MACS Lift Facelift Surgery
IN SYDNEY
MACS Lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension)
Every face tells a story, and no two faces age in the same way. My approach to facelift surgery is considered, curated, and grounded in deep anatomical understanding. Surgical rejuvenation is subtle yet meaningful - enhancing natural features rather than changing them.
The MACS Lift is a minimally invasive technique for mild to moderate facial ageing. It provides structural lift through shorter incisions and vertical vector suspension, with streamlined recovery and minimal visible scarring.
What is a MACS lift?
The MACS Lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) elevates the midface and jawline using shorter incisions and focused dissection. Suspension sutures vertically reposition the SMAS, preserving volume and reducing downtime compared with more extensive lifts.
Where the MACS Lift fits among other facelift techniques
Facelift surgery encompasses a range of techniques, each tailored to the degree and pattern of facial ageing. The choice of technique depends on anatomical findings, the desired outcome, and your tolerance for downtime and scarring. Below are five commonly performed approaches - each with its own advantages.
MACS Lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension)
Vertical/superior purse‑string suspension to the SMAS.
Targets early jowling and mild midface descent; short, concealed incisions; shorter downtime.
Less powerful for heavy necks or advanced laxity.
Deep Plane Facelift
Sub‑SMAS ligament release for tension‑free repositioning of cheek, jawline, neck.
Best for advanced ageing, significant jowling, heavier necks.
Most comprehensive recontouring; longer recovery.
Endoscopic Facelift (Ponytail)
Vertical lift of lateral brow and midface via endoscopic release.
Best for younger patients with early descent and good skin quality.
Not designed for lower face/neck changes.
Neck Lift / Deep Cervical Work
Platysmaplasty with selective subplatysmal work (subplatysmal fat, anterior digastric, selective submandibular gland).
Best for prominent neck laxity or fullness; can be combined with MACS when needed.
SMAS Lift
Lateral/vertical vectors via SMAS plication or imbrication.
More structural support than MACS for moderate ageing.
Midface effect less robust than deep plane.
COMBINE YOUR MACS LIFT
Harmonised Rejuvenation
Gliding brow lift - natural complement to MACS’ vertical vector.
Chin augmentation - improves projection and jaw–neck transition.
Neck contouring - submental liposuction and limited platysmaplasty for cervico‑mental definition.
Skin resurfacing - laser or chemical peel to enhance texture, tone and pigmentation.)
WHY CONSIDER A MACS LIFT?
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you:
Early to moderate ageing (mild jowling, early midface descent).
Good skin elasticity with limited excess skin.
Preference for minimal, well‑concealed scars and shorter downtime.
Limited neck laxity (or willingness to add targeted neck contouring).
Non‑surgical treatments with diminishing benefit; desire for structural lift.
Good general health and realistic expectations.
When a different approach may be better
Pronounced jowling/skin excess.
Heavy or obtuse neck angle, prominent banding, or gland bulk.
Marked midface descent or revision cases needing more powerful release.
Post‑massive weight loss with redundancy.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From Consultation to Recovery - MACS Lift Surgery
Undergoing facelift surgery is a detailed and personalised process. From your first consultation to your final review, every stage is carefully planned to support your comfort, safety, and optimal healing.
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Your Initial Consultation
Anatomy assessment, review of prior treatments, suitability for MACS vs alternatives, discussion of outcomes/risks/recovery/costs.
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Preoperative Planning
Personalised instructions, anaesthetic review/tests, photography, postoperative scheduling.
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Surgery Day
Accredited facility; general or twilight anaesthesia; 1.5–3 hours; short peri‑auricular incisions; vertical SMAS suspension; same‑day discharge typical
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Week 1 Post-Op
Review at 24–72 hours; swelling peaks day 2–3; sutures removed day 5–7.
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Week 2–3 Post-Op
Return to work/social activities days 10–14; gentle skincare; camouflage as needed.
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6 Weeks+ Post-Op
Refinement continues; scar care and sun protection; staged laser/peel or fat grafting as appropriate.
YOUR RECOVERY
Postoperative Care & Follow-up
Most patients experience swelling, tightness, and mild numbness - typically improving within weeks. Pain is minimal and managed with oral medication.
Swelling/bruising peak 48–72 h then settle over 7–14 days.
Tightness/numbness around the ear region; improves over weeks to months.
Mild discomfort typically managed with oral analgesia.
Head elevation; daily walking; avoid bending, heavy lifting, vigorous activity initially.
SURGICAL RISKS
Risks of MACS Lift Surgery?
All surgery carries risk. Possible complications include:
Haematoma; infection.
Nerve effects (marginal mandibular, great auricular) - usually temporary.
Skin/hair issues near incisions; hypertrophic/keloid scarring; pixie ear (rare).
Contour irregularity/asymmetry; palpable suspension sutures; seroma.
General anaesthetic risks.
Procedure Selection & Longevity
MACS is best for early-moderate ageing. Heavier necks, advanced laxity, or pronounced midface descent may benefit more from deep plane or added cervical work.
Why Choose Dr Karagiannis for your MACS Lift facelift?
1. Direct training with the Originators
A dedicated three‑month fellowship with Dr Patrick Tonnard and Dr Alexis Verpaele (Ghent, Belgium), who first described the MACS Lift and have refined it over two decades.
2. Expertise & Experience
Extensive fellowships in facial aesthetics across Europe and Australia.
3. Anatomy-first Planning
Anatomically grounded, individualised planning; continuity of care; measured, natural aesthetic.
4. Patient-Centered Care
Dr Karagiannis personally manages your consultation, surgery, and follow-up.
MASC Lift FAQS
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Most patients describe tightness or pressure; oral analgesia is usually sufficient.
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Short, curved incisions around the ear and sideburn/hairline; typically settle well with care.
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Many return to work/social settings around days 10–14; swelling/bruising improve over 7–14 days.
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Varies with anatomy and lifestyle; MACS addresses early–moderate ageing; deeper techniques may be more durable in advanced laxity.
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Softens early laxity; heavier necks may need targeted contouring or deep cervical work.
Request a Consultation
If you're considering facial rejuvenation or a MACS lift procedure, I invite you to schedule a private consultation. Together we’ll explore your goals, assess your anatomy, and tailor a plan to suit your needs.