FACIAL BEAUTY
A youthful face is characterised by prominent cheeks, a strong jawline, firm neck and naturally-elevated eyebrows. However, due to the ageing process, these characteristics are affected and result in the appearance of hollow cheeks, loose skin, reduced skin elasticity and droopy eyelids.
MAKE ME LOOK YOUNGER
The demands for an attractive and smooth appearance are sought by many patients who visit a cosmetic surgeon. These patients usually request treatments and procedures that can restore their younger self. It is crucial to understand that there are numerous factors which influence the choice of rejuvenation techniques, such as the current health status and the extent of the skin ageing.
Currently, most patient and surgeons opt to have procedures that have shorter downtime with effective results. MACS (minimal access cranial suspension) facelift is a facelift technique that caters to this need. This is the ideal treatment for patients presenting excessive loose skin on the lower face.
FACELIFT
The facelift surgery has evolved significantly in terms of technique. It was in the 1970s when a surgeon named Dr Tord Skoog developed a facelift involving the deep tissues of the face. His technique became the pioneer for modern facelift techniques.
MACS FACELIFT
It was in 2002, when Belgian surgeons Dr Tonnard, Dr Verpaele and colleagues employed the MACS facelift.
MACS facelift naturally lifts the face with minimally invasive, short incision scars and vertical approach, unlike traditional facelift which uses a horizontal approach and patients are left with an unnatural windblown look. With a MACS facelift, people are not even aware that you have had a facelift surgery done! That’s how naturally looking a MACS facelift can do.
BEFORE A MACS FACELIFT
Facelift surgery begins with a detailed medical history of the patient and general assessment. The best candidate for a MACS facelift is an adult male or female who presents loose skin on the middle to the lower third of the face. Those who are not smoking and are in excellent health condition.
THE PROCEDURE
MACS Facelift is carried out in our Dubai Healthcare City clinic, London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery Gulf, as a day surgery procedure under sedation. Sedation is a type of anaesthesia where patients are completely relaxed, in deep sleep and does not feel any pain. The recovery with sedation is faster compared to general anaesthesia, so patients can go home the same day accompanied by an adult.
The surgery begins with the introduction of tumescent fluid (a combination of local anaesthesia and medicine that reduces bleeding) to the face through a small incision above the ear. Once anaesthesia is fully achieved (generally in 10 minutes), the main incisions are then made from the temporal area (along the hairline), passing to the front of the ear near the tragus, and ending at the back of the earlobe.
The surgeon will then carefully separate the skin from the subcutaneous fat creating a “cheek flap.” This is done from the upper cheeks down to the area just above the jaw. Once the cheek flap is created, the surgeon will stitch the underlying muscles starting from the inferior cheek going to the temporal region and anchoring the stitches to a deep ligament. Finally, the excess skin is removed, and the remaining flap is stitched back, resulting in a tighter and smoother appearance.
MACS facelift generally lasts from 2 to 2.5 hours. It can also be combined with liposuction to the chin or eyelid surgery for optimal facial rejuvenation.
RECOVERY AND POST-OPERATIVE CARE PROCEDURES
Immediately after the surgery, a facial bandage is wrapped around the face to give compression. This compression garment also helps reduce swelling and should be worn for a week.
It is vital to have a soft diet for the first few days to decrease tension on the stitches. Keep activities to a minimum during the first 10 days and try to sleep with the head propped up with a couple of pillows. Early ambulation can also improve circulation and recovery; however, strenuous exercise can be resumed after a month.
Smoking is also prohibited for another couple of weeks because it can significantly delay healing and can increase the risk of complications.
RISK AND COMPLICATIONS
The most common complications of a facelift are bruises and swelling, which typically disappears after a few weeks. These complications can vary from person to person. Swelling on the eyes, cheeks, and down to the neck is relatively common after a MACS facelift. This is nothing to be worried about because it is the typical response of the body with any surgery.
Mild pain and discomfort are expected and can be managed by pain medications given to take at home. Be sure to take them according to the doctor’s instructions.
Mild bleeding on the incisions is not unusual. Make sure to avoid anything that can increase pressure and tension on the incision lines such as bending, coughing too hard, or lifting. In case bleeding happens, lie down on the bed with the head elevated and apply pressure. If the bleeding increases and does not lessen, call the clinic or the doctor immediately.
Like any other type of surgery, a facelift poses a risk of infection and an adverse reaction to anaesthesia. Careful monitoring and follow-up appointments with the doctor is crucial for a smooth recovery.
BESPOKE TREATMENT
Rejuvenation treatments must be primarily tailored to the needs of the patient. Therefore, in treating a patient that shows facial ageing, a comprehensive analysis must be undertaken to ensure that as many of the patient’s concerns are addressed. Therefore, a MACS facelift is considered as just a part of numerous treatment combinations that can address a patient’s aesthetic needs.
Here in Dubai, MACS FACELIFT is available at London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery located in Dubai Healthcare City.
Drs. Maurizio and Roberto Viel have over 25 years of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery industry. They are known for their expertise in aesthetic treatments and surgeries.
To book an appointment, or consultation in Dubai at our LCAS Dubai Healthcare City Clinic, please contact 04-375 2393, WhatsApp +971 52 915 1461 or email gulf@LCAS.com
To book an appointment at our LCAS 15 Harley Street, London practice, please call +44 207 636 4272 or email info@LCAS.com