The Skinny
Average Recovery
18 days
Permanence
Temporary
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$10000 - $15000
The Specifics
What is a SMAS facelift?
A SMAS facelift is a surgical facelift technique producing long lasting improvements to the facial aesthetic. The SMAS layer or superficial muscular aponeurotic system is a thin fibrous layer covering the anterior face and neck. In the SMAS facelift technique, by trimming excess skin tissue and altering the SMAS layer a tighter smoother, and more youthful appearance is achieved. A SMAS facelift can also address concerns such sagging skin in the cheeks or jowls.
What cosmetic concerns does a SMAS facelift procedure treat?
Who is the ideal candidate for a SMAS facelift procedure?
The ideal candidate for a SMAS facelift is a middle aged individual in generally good health with early signs of aging, and sagging skin in the cheeks or jawline. A SMAS facelift is not recommended for those who are regular smokers, a history of keloid scarring, bleeding abnormalities, or certain other medical conditions.
What is the average recovery associated with a SMAS facelift procedure?
The acute recovery phase following a SMAS facelift is about two to three weeks of acute bruising, swelling, redness, and discomfort. A compression garment must be worn for the first 10 days. Sutures are removed after one week. Patients need to refrain from strenuous activity, sleeping without the head elevated, and hair treatments for six weeks. Some side effects may linger for up to one year.
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 SMAS facelift procedure?
The potential side effects of a 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 SMAS facelift procedure?
The results of a SMAS facelift are significant improvements to the face, neck, and jawline lasting for 10 to 15 years. The results will change naturally with aging, use, and sun exposure.
What is the average cost of a SMAS facelift procedure?
A SMAS facelift procedure can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000. The actual cost of a 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 Invasive
- Greater Improvement In Neck Skin Laxity
Cons
- Visible Scars
- Longer Recovery Than Plicated SMAS Facelift
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
A SMAS facelift tightens facial muscles to address sagging cheeks, jowls, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a SMAS facelift.
The Takeaway
A SMAS facelift is a facelift technique targeting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS layer) for adjustments to underlying tissue and excess skin. This plastic surgery when performed by an expert plastic surgeon produces significant results and facial rejuvenation.
