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With facelifts rising in popularity, it is important to understand that there are different methods in a facelift to ensure natural-looking results. Individuals can easily become overwhelmed by the various personalized options and if a facelift is done unsatisfactorily, this may result in an unnatural appearance.
For that reason, plastic surgeons are trained in various facelift techniques to provide lasting results that enhances the individual’s facial anatomy. Two of the techniques typically used are the SMAS or the MACS techniques, which leverages on the face’s native structure to deliver natural-looking results.
What is a SMAS facelift?
SMAS stands for the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system, and the procedure is aimed at restructuring the layer of muscle and connective tissue underneath the skin. This provides the necessary support to the neck area, jawline, and low-to-mid facial area.
The procedure begins with either general anesthesia or sedation combined with local anesthesia to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. The surgeon will then create a skin incision which is hidden in the natural creases along the ear and in the hairline. From this point on, the surgeon will tighten the sagging SMAS followed by the removal of any excess skin or fats. The wounds are then sutured meticulously to ensure that the scars are well-hidden and heal almost invisibly.
SMAS facelifts are precise and safe, with patients requiring low recovery time. In many cases, patients were able to return to work and resume other lifestyle activities in a few weeks.
A SMAS facelift helps individuals reverse facial ageing while maintaining a natural-looking and youthful aesthetic to match, lasting around 10 years or more.
What is a MACS facelift?
The minimal access cranial suspension method, or MACS for short, is an advanced facelift technique performed through a more limited incision than the SMAS technique. The procedure usually takes place under local or general anesthesia.
The surgeon tightens the facial muscles using strategically placed sutures under the skin anchored to the fixed tissue in the temporal region and remove a small amount of facial skin. As this method does not allow for great quantities of skin to be removed, it is recommended for younger individuals with little skin sagging and a healthy tone.
The MACS method is also known for effectively reversing the signs of premature aging with natural-looking end results. Since the procedure is slightly milder than with the SMAS technique, recovery will generally be shorter and less discomforting.
Are natural looking facelift results achievable?
The most important step in ensuring natural facelift results first takes place during the consultation phase.
Communication plays an essential role in the success of any medical procedure. It is essential to discuss your desired results with your surgeon, or with plastic surgeons well-trained and equipped with the right skills and techniques to help you achieve the closest outcomes possible. With this knowledge, be sure to be specific in how you would like your results to look like and prepare a list of questions to ask your plastic surgeon beforehand.
The best surgeons will opt for having a detailed assessment and discussion with the patient during the consultation phase so they can create personalized treatment plans based exclusively on your goals. You should spend as much time as needed discussing the details of your procedure over the course of the consultation.
Additionally, plastic surgeons will have a gallery or a track-record of references and satisfied patients, alongside the required qualifications to perform certain procedures. You may ask for photos of his past clients and previous work to see how his abilities align with your expectations.
If you are unsure about which type of procedure is more suited for your goals, seek the help of a board-certified plastic surgeon who can recommend the ideal procedure that can deliver natural-looking results for your face type.
Schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Adrian Ooi today and learn about the ideal facelifting technique for you.
