most importantly, youthful.
MACS is the acronym for the minimal access cranial suspension technique. The procedure targets primarily the underlying SMAS (Superficial Musculo-aponeurotic system) of the face and neck. A MACS facelift is designed to provide patients with smoother skin free from wrinkles. Unlike a traditional facelift, a mini facelift is less invasive and uses a much shorter incision which results in minimal scarring and a quicker recovery.
Who is the MACS lift for?
For individuals who have used noninvasive techniques for several years or longer, graduating to a MACS facelift can be the natural progression in the fight against fine lines. The surgery is ideal for individuals with good skin tone and mild to moderate facial and neck sagging. In Dr Beldholm’s experience, patients who seek the MACS facelift generally tend to fall between the ages of 45 and 55 but, of course, they can be younger or older than this. Every patient is different. This procedure can address the following problems:
Sagging and loss of muscle tone in the lower face, resulting in jowls
Creased and sagging skin in the neck
Lines extending from each corner of the mouth and down the chin
Facial volume that has been lost over time
A double chin, stemming from loose skin and extra fat under the chin and jaw
Deep creases extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth
How is the MACS lift done?
During the procedure, Dr Beldholm makes an incision very close to the patient’s hairline and near the earlobes. To minimise any scarring, the incisions are small and strategically placed so they ultimately fade over time. Once they are made, Dr Bernard then begins tightening the SMAS, pulling the skin upward and removing excess skin in the process.
The surgery takes about two hours and is performed under general anesthetic. Because Dr B uses absorbable stitches to hold the patient’s skin together, there is no need to remove the stitches. They eventually dissolve over time. To further assist with the recovery and end results, Dr Bernard also uses tissue glue. As a result of using the tissue glue, the use of drains is not needed.
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What are the benefits of the MACS lift?
Compared to a traditional or full facelift, the MACS facelift is considered safer due to the fact that it is less invasive and involves fewer incisions. Other benefits of the procedure include:
Cheeks and a mid-face that are naturally elevated
Results that can last for up to 10 years
Smoother contours of the face
Improved definition of the face
A much shorter recovery
Elimination of fine lines on the face and neck
What is the recovery like for the MACS lift?
After the surgery, patients are able to go home the very same day. However, it’s important that patients have a friend, spouse or family member who can drive them home and help them at least for a few days after the procedure. The patient will be required to wear a head garment for about a week. Dr Beldholm will remove it during a patient’s follow up appointment. Bruising and swelling usually disappear by 1-2 weeks. Makeup can help hide the incision after around 2 weeks. It’s important to remember that all surgeries carry the potential for risks. Dr Bernard will discuss them in full detail with the patient during the initial consultation.