What's the Difference Between a Lower Facelift and a SMAS Facelift?

I have been to two cosmetic surgeons. One says necklift and plastyma muscle that includes midface (Smas). The other says can do necklift with plastyma muscle and fill mid face with fat transfer. Or Necklift with SMAS and cheeklift with suspension system. I am so confused as to the difference between a lower face lift and a SMAS facelift? Help!

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26 Doctor Answers | Asked by kpilling in walnut

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Facelift names and terminology

A lower facelift includes a SMAS lift and is the facial component of the lower face/neck lift. A neck lift only addresses the neck itself by tightening the platysma muscle and removing fat. We do not perform mid facelifts and do not recommend a cheek lift with any suspension systems since they are only temporary. A comprehensive face/neck lift performed by a board certified facial plastic surgeon with many years of experience is probably going to be your best alternative. This includes... more

Facelift vs. SMAS Facelift

There are many different types of Facelifts and it is confusing. Between Internet technology and different buzz words it is often difficult to decipher the information. All good Facelifts involve some manipulation of the SMAS. This addresses the underlying muscles of the skin and allows the surgeon the elevate, reposition and lift the face and not just tighten the skin. This allows less tension on the incisions allowing a natural youthful look. You should choose a surgeon based on his/her... more

Michael Elam, MD

83 reviews

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

michaelelammd.com

Lower facelift vs. SMAS facelift

It is very difficult for patients to decide on what facelift procedure to choose. One surgeon's SMAS operation is equivalent to another doctor's minilift. It is better to choose an expert facelift surgeon than to choose a particular technique. I think my colleagues would agree that this applies to most procedures in plastic surgery. Technically SMAS refers to the deep layer or "muscles", even though it is not muscle tissue except for a few fibers at the jawline. The "lower... more

Facelifts - What's in a name?

Wyou are not alone. The terminology in facelifts for the consumer has become very convoluted and difficult to decifer. Very often I see patients coming to see me who 10-15 years minifacelift. To them, this meant theydin'tt have a browlift or their eyes done. So don't geterr therms Thhink ofthe SMAS as a thick layer under the skin and fat. Tightening this layer helps the entire face and neck. The platysma is the muscle that forms the 2 vertical bands in the neck from the chin down to... more

Not all facelifts are SMAS

The SMAS is a complex structure of the face that is the supporting muscle and tissue of the face. Many facelifts are performed by lifting and tightening the skin that gives it a pulled stretched skin appearance. Lifts that tighten this SMAS result in a more natural and longer lasting result.

SMAS and Platysma in a Facelift

Hi, The Platysma is the muscle that lies just under the skin in the neck area. The platys ma is typically pulled and tightened to eliminate the sagging skin of the neck. It also takes the tension off the skin incision to prevent healing with stretch marks. The SMAS ( SubMuscularApenueroticSystem) lies just under the skin in the face. The SMAS is contiguous with the Platysma in the neck. SMAS is also tightened to lift the jowl and sometimes the midface (esp. deep plane facelifts). If your... more

Difference Between a Lower Facelift & SMAS Facelift

The difference is that a lower facelift includes a lower face and necklift and is synonymous with a SMAS facelift as I do a multiple layer “Lift & Fill” facelift which is both a SMAS facelift and lower face/necklift. It is sometimes confusing to the consumer, but a real facelift consumes the superficial and deep facial layers with repositioning and shaping, as well as “Lifting & Filling” to correct aging and to restore your natural facial appearance.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD

10 reviews

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Lower Facelift Versus SMAS Lift

There are many different types of facelifts. It is sometimes better to focus less on semantics and more on what is anatomically being done. A lift should focus on the area(s) which require rejuvenation which can include the neck, platysmal bands, jowling, cheek pad, shape of the face, etc.

Facelift semantics

There are no standardized terms for the facelift techniques. Most patients would be better served by focusing on the results they see from different doctors and which they like best than to focus on the "name" of one procedure vs another. A lower facelift is one that addresses the face from the cheeks to the neck. A SMAS lift is often done at the same time as part of the lower facelift. The SMAS portion is what is done to lift the deeper tissues of the cheek back up to where... more

SMAS facelift versus lower facelift

The SMAS facelift is typically my operation of choice for most of the patients that I see. This does include lifting the midface. It may or may not include lifting the neck area, depending on the extent of the incision around the ear. In simple terms, a longer incision may tighten the neck more so than a shorter incision behind the ear. What is best for you is what is decided between you and your surgeon. I would also recommend that if your consultations have confused you, seek another... more