The Skinny
Average Recovery
18 days
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$10000 - $15000
The Specifics
What is a plicated SMAS facelift?
A plicated SMAS facelift is a surgical facelift technique producing enduring improvements to the facial aesthetic. The SMAS layer or superficial muscular aponeurotic system is a thin fibrous membrane covering the anterior face and neck.
In the licated SMAS facelift technique, a more youthful appearance is achieved by creating a skin flap that is folded over itself, which is unlike the technique used in a standard SMAS facelift. A licated SMAS facelift is especially effective to address sagging skin in the cheeks or jowls.
What cosmetic concerns does a plicated SMAS facelift procedure treat?
Who is the ideal candidate for a plicated SMAS facelift procedure?
The ideal candidate for a plicated SMAS facelift is a middle aged man or woman in good health with undesirable early signs of aging, and/or sagging skin in the cheeks or jawline. A plicated SMAS facelift is not recommended for those who are regular tobacco users, have a history of keloid scarring, bleeding abnormalities, or certain other medical conditions.
What is the average recovery associated with a plicated SMAS facelift procedure?
The acute recovery phase following a plicated SMAS facelift is about two to three weeks of bruising, swelling, and discomfort. A compression garment and neck support must be worn for the first two weeks. Patients are advised to refrain from strenuous activity, sleeping lying flat, and hair treatments for six weeks. Some side effects may linger for up to 12 months.
To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to facelift recovery.
What are the potential side effects of a plicated SMAS facelift procedure?
The potential side effects of a plicated SMAS facelift include numbness, tightness, burning, tingling, bruising, swelling, hair loss, facial nerve injury, necrosis of the skin flap, scarring, and prolonged edema.
What can someone expect from the results of a plicated SMAS facelift procedure?
The results of a plicated SMAS facelift are significant enhancements to the face, neck, and jawline lasting for seven to 10 years. The results will evolve naturally with aging, use, and sun exposure.
What is the average cost of a plicated SMAS facelift procedure?
A plicated SMAS facelift procedure can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000. The actual cost of a plicated SMAS facelift is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our complete guide to the cost of a facelift.
Pros
- Less Dissection
- Quicker Procedure
- Shorter Recovery
Cons
- Less Permanent
- Invasive
- Visible Scars
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
The plicated SMAS facelift is a version of the SMAS facelift that differs in how the SMAS suspension is executed. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a plicated SMAS facelift.
The Takeaway
A plicated SMAS facelift is a facelift technique targeting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS layer) for alterations to underlying tissue and excess skin. This plastic surgery, under the care of an expert plastic surgeon, produces significant facial rejuvenation.
