Women and men who come in for facelift consultations at Harrisburg, PA, practice often want to know what the term “quick recovery facelift” means. Some people may think it’s a gimmick and not really surgery at all, but I reassure them that the procedure is indeed a safe and effective surgical procedure.
It’s sometimes called a MACS lift or short-scar facelift because it involves making shorter incisions than needed for a traditional facelift. The recovery following a MACS lift is typically faster than more invasive facelifts, but the procedure isn’t for everyone. In this blog post, I’ll explain the procedure and who is a good candidate for a quick recovery facelift.
What Is a Quick Recovery Facelift?
The MACS lift technique revolutionized facelift surgery when first introduced about 20 years ago. The primary difference between a quick recovery lift and a traditional facelift (often called a SMAS lift) is what happens to the skin. A MACS lift (quick recovery) mainly targets the underlying muscular structures of the face, while the SMAS lift addresses the skin, muscle, and connective tissue.
Key Differences
Even though I still remove some excess skin during a quick recovery lift, I make a much shorter incision than what is used for a traditional lift. The incision is in front of the ear only, compared to a traditional facelift incision that extends behind the ear and involves a large area of skin. This minimal incision helps limit bleeding during the surgery and patients experience less bruising and swelling after the procedure.
This leads to a faster recovery — many patients can return to work or other daily activities within a week of surgery. Recovery following a traditional facelift usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Good candidates for a quick recovery lift typically have less facial sagging and good skin tone compared to SMAS facelift patients. Like the SMAS lift, a quick recovery lift reverses many signs of aging in the lower face and creates a more youthful appearance that still looks natural.
Long-lasting Results
One characteristic shared by both types of facelifts is the enduring results that the procedures produce. The aging process continues, of course, but the improvements created by a quick recovery facelift last for years. Patients can extend the duration of their results by following good skin care practices after their surgeries, including applying sunscreen daily and wearing hats and clothes that limit sun exposure.
If you’ve been thinking about getting facial plastic surgery in the Harrisburg, PA, area and want to learn more about the quick recovery facelift technique, you can contact us using the online form to request a personal consultation. Or give our office a call at (717) 728-1700 to schedule an appointment.
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