Essentially, it differs from a regular facelift in the following ways:

1. The incision: the incision is limited to the skin hairline junction above the ear and anterior to the ear with no extension behind the ear.

2. The area of undermining:  unlike a conventional facelift, this is much smaller. It essentially involves just a portion of the cheek. Due to less undermining, the blood supply to the skin is much more robust. This makes the technique safer in smokers. And, therefore, there is much less risk of any skin necrosis.

3. Elevating the underlying tissue: this is done by permanent suspension sutures are used to elevate the underlying tissue.

4. Permanent suspension sutures pass down to the neck, jowls and malar fat pad. Other facelifts do not include significant mid face elevation. In contrast, the MACS lift elevates the malar fat pad reducing the naso labial folds.

5. There is no undermining under the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). Therefore, there is less likelihood of damage to the facial nerve.

7. Post operative swelling and oedema is much less than in normal facelifts because the undermining and dissection is more limited. This increases recovery time.

8. Because the malar fat pad is elevated, it combines very well with lower lid blepharoplasty, This  reduces the height of the lower eyelid, resulting in a more youthful, smooth appearance.

9. Liposuction is often performed to the neck area below the angle of the mandible. This removes excess fat in that area. It also to frees up the skin so that it to can be re-draped by the suspension sutures.

This new procedure is a modification of the S-lift. The MACS  face lift (minimal access cranial suspension lift) is gaining popularity for its more “natural” results, smaller incisions, and minimal downtime.

The MACS face lift was developed by European plastic surgeons and is gaining a reputation in the United States as a faster, more effective face lift procedure. It cuts down procedure and recovery times, while offering distinct aesthetic advantages over many “traditional” face lift approaches. It also reduces scaring, while resulting in a more “natural” look.

Designed by two Belgian surgeons, the MACS face lift was developed to address this problem by creating significant changes through a single, small incision and just one simple suture technique.

Instead of an extensive incision and deep-tissue manipulation, the MACS lifts uses suspension sutures to reposition deeper tissues gently and minimize scarring and discomfort.

The incision and sutures are designed to restore tissues vertically.  Many surgeons find that the MACS results look softer and more natural than the “pulled” appearance associated with some older face lift procedures.