Our Utah facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Scott Thompson and Dr. Douglas Henstrom, both perform MACSlift or mini facelift procedures often for patients from all parts of the country. The benefits of a MACSlift include less recovery and downtime, less cost, less incisions, and no general anesthesia as the procedure can be done in-office. So how is a MACSlift performed?
Patients are prescribed Valium to take 30 minutes prior to surgery to help them relax. The surgical area is prepped by the medical assistants at Utah Facial Plastics and Dr. Thompson or Dr. Henstrom then mark the appropriate areas for surgery.
The UFP surgeon then injects lidocaine around the sides of the face and chin so the patient feels no pain during the procedure though awake during the entire process. Patients typically report being about to feel tugging and hear snipping during the procedure. During a pre-operative visit prior to surgery this is discussed in great detail so patients are aware of this. The medication does help (Valium) with the nervousness associated with surgery and most patients do really well.
Dr. Thompson and Dr. Henstrom typically start with submental liposuction where an incision is made under the chin and fat is liposuctioned through a small cannula.
The incision is sutured under the chin and one side of the face is prepared. An incision is made in the hairline above the ear, comes down behind the cartilage and then stops at the bottom of the earlobe. The skin and tissue is loosened underneath. The SMAS layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) is lifted and sutured at a higher elevation, giving more definition and structure to the neck and lower face.
The excess skin is lifted, excised and closed up in a particular fashion that will allow the scars to heal to a point where they are undetectable to others. Drains are placed on either side of the face and the head is wrapped for appoximately 24 hours until one of our surgeons see them the next day to remove the drains and wrap, clean the wounds and provide further instructions. Healing time from MACSlift surgery is approximately 2 weeks.
Lear more about MACSlift surgery HERE or call (801)776-2220 for a consultation with Dr. Thompson or Dr. Henstrom of Utah Facial Plastics.