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Can I Have a MACS Lift After Having a SMAS Lift?

About six months ago I had a SMAS lift which resulted in more overall laxness, asymmetry and a loss of definition in my cheekbones. My doctor called his procedure a "mid-face lift" and a "cheek lift." Can a MACS lift correct any of this? After further reading the MACS sounds like a much better fit for the results I am looking for, or is it too late?

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24 Doctor Answers | Asked by jean1962 in kansas city

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MACS Lift After Having a SMAS Lift

Thanks for the photo. Yes you can but please understand there are easier ways to lift the mid face. Like Selphyl injections of a filler to enhance the cheek area. Please be careful.

You should reserve a revision facelift as a last resort for facial rejuvenation.

I reviewed your photo, and I don't see laxness, asymmetry and a loss of definition in your cheekbones. You appear to have a thin face, strong cheekbones, and tight neck skin. You appear to be an athlete as well. I would suggest having facial volume replacement instead of another facelift. You could consider fat grafting or an injectable filler treatment. I prefer Silikon-1000 for permanent results. I hope this is helpful for you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD

199 reviews

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

MACS Lift After Having a SMAS Lift

The MACS Lift is absolutely ideal for people who have already had a SMAS Facelift. Fully 60% of the facelifts I do have already had one. The only method I use is a modified MACS Lift since it is safer and generally corrects problems from the previous SMAS Facelift. You appear to have 2 problems, however. The first is that the first lift “resulted in more overall laxness, asymmetry and a loss of definition in [your] cheekbones ” only 6 months ago. The question that must be... more

Facelift with Injectables

I would wait at least 1 year before thinking about another surgery. But yes, a MACS lift can safely be performed. I would have an open, honest discussion with your plastic surgeon to make sure you have realistic expectations.

MACS lift after SMAS lift

In most instances, a MACS lift can be completed after a SMAS lift. I have completed this in several patients with satsifactory outcomes. However, there are variations to the MACS lift such as the simple versus the extended and optimal results are commonly accomplished with supplementary procedures such as fat grafting and eye procedures, etc. Discuss the specific treatment goals with a qualified surgeon and discuss the best procedure for you.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

MACS Facelift VS. SMAS Facelift VS Cheek Lift

Regarding: "About six months ago I had a SMAS lift which resulted in more overall laxness, asymmetry and a loss of definition in my cheekbones. My doctor called his procedure a "mid-face lift" and a "cheek lift." Can a MACS lift correct any of this? After further reading the MACS sounds like a much better fit for the results I am looking for, or is it too late?" I agree with the posts by my two colleagues. I think many people are too caught up in the labels... more

A MACS lift Can be Performed After a SMAS lift

Dear Jean I would echo the opinions of the previous comments and perhaps suggest trying something other than a Facelift for at least another six months to let your tissues settle and for all the things you wish to change to declare themselves. On occasion fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra can salvage a lift and give more fullness back to the cheek bones. Cheek implants may also be an option. A lateral brow lift can on occasion help as well. On... more

MACS Lift post SMAS lift

Yes - it can safely be performed in this situation. I commonly will perform a MACS lift in a previously operated on patient. I think that the result is often improved in patients who have been previously operated on because the scar tissue from the original procedure holds the sutures more securely, thus improving the reliability and durability of the MACS lift.

MACS After SMAS

It is very difficult to answer your question without seeing your pictures – you should consider posting images showing your areas of concern. In general a revision face lift should be safe after 6 months

Sam Naficy, MD

80 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

SMAS is not a midface lift

Thank you for the question, Jean. Although it is possible to manipulate the SMAS when doing a midface lift, usually plastic surgeons perform one or the other depending on the need. I would wait a full year prior to doing another procedure. A face lift should last 10 to 15 years. Anything less is a sham operation. Make sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and the surgeon you go to can discuss all treatment options. Since all faces are... more

Is MACS safe after SMAS operation?

Facelift vs. Midfacelift vs. Liquid lift

Let's start by clarifying certain terms. A SMAS lift is not the same as a Cheek or Midface lift. Your photo shows strong facial definition and contours so I see no reason for any type of revision facelift. However, in answer to your specific question, a MACS lift can be done after a SMAS lift but in your case, it won't do any good. If you would like fuller cheeks and improved symmetry, I would recommend sculptra.

MACS lift after SMAS facelift

Looking at your photograph, your face appears reasonably youthful. I would be hesitant to recommend more facelift surgery. Before doing any kind of procedure, it is important to truly understand your anatomy and concerns and then determine the treatment options. Most likely, this would not include additional lifting. Have you considered facial fat grafting in order to replenish some of the volume you lost over the years? Facial volume can not be lifted into the face but needs to be injected... more

MACS lift

A good facelift procedure whether by MACS, SMAS, deep plane, etc.. if well executed can produce a very nice result.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

MACS lift after SMAS lift

While technically possible, you need to consider your expectations. IF the photo you sent is after the SMAS lift, you should NOT do more surgery as you have an excellent result. Fillers may be the best answer to enhance the volume. The problem with the MACS lift is that it pulls the skin vertically up and can be a very unnatural look.

MACS can be done after SMAS lift but facial volume resoration with fillers or fat may be a better solution

A proper mid face or cheek SMAS lift should have restored your mid face and cheek. A MACS lift done by a skilled surgeon can also help restore the cheek and mid face. I would say the most important issue is the skill of your surgeon rather than the name of the lift procedure. Recurrent cheek laxity and descent of the mid face tissues after facelift is a common problem. A more modern approach is the restoration of cheek and mid face volume using fillers and or fat. I would... more

Can I Have a MACS Lift After Having a SMAS Lift?

The answer to your question is yes. However, I do not think you are going to achieve the result you are looking for by having another facelift, volume restoration would probably be a better choice. You should discuss your concerns with your face lift surgeon.

MACS lift after a SMAS lift

Yes, it is certainly possible to undergo a MACS facelift after having a SMAS lift. However, your surgeon needs to determine if it is indeed appropriate and that you have excess skin and facial tissues. If it has only been six months since your SMAS facelift, wait at least a year for full healing to take effect before undergoing another facelift operation.

MACS Lift after SMAS Facelift

I'm sorry, but I don't clearly understand what surgery you've had; a SMAS facelift is very different than a "cheek lift". However, you can have a MACS lift after a facelift or cheek lift, but wait another 6 months.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

More Facial Plastic Surgery after a Face Lift: Most Suggest Waiting a Year

Jean1962 in kansas city, Yes, one may have another face lift procedure after already having a face lift. Experienced face lift surgeons utilize a variety of techniques to help achieve desired results. However, based on your plastic surgery question and the submitted photograph, another face lift would not be appropriate at this time, regardless of specific surgical technique. I cannot appreciate the asymmetry or loss of cheek definition. As other plastic surgeons have already... more

Revisions of facelifts: Mini-lift, Cheek-lift, MACS, SMAS, mid-face lift. It's the technician, not the technique.

Dear Jean1962: Yes you can have a MACS lift after another type of SMAS lift. Experienced plastic surgeons use a variety of techniques when revising a prior facelift; MACS is an excellent technique. However in the situation you describe, I doubt that it would be in your best interest to consider another facelift surgery so soon after a prior lift. Your photo reveals some nice facial features; the items of concern should be discussed with your plastic surgeon and... more

SMAS Lift 6 Months Ago? MACS Lift Not the Answer

Based on the two pieces of information that are available, your photo and the fact that you had a SMAS lift 6 months ago, I am not sure how a MACS lift will help you. My advice: Go back to your Surgeon and discuss your concerns. Revision surgery is usually not performed for at least a year after Facelift. Given that your picture shows no jowls, a clean jawline, and prominent cheeks, I doubt a MACS lift will be of much benefit. There is some possibility that fillers may... more

Impossible to tell from the photo you provided if anything should be done.

A typical lift will not result in the outcome you have talked about except in the event you have lost weight afterward or increased your exercise routine by adding a lot of running. Unfortunately a lift will not change the aging tissue shifts that develop particularly in patients who are very fit and tend to have narrow thin faces. Dr. Mayl Fort lauderdale

Nathan Mayl, MD

7 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

Stop prescribing your own treatment.

Jean The "answer" is seldom a particular type of facelift. What makes for a great facelift is not slavish devotion to a particular type of facelift. Rather the issue is how to tailor the surgery to fit the particular patient. It is easy to get caught up in hype leaving you feeling that is you just got the right type of facelift all would be great. It is very difficult to accomplish a "mid-face lift" from a standard facelift approach. There... more