With a MACS lift, is there also a benefit to the neck where there is little fat? Will the MACS lift redefine the jaw and cheeks?

There are several different types of facelift techniques that are currently performed by facelift surgeons. The most important factor is that the technique that is used by a facial surgeon will create a youthful, natural with long lasting result. Experience is the key in facial rejuvenation. Vectors of facial tightening vary from patient to patient. For a 45- 50-year-old patient, I would not apply the same vector and tension that I normally apply to a 70-year-old face. In addition, direction of vectors must be modified during secondary or tertiary facelift to avoid artificial look.  I have performed well over 3,000 facelifts and published a specific technique that describe the rotational angles and amount of tension that must be applied during SMAS plication to avoid over or under tightening.  A well-performed neck lift during facial rejuvenation is the paramount in a youthful-appearing face. I apply gradual tension on my SMAS as follow: starting at temple area there is only 20-30% tension on muscle plication, once at the jawlines the muscle is tightened 100%. This prevent pulled looked at the corner of mouth. In neck area the muscle must be tighten with greater tension than 100%, depending on the neck laxity.  Look at the doctor’s before and after pictures, a talented and experienced facelift surgeon will have a smooth and well-contoured neck that enhances the facelift results.  There is no substitute in experience and artistic eyes.

Hello, great question! The MACS facelift is great for helping with more mild neck laxity. For more moderate to severe neck laxity, typically a traditional facelift is recommended. A consultation with a board-certified surgeon can help determine the best approach for you! 

Greetings,
Although a standard full face lift is best for patients with significant neck laxity, the MACS lift is an effective tool for tightening neck laxity that is in the mild to moderate range.  Most of my patients who have undergone MACS lift are pleasantly surprised that they have noticed more neck improvement than they expected.  Good luck

A MACS Lift  elevates and sutures the deep tissue of the cheeks. Because the deep tissue of the neck (the Platysma Muscle) extends  and blends into the deep tissue of the lower cheeks, as the deep tissue of the cheeks is elevated it also elevates the neck tissue. The sutures of the cheek do not go to the midline and therefore the mid\anterior of the neck is not elevated with a MACS Lift. 
If there is laxity of the middle anterior neck then this has to be addressed separately ie with a Neck Lift

The MACS facelift is an excellent choice for improving the neck. The first purse string suture elevates the platysma superiorly which is the correct direction for optimal neck improvement. This has been proven in cadavers by a french plastic surgeon, Daniel Labbe. The MACS avoids neck incisions and the risks, such as hematoma. The second purses trings suture improves the jowls and cheeks. There is a quick 1 week recovery and no need for drains.

The MACS Lift, as originally defined was for people with little neck problem. The originators of the technique have changed the procedure to address all variations of facial and neck laxity, though they have not chosen to change the name. Unfortunately, many physicians still use it only for patients with minimal neck problems. I have chosen to refer to what I and the originators now do as a VACS Lift (Variable rather than Minimal Access  Cranial Suspension). This better describes the fact that the neck dictates the incision. If the surgeon has followed the modifications over the years of the various people doing the procedure, you should get an excellent neck and a much better result than what most surgeons can achieve with a a standard SMAS Lift, which has a number of problems that the "MACS Lift" prevents. (See TodaysFacelift.com)