The MACS-lift is a full face lift that can be performed with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The operation can be completed in two hours, and most patients return to normal activity within two weeks. Its minimal duration makes it both safe and practical for use in conjunction with laser resurfacing and other facial cosmetic procedures. This remarkably effective technique is minimal in every way, resulting in a shorter scar, reduced morbidity, and few complications reported in more than 200 cases.

This beautiful atlas details the MACS-lift operation in its entirety. Every step, from first to last, is clearly described and accompanied with photos and illustrations to explain the nuances of the technique. A chapter devoted to case examples presents some results of simple and extended MACS-lifts. Additional chapters discuss secondary and ancillary procedures as well as complications and problems that may arise.

An in-depth DVD accompanies the book and demonstrates every aspect of this innovative surgery. Additional animation complements descriptions and emphasizes key concepts contained in the book. The video shows the entire procedure from preoperative markings to final suturing of the skin flap with preoperative and postoperative results.

This book was written for facial aesthetic surgeons interested in maximizing their face-lift results while minimizing risks and complications. We have tried to provide a tool that can be used to understand and learn the technique of MACS-lifting. Although this procedure appears simple and straightforward, it is a surgical intervention and as such should be performed by fully trained aesthetic surgeons with experience in classical face lifting. The most delicate part of the surgery is the skin handling at the end of the procedure while suturing the skin flap and trying to prevent dog-ear formation. It is here that the basic skills of a well-trained plastic surgeon will prove particularly valuable.

The book is a monograph devoted to one topic in six comprehensive clinical chapters and introduced with an historical overview of face-lift surgery. Although some of our more pragmatic colleagues may choose to skip over this historical material to get to the heart of the technique, we thought it was interesting to include it, because it explains the evolution of thinking over time and places the MACS-lift technique in its proper context. We are aware that this historical recounting is far from complete, but we have tried to mention the landmark contributions that have led to the present state of face-lift surgery.