A SMAS facelift physically elevates the deep layer of the face whereas a MACS lift uses sutures to suture the face into a more elevated position. The healing from a MACS lift is shorter, but, in theory at least, the results may not be as dramatic or long-lasting as the SMAS lift.
Thank you for the question. I think you mean a MACS lift? The SMAS is a tissue layer in the face comprised of deep connective tissue and platsyma muscle. A SMAS facelift involves treating this layer (in a variety of ways, depending on your surgeon, etc.), as opposed to just pulling the skin. Some treatment of the SMAS is needed for a facelift to be effective, longer-lasting, and natural-appearing. In my practice I use a sub-SMAS (under this layer) dissection called a deep-plane technique. The MACS lift (minimal access cranial suspension) is a type of mini-facelift that does not dissect out the SMAS layer specifically. Rather, in this technique, purse-string sutures are used to create vertical tension on the connective tissue. This type of lift is, IMHO, only effective in very mild cases. Best of luck with your decision!
