MACS Vs. PSP Facelift?

Hello Susie, First it should be noted that these two procedures have many things in common and that the differences are primarily technical in nature. They are a little more extensive in nature than my definition of what a "mini-lift" is but they are not as extensive as a Composite / Deep Plane facelift. MACS: this stands for Minimal Access Cranial Suspension PSP: this stands for Platysma SMAS Plication Similarities: 1. Both are facelift procedures meant to tighten and elevate the SMAS and... more

Dr. Jafri's answer is excellent and answers your question in some great detail. I am responding to your comment. Most surgeons get experienced with a specific type of facelift and usually perform one or two types of facelifts. Some surgeons feel that one type of facelift procedure is far superior to another. Similarly, other surgeons feel that another technique is superior, and so on. Years ago, our society did a study where facelifts were done on twins. One surgeon would do one technique... more

These are minilifts that can sometimes produce nice results but the longevity of them will not be as good as a true SMAS facelift. The reason is that a minilift doesn't truly release the deeper tissues to reposition them. They are mainly pulled on and are more prone to relapse. The other problem with the MACS lift in my opinion is the vertical pull on the skin it promotes. Pull straight up on your skin in front of your sideburn area and ask if that looks natural. I think it doesn't.... more

It is hard to describe the differences in words, but Dr. Jafri has done an outstanding job of it. To illustrate the differences and simulate this for yourself using an oversimplified technique: PSP lift: take your left hand and place it palm side down and flatly against your left cheek then pull your facial skin up towards your ear and the neck skin behind your ear. MACS lift: take you left hand and with your thumb against your cheek bone in front of your left ear, gather all the skin on... more

Many of these names facelift techniques are very superficial procedures that do not last. A MACS lift is an Ok procedure that basically uses suture plication to give a lift.  A PSP facelift is another form of mini-facelfit.

Given the increase in variety of Facelift techniques, and the branding of procedural name, confusion is to be expected among prospective patients. However, a "branded procedure" doesn't change the fact that outcome is much more related to the training, judgment, and skill of the surgeon involved. My advice: see a local, well respected board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon and follow his/her advice.

These are all varieties of mini face lift. You have to understand the difference between a full face lift and a miniface lift. What a miniface lift would address and what it would not address. Once you understand these detailed differences you will not be disappointed and make your decisions intelegently based on information. Choose a board certified PS.

These are just technical nuances described by surgeons and should not affect the patient’s choices. What matters is that a patient finds a facial plastic surgeon that they can trust. It would be wise to review 15 to 20 before-and after-photos of the surgeon’s work to measure consistency in results.