Involves removing excess tissue and then shaping and positioning it in the lips to add volume.

Lip Shape

Lip Size

During a standard biplanar rhytidectomy (facelift), excess tissue of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) can be harvested, reshaped, and positioned in the lips for augmentation purposes. The SMAS is located between the deep skin and muscles of the face. It is made up of autologous collagen, fat, and fibrous tissue. Because it is taken from the patient, it is completely biocompatible and therefore does not cause infection, rejection, or other adverse effects such as with a lip implant.

During a facelift, a board certified plastic surgeon can grasp the SMAS with forceps, separate it from the fascia, and then trim it with surgical scissors. It is excised from each side of the face in a single long strip and placed in a sterile saline solution while the facelift is completed. Then, it is reshaped as needed to for the patient’s upper or lower lip properly. Next, small stab incisions are made into each corner of the mouth, and then, a tunnel is created from incision to incision. Finally, the SMAS graft is pulled into the lip via the tunnel.

The incisions in the oral commissures are closed with dissolvable sutures, thus completing the procedure. As this surgery is only performed during facelift operations, recovery is only a small part of the larger picture. The average cost for a facelift surgery in the United States is about $8000. Additional costs for SMAS grafting varies depending on location, surgeon, and other factors.

Lip Augmentation with SMAS Implant

Lips

Head

Face

lipsmas1

- An antibiotic and antiviral medication may be prescribed
- Stop taking any blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery
- No alcohol 2 days prior
- No eating or drinking 6 hours before the procedure

Before Treatment

lipsmas2

- During a facelift excess SMAS tissue is harvested
- SMAS tissue is reshaped for implantation
- Small stab incisions are made at the corners of the mouth
- Tunnel is created from incision to incision.
- SMAS graft is pulled into the lip via the tunnel
- Sutures to close

During Treatment

lipsmas3

- Lips will be swollen and stiff
- Numbness

Immediately After Treatment

lipsmas4

- Soft or liquid diet for 1 week 
- Limit expressive facial movements
- Clean incisions daily 
- Return to work after 3 days
- Take antibiotics and prescription ointments as directed

1-2 Weeks After Treatment

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- Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks
- Persistent numbness for 3-4 weeks 

3 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond

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- Results are permanent
- Signs of aging will reappear with time

Result Notes

Lip augmentation with a SMAS implant is only performed alongside a facelift procedure. A portion of the excised SMAS tissue is inserted into the lips to enhance volume. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after lip augmentation with SMAS implant.

Lip augmentation with a SMAS implant involves removing excess tissue of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, and then shaping and positioning it in the lips to add volume. This type of lip plumping is only performed during a sub-SMAS facelift surgery. The SMAS separates the facial skin from facial muscles and is comprised of natural fat, collagen, and fibrous tissue. SMAS grafting to enhance the lips produces immediate and long-lasting results and very little downtime.

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Lip Augmentation with SMAS Implant

Concerns Treated

Lip Shape

Lip Size

Concerns Treated

Lip Shape

Lip Size

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Lip Augmentation with SMAS Implant

Concerns Treated

Lip Shape

Lip Size

Concerns Treated

Lip Shape

Lip Size

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Related Procedures

AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT