Facelift from short access. S-lift: plastic micro-operation with the effect of natural rejuvenation

Innovative technologies of the present time allow plastic correction on the musculoaponeurotic surface layer (SMAS). You can remove age-related skin defects at one time and for many years with the help of MACS lifting. The essence of spacelifting is to return and fix tissues in their original place.

What is MACS lifting and what is the essence of the method

Technical capabilities give not only the best effect, but return the lost volumes and allow you to preserve the natural features of the face. However, even such plastic surgery is traumatic with a long rehabilitation period and a high risk of postoperative complications. Therefore, Colombian doctors have developed a completely new MACS lifting technique, which gives a brilliant result with minimal surgical intervention.

MACS lifting is a facelift method that includes a gentle correction of the neck, the contour of the lower part of the face, including the chin and the nasolabial folds.

The abbreviation MACS stands for (minimal access cranial suspension lift), which translates as "facelift through minimal access." Also, this method is called short-scar face lifting (S-lifting, MACS-lift).

The method appeared in the 90s of the last century in Colombia, and was fully developed by American doctors. Plastic surgeons were looking for a method that did not cause large-scale postoperative complications, which are observed after a classic facelift.

They needed a minimally invasive method of correction with a low level of traumatism. The new MACS lifting method was the result of a search. As part of MACS lifting, scientists have developed technical methods for V- and J-lifting (the initial letters indicate the location of the incisions) to perform a facelift.

This method is something between the classic facelift and SMAS lifting. MACS lifting is indicated for middle-aged women with moderate age-related changes in the skin of the face and neck. It involves the removal of excess skin, tightening of its deep structures with vertical skin tension, which is the main difference between this technique and others.

Types of MACS lifting and their features

The MACS tightening method has several execution techniques:

• S-lift;
• J-lifting;
• V-lift.

The initials of the letters indicate the shape of the cuts being made.

S-lift involves the correction of age-related changes in the middle and lower parts of the face with the help of an S-shaped incision in front of the ear, which almost never extends into the crease behind the ear. This view also has two ways to perform:

• classical;
• directly MACS-lifting.

Classic S-lift involves plication (suturing) of the SMAS flap using two purse-string sutures and additional removal of the SMAS flap. In the case of a too deep nasolabial fold, hemming is performed in a direction perpendicular to it. This method corrects the middle zone of the face well.

MACS lifting also involves the application of two purse-string sutures, but unlike the classical method, it performs a vector tightening and precise fixation of the threads during plication of the SMAS flap. The method successfully corrects the oval of the face, corners of the mouth, nasolabial folds and the middle part of the face. The difference between the two methods lies in the direction of the lift vector (more vertical) and the fixation site of the midface lift threads used to close the SMAS flap. In this case, the place of fixation of the thread is higher and farther from the auricle.

J-lifting performs minimal correction of the lower part of the face, its oval and neck contour. A J-shaped incision is made around the earlobe. This type of MACS-lifting is well combined and complemented by liposuction of the neck (second chin) and platysmaplasty.

V-lift It is aimed at correcting the lower and middle zones of the face and neck. A V-shaped incision is also made around the auricle. In the case of excision of a small amount of skin, it can be completely placed in the behind-the-ear crease. If it is necessary to excise a large excess of skin, the incision is continued along the edge of the hairline. The lift vector is used vertically, which allows you to correct a clear oval of the face and emphasize the zygomatic region, which is an important factor in rejuvenation. This method is also called the mixed method, as it is able to correct several areas of the face at once.

Operation

Preparation for the operation includes several stages:

• surgeon consultation;
• a general clinical examination for contraindications, which also includes a consultation with related specialists;
• laboratory research.

If the patient decides to lose weight, then this should be done before surgery, so that the surgeon can remove the remaining skin after weight loss during the tightening.

Surgical intervention is carried out within 2-4 hours, under local anesthesia, depending on the scale of the operation. The stages of the MACS facelift include the following steps:

• making an incision by the surgeon, depending on the chosen technique;
• after a slight detachment of the skin, two purse-string sutures are applied to the SMAS layer;
• then the required amount of skin is removed;
• vertical sutures are placed on the muscle frame;
• the imposition of cosmetic final sutures at the incision site.

S-lifting and MACS-lifting methods are performed only on relatively young skin, and are recommended for patients with slight signs of skin aging, but with a preserved facial contour. With more pronounced age-related changes in the skin of the face and neck (with significant deformation of the face oval, deep nasolabial folds, skin laxity), the classic SMAS lifting with correction of the SMAS layer is more suitable.

The postoperative effect will be noticeable after 3-6 months, although the first improvements will be visible after 2-3 weeks after the swelling, bruising and microhematomas are completely gone.

rehabilitation period

The first day after the operation, the patient remains in the hospital under the supervision of a doctor. The following days, the patient develops swelling, bruising and microhematomas. To avoid them, it is recommended to apply compresses in the first hours after surgery.

In case of significant pain syndrome, analgesics are prescribed. Usually the recovery period is delayed for two weeks. It takes so long for swelling of the face to pass. The sutures are removed on the 10-12th day. In order to make the rehabilitation period as comfortable as possible, it is necessary to follow some rules and restrictions:

• do not take hot baths;
• do not visit saunas, baths;
• do not visit solariums and swimming pools;
• sleep on a high pillow;
• do not use decorative cosmetics and care cosmetics;
• gently clean the face with special disinfectants;
• avoid direct sunlight, especially should not be allowed to fall on the seams;
• avoid strenuous exercise.

Possible Complications

MACS lifting is a sparing technique, due to which complications after surgical invasion are minimal. But despite this, there are still some risks of complications. Most often they are associated with low professional training of the surgeon. Therefore, after MACS rejuvenation, you may experience:

• infection of the seams;
• formation of hematomas and seromas;
• thrombus formation:
• severe swelling;
• skin necrosis (more often in smokers);
• damage to the facial nerves.

What is the essential difference between MACS lifting and other facelifts?

1. Micro incisions during MACS lifting are carried out within the auricle, without going to the temple area, which eliminates the possibility of displacement of the hairline in this area. In a classic facelift, the incisions end behind the ear, which causes various kinds of injuries.
2. Since during the operation there is no exfoliation of the aponeurosis, in contrast to the SMAS lift, which is performed only in the area of ​​​​the aponeurosis, the number of injuries is significantly reduced, and most importantly, there is no damage to the facial nerve with subsequent paresis. The number of hematomas, seromas and edema in the operated area also decreases.
3. With MACS lifting, the vertical tension of the SMAS complex and its fixation to the temporal tissues occur, which allows you to eliminate wrinkles around the mouth, correct the nasolabial area and the chin line without excessive skin tension and distortion of natural facial features. It is the vertical tension that is the essential difference of this method.
4. Exfoliation of the skin layer is carried out in order to tighten it. The size of the peeled area is minimal and also extends to a small area of ​​the cheek. A small area of ​​skin exfoliation reduces the risk of postoperative complications.
5. This method is perfectly combined and complemented by other corrective techniques.

The popularity of MACS lifting is growing every day. This is a very popular procedure, which is characterized by high efficiency, low complication rate and a short rehabilitation period.

What is SMAS lifting

The abbreviation SMAS stands for the English phrase Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System, which translates as the superficial muscular-aponeurotic complex of the face. It is this muscle complex that is an indicator of the condition of the skin. First of all, the first signs of age-related fading of the skin begin to appear on it.

SMAS lifting is a deep facelift that performs not only superficial skin lifting, but moves and redistributes the soft tissue layers underlying it. This technique allows you to achieve a natural cosmetic effect, which is obtained only by modifying the deep layers of soft tissues, and not just the superficial skin.

Thus, SMAS lifting is a more innovative technique that differs significantly from the classic facelift. In a traditional facelift, only the superficial skin is exfoliated, moved and stretched, without affecting the soft tissues underlying it. With a classic lift, the seams are under a lot of stress, which leads to their stretching and deformation. In addition, there is no redistribution of the most superficial skin, which means that the effect of this operation will not last long.

SMAS lifting is fundamentally different from other rejuvenation techniques. With this technique, you can correct the old contour of the face without the effect of skin tension. After all, SMAS rejuvenation does not just remove age-related defects, while stretching the skin unnaturally, but restores its former attractiveness by returning lost facial features.

With this technique, intradermal sutures do not cause skin tension, which allows them to be made thin and invisible. Also, SMAS lifting returns lost volumes in the cheekbones, which significantly rejuvenates the face. In general, the effect of SMAS lifting is the longest, and the face retains a more natural look.

A change in the muscular-aponeurotic complex of the face provokes the appearance of the following age-related phenomena:

• ptosis of the tissues of the middle and lower parts of the face;
• pronounced nasolabial and oral folds (omission of the corners of the lips);
• bags under the eyes;
• ptosis of the corners of the eyes and overhanging eyebrows;
• the presence of a second chin;
• flew in the cheek area;
• gloomy, tired expression.

Benefits of SMAS rejuvenation

The advantages of this technique include:

• return of the natural appearance of the face (without skin tightening);
• preservation of previous facial features;
• elimination of both fine and deep wrinkles;
• long-term result;
• minimal risk of complications;
• correction of the oval of the face, the return of its former outlines;
• less traumatic method;
• absence of visible scars and scars;
• compatibility of the method with other cosmetic procedures.

How is SMAS lifting performed?

The SMAS rejuvenation operation has several stages:

1. Surgical incisions are made where they will be completely invisible. Usually the incisions start at the temple area, then go up along the hairline to the ear, around it and ending behind it.
2. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually lasts 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of the operation.
3. There is a direct tightening and removal of the skin with aponeurosis (tendon plate of dense collagen and elastic fibers).
4. Significant fat complications, such as the second chin, are eliminated with liposuction.
5. The skin flaps are stretched and fixed to the fascia of the temporal bones with several sutures, without tension.
6. Excess tissue is removed.
7. Then the skin is fixed in its original place, also with sutures and without tension, and its excess is removed.
8. After tightening the deep muscles, the skin is tightened and redistributed.
9. The neck is treated simultaneously with the skin of the face.
10. In the case of elimination of nasolabial folds, a large-scale SMAS lifting is used, when a nose and forehead lift is also performed.

Since this rejuvenation introduces only aesthetic changes, without affecting the factors that cause skin aging, biorevitalization or hyaluronic acid-based fillers can serve as an addition to this surgical intervention.

SMAS lifting techniques

There are several SMAS correction methods, which are divided into two groups:

• techniques with suturing (plication) of the SMAS-complex;
• techniques with detachment (dissection) of the SMAS complex.

In addition to tissue tightening, plications of the SMAS complex, there is a restoration of the lost volumes in the cheekbones, which returns the natural youth to the face. Technical suturing with this method is simpler, which allows to reduce the operation time and implies a short rehabilitation period.

The technique itself is less traumatic, as the tissues are exfoliated only in the subcutaneous layer. The absence of tissue detachment reduces the risk of postoperative complications. This method is usually used in the correction of "thin" faces that need modeling and replenishment of lost volumes.

Dissection (detachment) of the SMAS flap includes tissue tightening and removal of its excess. Usually this is the method that is meant when it comes to SMAS lifting. Removal of areas of the superficial muscular - aponeurotic complex is productive on "full" faces, when there is a need to tighten the tissues without giving them extra volume.

rehabilitation period

The patient is in the hospital for 2-3 days. Within a few days after the operation, the patient has swelling, bruising and significant pain. The pain syndrome is safely eliminated with analgesics, and swelling and bruising can be removed with physiotherapy prescribed by a doctor. On the 3rd-5th day, the postoperative bandage is removed, and the sutures are removed on the 10th-12th day.

The effect of the operation can be assessed after about 1-2 months, although plastic surgeons say that the skin will fully recover only after 4-6 months.

In order to make the recovery period the most comfortable, it is necessary to follow all the recommendations of the doctor:

• in the first hours after the operation, cold compresses are applied to the scars;
• in order for the swelling to go down faster, you need to sleep on a high pillow (and generally keep your head in an elevated position);
• take antibiotics for a week to avoid infection of the sutures;
• do not take hot baths;
• do not visit saunas and baths;
• do not visit swimming pools and solariums;
• avoid direct sunlight (they should not fall on the seams);
• do not use decorative cosmetics and care cosmetics;
• gently cleanse your face with special disinfectants.

Possible Complications

After SMAS lifting, the following complications are possible:

1. Damage to the facial nerves. This complication is the most difficult, since its consequence is a violation of the nervous regulation of the face. It develops in individuals who have undergone a facelift repeatedly. Eliminate paresis (partial paralysis) with therapeutic drugs in conjunction with physiotherapy procedures - electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy. Nervous activity is restored in two weeks.
2. Formation of hematomas and seromas. Hematomas are formed as a result of damage to small lymphatic and blood capillaries. Hematomas and seromas are removed by aspiration or puncture. Requires medication.
3. Tissue necrosis along the suture line. It develops with excessive tension of the skin flap with simultaneous malnutrition of the tissues. Eliminates the complication of drugs plus physiotherapy (UHF, electrophoresis).
4. Partial hair loss along the suture line. A complication occurs as a result of damage to the hair follicles or a violation of their nutrition. To restore hair growth, cryomassage, physiotherapy and the use of vitamin complexes are used.
5. Infection and suppuration of wounds. It develops due to the formed hematoma or tissue necrosis. Eliminated by antibiotic therapy.
6. Changing the contours and features of the face. Sometimes, after a facelift, the contours and features of the face change. The reason lies in hematomas or in the migration of skin flaps. A strong change in features occurs due to the removal of a large amount of fatty complications during liposuction.

Correction of age-related facial defects in the complex gives impressive results, and allows you to achieve truly complete rejuvenation in one stage.

Spacelifting - long life without old age

Spacelifting is a plastic surgery method that involves filling spaces (spaces) with displaced tissues. The essence of spacelifting is to return and fix tissues in their original place. The term "spacelifting" comes from the English word "space", which means space.

The author of the technique is the Australian doctor Brian Mendelsohn. Dr. Mendelsohn determined that the spaces (space) between the muscles of the face are filled with adipose tissue. Since the facial muscles are attached at one end to the skin and the other to the bones of the skull, the appearance of stretched skin, folds and wrinkles is caused by a change in their tension and length. However, the movement of facial muscles allows not only to actively express emotions, but also to form wrinkles and folds.

So, over time and under the influence of gravity, the muscles attached to the skin begin to stretch, lose their elasticity and firmness, which leads to weakening and deformation of the elastic and collagen fibers, which in this state contribute to sagging tissues and the formation of wrinkles on the face.

Spacelift Benefits

Of course, this method cannot but have a number of positive advantages:

• less traumatic method;
• minor pain;
• security;
• low complication rate;
• bloodlessness of the method;
• minimal incisions;
• invisible scars and scars;
• short rehabilitation period;
• preservation of natural facial features;
• stable aesthetic result (10-15 years);
• no serious damage to the facial nerves;
• spacelifting in areas with an underdeveloped vascular network, which eliminates the risk of serious complications;
• no need for detachment of the skin with aponeurosis, as in SMAS-lifting;
• no age restrictions;
• compatibility with other cosmetic and plastic methods.

Spacelifting is resorted to not only in adulthood. So, due to the hereditary features of the structure of the face, even in young people, the oval of the face may lose its clarity, or ptosis may appear in the cheek area, or the nasolabial fold may become pronounced.

Areas affected by spacelifting

The best spacelifting is provided by surgical interventions on certain areas of the face:

• cheekbones with the outer part of the eyebrow and eye;
• cheekbones and lower eyelid;
• cheeks and corners of the mouth;
• nasolabial folds and malar zones (middle zone of the face);
• upper lip, corners of the mouth and lower jaw;
• cervico-chin region and corner of the lower jaw.

How is a spacelift performed?

Before the operation, the patient needs to meet with the doctor for examination, identification of areas of space on the face and contraindications for surgery.

Spacelift is performed under intravenous anesthesia, without intubation, and lasts no more than 2 hours. The scale of surgical intervention is determined individually, depending on what age-related defects need to be eliminated. With the help of an endoscope, space zones are determined, which are fixed in the same or new place. In this case, the surgeon does not affect the aponeurosis. In parallel with spacelifting, the following plastic surgeries are performed:

• blepharoplasty;
• front lifting;
• platysma;
• liposuction.

As well as some injection and cosmetic procedures:

• biorevitalization;
• plasmolifting;
• fillers based on hyaluronic acid;
• peeling;
• skin resurfacing.

The spacelifting technique requires certain skills and practice, a high level of professional training and a delicate aesthetic taste. After surgery, a special bandage is applied to the face and neck.

This method of surgical plastic surgery does not require a long rehabilitation period. A special bandage, which is applied immediately after the operation, will be removed on the second day. The stay in the hospital takes only one day, and some patients leave it immediately after surgery. Due to the low-traumaticity and uniqueness of the method, the patient's recovery occurs within 3-5 days.

Swelling, bruising and microhematomas are mild, and the sutures are made of a material that dissolves on its own. The risk of serious complications is practically reduced to zero. Postoperative scars and scars are almost invisible, as they are located in the natural folds of the skin. Eliminate them or mask is not required.

For the speedy recovery of facial tissues, you can take a course of physiotherapy: magnetotherapy, ultrasound therapy, microcurrent therapy.

Despite the fact that this surgical intervention is considered a low-traumatic and sparing method of surgical correction, the risk of developing minor complications still exists.

Most often, spacelifting is accompanied by the following complications:

• the formation of seromas and hematomas;
• infection and suppuration of the sutures;
• bleeding;
• the development of paresis;
• tissue edema;
• discomfort in the suture area.

Among many women, there is an opinion that plastic surgery is evil and harmful. But this is far from true. It is important who and how does plastic surgery. The main thing in this matter is the experience and skill of the surgeon. Therefore, it is necessary to approach with all seriousness the choice of a clinic and an operating surgeon.

The old traumatic methods are being replaced by innovative techniques that can work wonders, which are associated with minimal risks. Plastic surgery is in constant search and is constantly being improved. Understanding the processes that cause aging contributes to the study of the physiology of human tissues and gives rise to new revolutionary trends in plastic surgery in particular, and in cosmetology in general.

Facelift is a voluminous term that includes many concepts. At first glance, it seems clear that we are talking about a facelift. But about what? A similar definition, and we are talking about lifting, is found in cosmetology. Surely everyone has heard about photorejuvenation procedures or mesotherapy.

Facelifting also includes special gymnastics designed to tighten and rejuvenate the face. With the help of exercises, you can eliminate nasolabial folds, reduce wrinkles around the eyes.

Doctors understand the term Face Lifting as a surgical plastic surgery that allows reducing age-related ptosis (sagging) of soft tissues and restoring the oval of the face. In addition, the operation significantly improves the condition of the neck and submandibular area, bringing you back several years.

What are the goals of a serious facelift? Full lifting consists of several components: brow lift, upper eyelids, middle and lower face areas -. If a patient wants their face to look younger, which of these procedures is the most important?

In what cases is it used

Of course, age primarily gives out the sagging of the soft tissues of the chin. If the imperfection of the body can be disguised under clothing, then the face and neck cannot be hidden anywhere. Therefore, at a certain age, many women think about correcting their appearance.

Facelift (plastic facelift) is justified in the following cases:

• the skin of the forehead hangs over the eyebrows, forming a crease on the bridge of the nose;
• vertical wrinkles in the cheek area, creases;
• nasolabial folds;
• lowering the outer corners of the eyes;
• purse-string wrinkles around the mouth;
• "flew" and education;
• deep wrinkles on the neck and in the region of the lower jaw.

All these shortcomings are successfully eliminated with the help of facelift. In order for the effect of the operation to be noticeable, it is necessary to do it in a certain period.

If you are between 40 and 60 years old and your face is not in the best shape, it's time to visit a plastic surgeon. Of course, the younger and more elastic the dermis, the better the result will be and the faster recovery will occur.

We form goals

1. The goal of a facelift is to make you look young and fresh, not "operated."

2. Research shows that people around you first pay attention to the eyes and the upper part of the face. Therefore, if you want to improve what is most noticeable, concentrate on the upper part of the face.

3. Facial rejuvenation through a combination of brow lift and mid zone lift gives a very natural result - the face does not look stretched or stressed.

What type of facelift is best

What type of correction to choose, the plastic surgeon will tell you. At the first appointment, explain in detail to the specialist what you want to see after the procedure. Do not forget to mention your illnesses and the medicines you are currently using. This will help to create an optimal scheme for preparing for the operation.

The number of different facelift techniques is amazing: base facelift (deep facelift), SMAS-ectomy (circular facelift), S-lift (short-scar facelift), MACS (lifting technique aimed at rejuvenating its lower third, performed by an incision in front of the auricle), and the list doesn't end there.

During your consultation with your surgeon, focus on describing exactly what you want to change, not on the name of the technique. Let your doctor explain the differences in facelift techniques to help you achieve the best result.

Endoscopic lift

During the face, endoscopes are used to cut, lift and move tissues. The operation is considered the most advanced and less traumatic type of correction, since it does not require skin incisions, due to which the tissues open more strongly, and does not leave scars. During the operation, punctures are made in the temples along the hairline and on the inner surface of the cheeks, from the side of the oral mucosa.

This type of lifting is ideal for lifting the forehead and mid-face. The scarless minimally invasive method will get rid of a tired look and wrinkles on the bridge of the nose, and will help preserve youth for 8–10 years.

For the upper part of the face, the endoscopic method gives very good results, especially for the forehead area. The lower part of the face and neck are much better operated on in the traditional way. The effect of endoscopic operations in these areas is not very good and does not last as long as the results of traditional facial plastic surgery.

SMAS facelift

If you need to correct the area of ​​the lower jaw, remove "flies" and nasolabial folds - pay attention to the SMAS procedure. This operation is more traumatic than endoscopy, but gives excellent results. Especially indicated for women over 45 years of age.

The classic is performed under general anesthesia. It is a tightening of the dermis with the capture of deeper tissues. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the skin from the temporal region to the back of the head, holding the scalpel along the auricle. During the intervention, the skin is separated from the muscles, its excess is cut off, and the dermis is fixed in a new position. Stitches are placed at the site of the incisions. The recovery is pretty fast.

The operation helps to restore all parts of the face, return the submandibular angle, tighten the neck.

Using a circular lift, you will get a face 10-15 years younger, and, with proper care, keep this result for many years.

Platysmaplasty

The operation solves a limited problem - flabbiness of the skin of the neck and the second chin. It is also called the Soft version and is used alone or in conjunction with the upper or lower lifting.

Short scar lift

A short-scar facelift is similar to a full facelift, but is performed through smaller incisions. The mini facelift is best for younger patients who do not show significant loss of skin elasticity in the neck or lower face. A short-scar facelift is also a good option for patients who had a full facelift a few years ago and need only minimal correction.

Quick mini lifts

A mini facelift is another shameless marketing ploy to swindle you out of your money by making you believe you can get results with minimal spending and little or no downtime.

Shortly after facelift operations began (more than a hundred years ago), some surgeons began to re-repair old, difficult-to-treat skin (and also skin that was quickly fading) only with facelift procedures, inventing for them with many enticing names and selling them to overly gullible people.

Heed the advice:

1. Mini-operations usually give a MINIMAL result. Don't place too high hopes on them.

2. Let others be guinea pigs. Most of the new technologies need to be improved.

3. Results may vary - new procedures take time to "find their place". In the meantime, a lot of people are spending a lot of money doing various new surgeries on those areas of the face where they might not work.

Deep lifting

Pretty complicated procedure. It is performed with significant age-related changes in the skin of the face. The intervention affects deep tissues, so there is a risk of damage to the facial nerve. But the lifting effect is good and lasts at least 10-12 years.

Plastic surgery is performed using a laser, ultrasound or conventional surgical excision.

Other facelift methods

In addition to the above, there are various ways of facelift. They do not have such a dramatic effect on the skin, so they are suitable for ladies aged 30-50 with unexpressed problems.

So, what other procedures should you be aware of:

1. or vector lifting. Manipulation consists in the correction and facelift by a non-surgical method. Cosmetologists consider it a transition between creams and surgery.
2. Thread facelift. Performed by implanting gold or platinum threads. The method is effective after the age of 30 years. It is a kind of reprieve of classical plastics.
3. refers to non-surgical methods of correction. The procedure gives a good effect, but it does not last long. Shown to women after 30 years.
4. RF method. It is considered the best alternative to a circular facelift.
5. Total Face Lifting. This type of operation was developed quite recently by a specialist in surgical plastics E.V. Shikhirman.

If you still decide on a face correction, you must undergo a full examination before the operation.

In this case, the doctor will have an idea about your state of health and the presence of diseases that may limit the plastic surgery. In addition, a skin examination will be carried out directly at the clinic, and, if necessary, their treatment and restoration.

Contraindications for surgical facelift

So, who is not eligible for a surgical facelift? Since facelift is not considered an intervention for health reasons, there are a lot of such points:

• pathology of the cardiovascular system;
• kidney failure;
• poor blood clotting;
• allergy to drugs used during the intervention and subsequent rehabilitation;
• benign or malignant neoplasms;
• diabetes;
• infectious diseases.

Some of the points discussed are not absolute contraindications. With a certain adjustment of the state of health, the operation is possible, but the surgeon will decide on the need and legality of plastic surgery.

Doctors are reluctant to perform a facelift on overweight ladies. This is explained by a large percentage of unsuccessful results in this particular category of patients.

How much does a facelift cost

A full facelift costs from 140,000 to 300,000 rubles and consists of several components: the forehead, the middle part of the face and the lower part of the face (this usually includes the neck). In addition, you can use fat injections or fillers and fractional laser or plastic surgery of the upper and lower eyelids.

An experienced surgeon with an established reputation can obviously charge a higher price for his services. However, this does not mean that everyone who names a high price is necessarily the best. Ask those who have already done a facelift.

Results and how long the “new youth” will last

The feeling of a “second wind”, that the hands of the clock have been moved back 10 years or even more, is the main motivation. Popular quote during consultations: "I want to look as young as I feel." If the patient is happy, that's a great job.

Photo “before and after”

Does age matter?

The most important thing is not the number of years lived, but the fact that you have age-related changes that can be corrected with a facelift. Your age is of secondary importance.

Fillers such as , and will help plump up the cheeks, improve the appearance of the nasolabial folds, and thus rejuvenate the middle part of the face. and can reduce crow's feet, frown lines, and horizontal lines (so-called "worry lines") and thus give a more youthful appearance to the upper face.

The lower face and neck are still areas that usually require a facelift, but these changes usually occur later than the age-related changes in the upper and middle parts of the face.

Discomfort and pain after surgery

Facial plastic surgery is a complex operation, but, fortunately, it is not particularly painful. Sometimes there may be slight soreness near the incisions in the ear area, however, numbness may be felt in most of the face and neck for several weeks.

If we talk about pain, then the recovery period in this case is easier than after a tummy tuck or breast augmentation. And eyelid lift surgery can cause even more discomfort due to swelling.

Recovery period

The first few days after the surgical facelift, the woman is in the clinic. The bandage is removed from the face for 2-3 days, in case of pain, an analgesic is used. With insomnia and increased nervousness, sleeping pills and sedatives are prescribed.

According to the reviews of women who have undergone plastic surgery, the rehabilitation period, as a rule, passes without consequences. The seams do not diverge, swelling and bruising disappear after 2-3 weeks.

To avoid postoperative complications and not spoil the result of the correction, it is necessary to follow the following recommendations for 2 months:

• you can not rub your face;
• it is forbidden to visit the solarium or sunbathe;
• sunscreen should be applied when going outside;
• it is not recommended to visit the bath, sauna and swimming pool;
• it is undesirable to dye your hair, take care of it before the operation.

During the recovery period, you should give up alcohol and cigarettes, limit physical and sports activities.

The duration of complete rehabilitation depends on the complexity of the manipulations, the age and health of the patient. The final effect of the operation will appear after 4-5 months.

If we talk about re-lifting, then it is possible not earlier than in 7-10 years. A lot depends on lifestyle and skin care. It may not be necessary to repeat the procedure.

Physical recovery will take about 7-10 days, and the patient will be able to return to a full social life in about two weeks. Bandages are removed after 48-72 hours, stitches are removed after 5-7 days. During the recovery period, you can move around the house, including eating, bathing, watching TV or reading books. During this period, do not do anything that requires stress. After 2-3 weeks, it would be nice to do an ultrasonic facial massage. It will take about 3-4 weeks.

Facial scars heal much faster than anywhere else. Even with this, they will remain reddish for 2-3 months. However, you can hide this redness fairly easily from the day your stitches are removed. This usually occurs 3-5 days after the operation, at the latest on the eighth day.

10 things that will make recovery easier

Below is a list of things that can help you in the recovery process. If you have something to add from your own experience, please share it with us in the comments.

1. Packets of frozen gel or peas.
2. A prescription and a notebook with a pen to write down the last time you took your medicine.
3. Additional dressings, bandages and gauze.
4. Balms, ointments and creams for incisions.
5. Napkins and towels.
6. Magazines, films, books - that will help you pass the time.
7. Lounge area: reclining chair or bed, plenty of pillows to make yourself comfortable.
8. Shirts, sweatshirts, sweatshirts that fasten in front.
9. Blankets.
10. Liquid and soft foods, foods low in sodium salts.

Complications and risks

The four most common side effects of a facelift are:

• Nausea and vomiting. Depending on the anesthesia that was used, this may happen during the first 1-2 days after the operation.
• Edema. The strongest - in the first 5 days, they gradually disappear within 6 weeks, a barely noticeable improvement lasts for six months or longer.
• bruises. They are most common in women with thin fair skin and resolve within 2-3 weeks.
• Numbness, tightness of the skin. This is a very strange feeling - you feel everything, but not in the way you usually do. This goes away within 6-18 months.

Gymnastics for the face (facebuilding)

Well, for those who are afraid of surgical procedures, non-surgical facelift or facebuilding is intended. This is a simple and pleasant way to regain youth for free and at home.

A little willpower and diligence, and here is the effect. Facial muscles are strengthened and tightened, wrinkles are smoothed out, wrinkles around the eyes and mouth disappear.

Let's see what advantages home lifting has:

• there are no restrictions and contraindications (except for laziness);
• ease of execution;
• procedures can be carried out at any time;
• there is no need to undergo surgery.

To achieve the result, it is enough to spend 15-20 minutes a day. It is better to perform exercises in front of a mirror, having previously cleansed your face and washed your hands. All exercises must be done clearly, slowly and without interruption.

There are many different facelift complexes, but they all work on the same principle. Therefore, consider the most popular and effective.

Runge system

Exercises according to the Saint Maria Runge method are isometric gymnastics and give excellent results. Some ladies already after 2–2.5 months see a rejuvenated and refreshed face in the mirror.

The principle of the Runge system is to give a load to any one muscle group. The rest at this time are in a relaxed state.

For a stable and lasting effect, do it clearly according to the scheme: five days of gymnastics, two - rest. The complex should be performed 4 months in a row. Then take a break for 30 days and resume charging.

All exercises by Maria Runge are aimed at correcting already visible signs of aging, therefore they are recommended for women over 30 years old.

System of Galina Dubinina

Physical education for the face according to the method of Galina Dubinina (fitness instructor) is collected from different programs and seasoned with breathing exercises, her own practices and elements of yoga. You can perform such exercises for the face from the age of 25.

Let's see what Dubinina's technique includes:

• exercises for the eyes, eyelids and neck;
• gymnastics for morning and evening;
• breathing techniques according to the BodyFlex program;
• massage of biologically active points of the face.

Perform each exercise at least 12 times. If you feel uncomfortable or have no desire to practice, do not suffer. Reschedule your session. A weekly program gives a good effect: 5 days of classes, 2 days of rest.

You can watch the facelift gymnastics of Galina Dubinina on the video:

In addition to well-known systems, there are not so popular, but no less effective. This is the face-building of a young coach Anastasia Burdyug and gymnastics Evgenia Baglyk. The techniques also include exercises aimed at tightening the muscles of the face, smoothing wrinkles and preserving youth.

Thus, you can choose the complex you like and do rejuvenation without leaving your home.

Answers on questions

Topics about youth and beauty always raise a lot of questions. Let's try to answer the most popular ones. So what are we being asked about?

How much does lifting-correction cost by different methods?

The cost of the operation depends not only on the chosen technique, but also on the number of simultaneous manipulations. If you do a classic lift, the price will be the same, if you add rhinoplasty or other procedures, the fee will increase.

The average cost of correction of different areas of the face:

• endoscopic plasty - 85-100 thousand rubles;
• circular facelift - 120–130 thousand rubles;
• SMAS lifting and - 140-150 thousand rubles.

The duration of the operation also depends on the number of procedures. For example, a circular lift with correction of the eyelids and neck will take at least six hours under general anesthesia.

How long does the effect last?

There is an opinion that the result of circular and deep lifting is preserved for life. This is not entirely true. As a rule, it lasts 8-10 years. But even after this period, women who have had the operation look much younger than their peers.

With proper and proper care, the effect can really last a lifetime.

Do scars remain after the procedure?

With the endoscopic method, there are no scars. If during the intervention the doctor makes small incisions, they are always located in a place inaccessible to the eyes of others: on the scalp, behind the ears.

In addition, the scars are so small that after 2-3 months there is no trace of them, and it is almost impossible to see them.

What alternatives to a facelift are there?

If we talk specifically about a long-term and persistent facelift, then there are no other options other than surgical lifting. Other procedures with a similar effect - mesotherapy, photorejuvenation, laser - have a temporary result and are not able to get rid of serious problems. Simply put, all alternative methods have a purely cosmetic effect.

What complications and adverse reactions can be?

The most common consequence of surgery is swelling of the face, bruising and moderate pain.

Somewhat less frequently:

• temporary loss of surface sensitivity;
• the occurrence of pigmentation in women with thin and delicate skin;
• hair loss at the incision site.

These symptoms disappear after 12-14 days. Then the stitches are removed and physiotherapy and massage are prescribed. Most often, rehabilitation procedures are included in the price of the operation and are carried out without fail.

What are the pros and cons of facelift, is it worth doing it?

You can talk about the effectiveness of the procedure for a long time and a lot. Plastic surgery really returns youth and stops aging for 10-12 years.

As for the cons, not everything is so rosy. The method has drawbacks, but they are not so critical as to refuse manipulation.

One of the disadvantages is the high cost of the operation. But she is well founded. Qualitatively carried out intervention will return youth and beauty, and this, in fact, is a priceless treasure.

Summing up

We considered two types of facelift - surgical and non-surgical. They will help turn back time and restore beauty. But maybe the fight for youth should start from the second point? Then you will not come close to the first for many years. And if you add to this a full-fledged facial care, the effect will not be long in coming.

What do you think about this? Are there proven ways to avoid surgery and maintain beauty for years to come? Have you had a facelift? Share your feedback with people who are just planning this procedure. Why did you decide on the operation, how was the rehabilitation period, does the result of the facelift meet your expectations? Leave your comments.

(S-lift, Short-Scar Lift) - a modification of the SMAS-lift, performed through a small S-shaped incision in front of the auricle. A short-scar facelift combines low trauma and a short rehabilitation period with the advantages of SMAS-lifting - the ability to perform a facelift of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system of the face and lateral platysmaplasty. A facelift with a short scar is ineffective for severe skin laxity, requiring the removal of excess neck skin. Candidates for a short-scar facelift are patients between the ages of 30 and 45.

(S-lift, Short-Scar Lift) - a modification of the SMAS-lift, performed through a small S-shaped incision in front of the auricle. A short-scar facelift combines low trauma and a short rehabilitation period with the advantages of SMAS-lifting - the ability to perform a facelift of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system of the face and lateral platysmaplasty. A facelift with a short scar is ineffective for severe skin laxity, requiring the removal of excess neck skin.

Candidates for a short-scar facelift are patients between the ages of 30 and 45 who wish to have some skin tightening with minimal scarring and no significant changes in the neck area. With the help of S-lifting, it is possible to eliminate cheek jowls, a double chin, drooping of the cheekbones and cheeks, sharp nasolabial folds, slight sagging of the skin of the neck. Also, a short scar facelift may be recommended for patients who require repeated facelift procedures.

With the S-lift, natural aesthetics are improved and facial rejuvenation is achieved with minimal skin incisions and a rehabilitation period. At the same time, a short-scar facelift is a full-fledged multifaceted operation that combines skin tightening and subcutaneous SMAS-structures of the face. For complex facial rejuvenation with a short-scar lift, blepharoplasty of the lower and upper eyelids is ideally combined.

Advantages

A short-scar facelift does not require a behind-the-ear incision as with a traditional facelift. Due to this, the operation is characterized by low traumatism, which is especially preferable for smoking patients. In rare cases, a facelift with a short scar requires an additional incision in the temple area, which will be securely hidden in the hair. The absence of an incision in the posterior region prevents the possibility of damage to the branches of the facial nerve.

Due to the vertical tissue tightening performed during the S-lift, it is possible to achieve the most natural effect of rejuvenation. The imposition of special sutures that support the internal structures of the face allows you to adjust the angle of the lower jaw, eliminate jowls and tighten the skin of the neck. During a facelift with a short scar, the subcutaneous SMAS structures of the face are lifted, which determines the long-term results of face and neck rejuvenation.

A short-scar facelift is associated with a shorter operation and anesthesia time, traumatism and blood loss, which reduces the rehabilitation time. The limited incision provides a smaller wound surface, and the absence of stitches behind the ears reduces the risk of hair loss, which is very high after a classic facelift.

These types of facelift appeared as a result of extensive experiments by plastic surgeons, who were concerned about the high traumatism of the techniques used at that time. The specialists wanted to develop not only a less traumatic, but at the same time highly effective facial rejuvenation technology. In particular, they sought to learn how to hide postoperative traces. As a result, MACS-Lifting and S-Lift were created, the distinguishing feature of which was the possibility of plastic surgery using a short scar. Invented and pioneered the use of MACS-Lifting by Patrick Tonnarde over 10 years ago. S-Lift came later; it is an advanced version of MACS-Lifting.

Indications for surgery

• Facial rejuvenation using these techniques is recommended for patients aged 35-50 who have the following signs of aging:
• Reducing the clarity of the face oval
• Ptosis of the soft tissues of the cheeks
• Reducing the density of the skin of the face and neck
• Pronounced nasolabial folds
• Ptosis of the corners of the mouth

Contraindications for surgery

• Blood clotting disorder
• Exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the body
• The predisposition of skin tissues to the formation of keloid scars
• Oncological diseases
• Diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation
• Diseases of the internal organs
• Too pronounced excess skin, especially in the neck area
• The patient's desire to rejuvenate the temple area (low efficiency)

Preparing for the operation

Before undergoing MACS-Lifting and S-Lift, it is necessary to consult a plastic surgeon to find out how the operation goes, what are the features of rehabilitation and much more. Is it possible for you to meet with a specialist? Not sure which surgeon to consult? We offer you an online consultation service. Ask surgeons about your concerns and get quick and competent answers. To obtain permission for the operation, you must undergo a routine medical examination, as well as tests - learn more about them here.

Operation progress

Operation duration: 1.5-2 hours

Anesthesia: general

Rehabilitation after surgery

After a short-scar facelift, recovery is quick and relatively easy. Bruising and swelling go away after an average of 2 weeks. About 10 days it is necessary to wear a compression bandage. The sutures are removed after 1-1.5 weeks. The final postoperative result can be assessed after 1-5 months.

Photos before and after the operation

To understand whether or not to trust one or another plastic surgeon, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with his portfolio. With the help of this action, you will find out how competent the specialist is in performing MACS-Lifting and S-Lift, whether he has developed a sense of taste and harmony, whether his patients retain their natural features after facelift. In addition, we invite you to take a look at the “Before and After Photos” section on the VseOplastice.ru portal, where fresh pictures of operated patients from various angles regularly appear.

Prices for the operation

The average cost of MACS-Lifting and S-Lift today is 200,000 rubles in the capital region. You can find out how much you have to pay for facial rejuvenation using these short-scar techniques at a consultation with a plastic surgeon. In the course of communication with the doctor, you will find out what exactly the price of MACS-Lifting and S-Lift consists of. If you do not want to pay the full amount for this operation or are even looking for ways to go through it for free, we suggest you use the useful service "Plastic for free". It provides all the information about plastic surgeons who perform facial rejuvenation and other types of aesthetic correction of appearance at great discounts or completely free of charge.

Who will have the operation?

Today, MACS-Lifting and S-Lift are a popular operation, which is why most plastic surgeons perform it in Moscow and St. Petersburg. If you have any difficulties in choosing the right specialist, you can choose one or more of them both among the winners of the famous Diamond Beauty International Health and Beauty Award, and from the list of the best aesthetic surgeons in Russia.

S-lifting is a surgical technique for correcting age-related changes in the middle and lower thirds of the face and neck and general visual rejuvenation. The name of the method comes from Short Scar (short scar), so another term that is often used to define this method is short scar lifting.

What it is

The technique is one of the three basic surgical techniques (lift using minimal access), so S-lifting is often referred to by the same term - MACS-lift.

Peculiarities

Short-scar facelift combines the advantages of a length-limited incision (i.e., minimal tissue dissection) with the advantages of the method (PMAS) - lifting a deep layer flap consisting of facial muscle fibers and connective tissue. Correction according to the S-lifting system allows you to achieve the best cosmetic results by lifting not only the skin, but also the tissue structures under the fiber. Moreover, the rejuvenating effect is achieved without the effect of the "mask".

The aesthetic result of short-scar facelift is maintained for a long time (up to 8-10 years) due to the vertical fixation of the tightened "flaps" of deep tissues, and is comparable to the effect of SMAS-lifting. The operation, after agreement with the surgeon and if indicated, can be repeated.

Kinds

In addition to the S-lift, which is one of the three versions of the MACS-lift, there are J and V-lifts. The letters S, V or J indicate the type of incisions being made. The name S-lifting is due to the shape of the characteristic incision, similar to the Latin letter S.

Indications

It is believed that S-lifting is best performed on relatively young skin in patients aged 35 to 50 years with moderate facial and neck skin defects, with a preserved facial contour line and in the absence of very noticeable signs of tissue sagging.

But experts insist that the S-technique has a noticeable effect on more mature skin, if a certain degree of elasticity is maintained.

• deformation of the contour of the lower jaw;
• weakening of the muscles around the mouth and drooping of the corners of the lips;
• flabbiness of the skin in the cheek-zygomatic region;
• omission of the outer corners of the eyes - pulling the eyelid to the temples makes the look open and young.

1. In the case of deep loose folds, it is advisable to combine the S-lifting technique with and.
2. To achieve complete rejuvenation in patients over 50 years old, it is recommended to combine the S-procedure with lifting the forehead area and.
3. With deep contour deformations, pronounced skin folding, nasolabial wrinkles, it is advisable to carry out an SMAS-lift or a combination of S-lifting with the Frac 3 3D technique.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications, there are a number of diseases and some conditions of the epidermis, in which the procedure is prohibited:

• diabetes mellitus in the stage of insulin dependence;
• diseases of internal organs in the active stage;
• autoimmune pathologies, oncological processes;
• dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels in severe form;
• , pustular skin diseases in the treatment area;
• low blood clotting;
• insufficiency of the kidneys, liver;
• allergic reactions$
• long-term nicotine use (up to 20 cigarettes a day)

Comparison with other similar techniques

First of all, surgical intervention in S-plasty involves tightening not only the skin and subcutaneous tissue, as, for example, with rhytidectomy, but also the deep muscle-tissue layers. This provides a pronounced effect of S-lift with minimal tissue excision.

The main difference between the technique of a short-scar facelift and the standard facelift procedure is an incision limited by a zone in front of the auricle with vertical fixation of sagging facial tissues in the temporal zone. This avoids excessive skin tension and distortion of natural facial expressions when correcting age-related defects.

Advantages:

1. The method is aimed not only at superficial skin tightening, but also at lifting the subcutaneous structures of the face (SMAS). The aesthetic result of rejuvenation is achieved while maintaining a lively facial expression.
2. Low invasiveness of the operation, exclusion of damage to the facial nerve and subsequent paresis due to non-standard tissue excision;
3. The minimum area of ​​the exfoliated skin area, which reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications.
4. Limited incision length, which allows you to hide the fact of surgical intervention;
5. Carrying out a micro-incision within the pre-ear zone, without moving to the temple area. This eliminates focal hair loss along the growth line in the back of the head and its displacement upwards and backwards (which often happens after a classic surgical lifting).
6. Reduced surgery time, use of light short-term anesthesia using intravenous injection.
7. Fast recovery after the procedure due to low blood loss and low trauma.

How is the S-lift performed?

Preparatory stage

Preparation for the Short Scar facelift includes:

• consultation of a surgeon, related specialists for possible contraindications;
• necessary laboratory blood tests.

If the patient plans to get rid of excess fat mass, the process of losing weight should be completed before the start of the operation, so that during the surgical procedure, excess sagging skin folds, often formed after rapid weight loss, can be removed.

10-14 days before the procedure, you need to give up alcohol and nicotine, which increases the likelihood of complications and delays the healing process of the dermis at the treatment site.

Operation progress

The surgical procedure lasts from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume and complexity of the operation.

Subsequence:

1. Combined anesthesia is performed - local anesthesia and intravenous injection
2. Microcuts are made according to the chosen scheme. Usually, with S-lifting in women, retrotragus incisions are made to maximize the masking of the subsequent scar. In male patients, the tissue is dissected in the area of ​​the natural fold of the anterior region.
3. The tightened skin and SMAS flap - a fragment of the deep muscle-fat layer (PMAS) are fixed with suspension sutures to the periosteum of the zygomatic zone at a higher point. The tissues of the lower third of the face are lifted, the angle of the lower jaw is highlighted, the contour is leveled and sagging "flews" are eliminated. To straighten the nasolabial folds, tighten the skin on the neck, additional stitches are applied.
4. The excess skin flap is excised and the wounds are sutured with intradermal cosmetic sutures using a hypoallergenic non-absorbable thread.
5. The thread is removed from the suture after tissue healing - usually 8-12 days after surgery.

The first improvements become noticeable after 10 to 20 days, after bruises, swelling and seals have resolved. A full-fledged cosmetological effect will be increasingly evident over 2 to 5 months.

Recovery period

After the S-lift, patients go home for 1 or 2 days. Bruises disappear by 5-7 days. To make them less noticeable, dry cold (a cold heating pad wrapped in sterile gauze) should be applied to the places around the incisions for 2-3 days. Soreness is relieved by taking Analgin, Pentalgin, Ibuprofen. Swelling on the face subsides within 10-12 days.

Until the sutures are removed, the patient must wear a pressure bandage necessary to support the tissues in the bucco-zygomatic and submental region. If short-scar lifting was performed, combining it with liposuction of the chin, the bandage is continued to be worn before a night's sleep for another 3-4 weeks.

To speed up the healing process and prevent possible complications, for a month you should follow some rules:

• do not expose the skin in the face and neck area to heat,
• give up hot baths, saunas, baths;
• avoid sun exposure of the skin in the treatment area;
• to exclude solariums, bathing in open reservoirs and the pool;
• prevent physical overwork, exclude weight lifting, sports loads;
• during sleep and rest, use a high pillow and, if possible, lie on your back;
• until the seams are completely healed, exclude makeup and caring cosmetics;
• treat the face and neck only with the means recommended by the beautician.

As for the physiotherapy shown after lifting, they are prescribed only by a doctor, based on an analysis of the condition of the skin and surgical sutures. Microcurrents, ozone therapy, special massage, carboxytherapy, procedures with the use of regenerating and regenerating masks, magnetotherapy have a wonderful effect.