Facelift techniques have evolved significantly, offering patients a way to get a natural-looking and youthful appearance along with enhanced surgical precision and safety. The plastic surgeons at Hillcrest Plastic Surgery can perform a range of facial surgery procedures, including facelifts, to provide our patients with a fuller and smoother facial appearance.
What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?
While there is a wide variety of full facelift and mini lift procedures, we'll focus on the differences between the popular SMAS full facelift and the MACS mini lift.
SMAS Facelift
The Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) technique, or SMAS facelift, is a traditional facelift that targets the lower two-thirds of the face. It addresses moderate to advanced signs of aging, particularly around the mid-face and neck.
During an SMAS facelift, the surgeon tightens and lifts the SMAS layer using sutures. This thin tissue layer comprises elastin fibers, collagen and fat cells, extending from the neck to the forehead. It provides important support for your skin. As you age, this layer starts losing its elasticity and strength, resulting in sagging skin and a loss of firmness.
By tightening and lifting the SMAS layer, surgeons can address sagging in the neck, jowls and cheeks, restoring a youthful contour. During the procedure, surgeons will also remove excess fat and trim away loose skin.
MACS Lift
The minimal access cranial suspension (MACS) lift is the most common type of mini facelift. This procedure rejuvenates the upper two-thirds of the face and is ideal for individuals with more elasticity in their skin who have some sagging concerns but a good skin tone.
Which Facelift Is Right for You?
The ideal candidates for an SMAS facelift typically have skin that is somewhat elastic with noticeable sagging concerns. Usually, these candidates are men and women over the age of 50. Your general health should be good, and you should be a nonsmoker. This surgery can address several aspects of facial aging, and the results are long lasting.
If you want to address aging concerns in the upper two-thirds of your face, a mini facelift might be a better option. These minimally invasive procedures offer a faster recovery time than an SMAS facelift. However, unlike the SMAS facelift, the MACS lift does not address sagging skin in the neck or jowls. It is generally suitable for men and women in their 30s and 40s.
The best way to determine the right procedure for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. With a thorough examination, they can help you choose the best option for your needs.
Procedure Details
Surgeons use general anesthesia for the SMAS facelift. During the procedure, your surgeon will make incisions in your hairline that extend down in front of your ear and around the ear, carefully following the natural curves of the hairline and ears to ensure the incisions are not easily noticeable.
Generally, patients can resume their daily activities two weeks after surgery. However, it can take up to three months to see the final result of this surgery. Your surgeon will offer comprehensive post-operative care instructions to support proper healing and optimal outcomes.
Surgeons perform the MACS procedure under local anesthesia. This outpatient procedure takes about two to three hours. Because surgeons only make a short incision from the temporal hairline to the end of the earlobe, patients experience minimal scarring and a faster recovery time. Generally, the recovery time for this procedure is about five to seven days.
The Cost of a Mini Facelift vs. a Full Facelift
The SMAS full facelift is a comprehensive procedure that tightens loose skin, raises sagging areas and smoothes out wrinkles. Due to its complexity, it is generally more costly. In contrast, the MACS lift is less invasive and only treats mild sagging, making it a less expensive procedure.
Whichever procedure you choose, Hillcrest Plastic Surgery accommodates your financial needs by offering flexible payment plans. We offer Allē Payment Plans powered by Cherry to help you affordably achieve your desired look. By opting for monthly installments, you can reclaim a youthful appearance while paying over time.
Get a Youthful Glow With the Right Facelift
Both types of facelifts can enhance your youthful glow, but selecting the right one for your needs is crucial. When deciding which facelift will deliver the desired results, you need to consider your goals, skin elasticity and overall health. It is also important to evaluate the benefits and limitations of mini lifts and full facelifts.
Although the SMAS facelift is more costly, it significantly reverses many signs of aging, providing a youthful look for longer. In contrast, a MACS lift offers less dramatic results and shorter longevity, meaning patients might need another procedure in three to five years. Additionally, the MACS lift is limited in what it can correct and isn't suitable for patients with advanced signs of aging.
The best way to find the right option for you is to consult a qualified and skilled plastic surgeon. At Hillcrest, our board-certified plastic surgeons can determine the most suitable facelift for you during a consultation at our practice in Orlando. During your initial consultation, one of our experienced surgeons will examine your health record and consider your facial structure and skin elasticity to create a personalized treatment plan.
What to Expect From Hillcrest Plastic Surgery
We are a full-service cosmetic surgery center and the leading center in Orlando. When you visit our clinic, you can expect:
- Skilled surgeons: Our board-certified surgeons have over two decades of experience.
- Individualized care: We create custom treatment plans that address your specific concerns, meet your needs and achieve natural-looking results. Our surgeons enhance each patient's unique beauty.
- Exceptional care: Our patient testimonials show what you can expect from our services. Our kind and compassionate team deeply cares for every patient.
- Range of options: We offer a variety of surgery and treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures, so you can choose what you are most comfortable with.
Schedule a Facelift Consultation Today
If you believe you can benefit from facial rejuvenation therapy, schedule a consultation with our expert team. With our guidance, you can find the right procedure for you, offering you a natural, youthful appearance. For more information about our services, contact our team online or call us at 407-999-2585.
