MACS lift Surgery

The MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) lift is a straightforward and effective face-lift surgery that is meant to lift the lower two thirds of the face in a comparatively simple manner with minimal hassle for the patient. Only a limited amount of excess skin needs to be taken away, which means that there will be nothing but an inconspicuous scar in the crease in the front of the ear and in the hairline above the ear.

The MACS-lift involves less weakening of the skin than the traditional facelift and does not require exposing the facial nerves. In actual fact, the extent of undermining of the skin is almost certainly 50 per cent less of that of the traditional facelift. The 'Mac facelift' procedure is also quicker and it takes an average of two hours versus the four to five hours required for a traditional facelift.

This surgery takes place similarly to a traditional facelift. However, Dr. Chavarría limits the incision to the skin hairline junction above the ear and anterior to the ear. There is no extension behind the ear. The doctor will place permanent suspension sutures to elevate the underlying tissue. These pass down to the neck, jowls and cheek fat pad. Unlike many other facelifts which do not include significant mid face elevation, the MACS lift Dr. Chavarría specializes in elevates the malar fat pad reducing the naso-labial folds.

Most of the time, the doctor performs liposuction to the neck area below the angle of the mandible; this way, the excess fat is removed and this frees up the skin to allow it to be re-draped by the suspension sutures.

The MACS lift produces results at least the same, or in most cases, better than a conventional facelift. It is perfectly suited for younger patients who suffer from a sagging mid face. In the case of patients with marked sagging of the neck, it may be necessary in some cases to make an incision posterior to the ear to take up this slack, although in most cases this is not necessary.

After this plastic surgery, Dr. Chavarria recommends a recovery period of at least 12 days that you will have to spend in Costa Rica. The time you spend in the country can be expanded to your needs especially if you wish to go on a little vacation before having your operation performed and take the opportunity to see some of our natural wonders.

You need to keep in mind that the price of a facelift procedure varies from patient to patient thus, an initial consultation with Dr. Chavarría is essential before deciding if you will benefit from this plastic surgery.