SMAS facelifts are gaining popularity for their long-term benefits and outstanding results. This procedure effectively reduces the signs of aging, helping you feel and look your best.
At Miami Plastic Surgery®, our facial plastic surgeons offer SMAS facelifts to help you reach your cosmetic goals.
What Is a SMAS Facelift?
A superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift is a form of cosmetic surgery that involves tightening the skin around the neck and face. It targets the facial structures beneath the skin that cause sagging for an improved appearance.
The SMAS is a fibromuscular tissue layer that supports the neck and facial skin. The tissue and skin are lifted and tightened during surgery to promote a natural, youthful appearance.
Ideal candidates for this procedure include those who’ve experienced mild to moderate signs of aging, including sagging, jowls, and volume loss around the neck and face.
SMAS Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift
The main difference between SMAS and traditional facelifts is that SMAS surgery includes repositioning the underlying structures that support the neck and facial muscles, whereas traditional facelifts only focus on lifting and tightening the skin.
Explore further differences below.
Procedure
There are slight variations in both procedures.
- SMAS: The SMAS tissue layer is penetrated, lifted, and repositioned along with the skin by creating an incision around the ears and hairline.
- Traditional: The deeper tissue layers are not penetrated during surgery, as the focus is on lifting and tightening the epidermis by incision around the ears.
Recovery
The recovery period for these procedures differs due to the invasive nature of SMAS surgery.
- SMAS: Recovery may take approximately a month, depending on the patient’s skin type, aging, and activity post-surgery.
- Traditional: The lack of extensive tissue manipulation means less swelling and bruising, resulting in a shorter recovery period of about two weeks.
Results
The results are the same or similar, although SMAS facelifts last longer because they treat the root cause of jowls and volume loss and are more intricate.
- SMAS: Achieves longer-lasting, natural results from the SMAS layer penetration and repositioning.
- Traditional: Since the procedure is superficial and does not involve deep skin penetration, it may not last as long as SMAS facelifts. However, the results are equally impressive and effective at achieving firmer skin.
SMAS Facelift Procedure
Precise, individualized SMAS facelift procedures leave the skin renewed and rejuvenated. Our physicians are thorough and ensure you’re in good health and spirits pre-surgery, discussing any concerns and expectations beforehand.
During surgery, the facial plastic surgeon administers general anesthesia and makes an incision at the temples, along the ears, and hairline to reduce scarring visibility. The surgeon lifts the top skin layer to reach the SMAS layer beneath, repositioning it for tightening.
They may remove excess fat in the neck, jawline, and cheeks while tightening the skin for optimal results. Sutures secure the repositioned SMAS, providing support as the skin is redraped over it. Excess skin is trimmed before the surgeon closes the incisions with staples or adhesive strips. They may also apply a dressing or bandage to promote healing and reduce swelling.
Surgery generally lasts a few hours.
Aftercare
Patients are advised to limit movement and talking and to sleep with their heads elevated for at least two weeks post-surgery. They may manage the initial pain with prescribed medication. Rest and avoiding the sun are imperative during the healing process. The facial plastic surgeon may recommend a safe skincare routine during and after surgery.
Most patients can resume their daily activities within a month of surgery, but this varies among patients.
SMAS Facelift Benefits
Consider some of the following benefits of an SMAS facelift.
- Natural-looking results: Repositioning the SMAS tissue layer and skin provides a more balanced appearance and natural-looking results.
- Restored facial contours: The tightened underlying SMAS layer restores youthful facial contours, refining the jawline and facial features.
- Comprehensive procedure: This form of surgery targets age-related concerns rather than solely the skin, including sagging, jowls, and nasolabial folds for improved effectiveness.
- Reduced skin tension: Less excessive skin tightening causes less tension, which promotes faster healing and a shorter recovery period.
Besides these and other benefits, patients generally experience improved self-esteem and boosted confidence once they fully recover and are happy with the results.
Choose Miami Plastic Surgery® for Your SMAS Facelift Surgery
Miami Plastic Surgery® is a highly reputable cosmetic care institution with board-certified plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and other skin care professionals. Some of our physicians have over 20 years of experience and provide individualized attention to each client. You’re in the best hands when you choose us for your SMAS facelift and other cosmetic surgery procedures.
Book an appointment with one of our qualified facial plastic surgeons if you’re ready to take the next step toward a rejuvenated you!
