Can a Doctor Call a SMAS Lift a Mid Face Lift?

I am sorry for your disappointment in your results. The doctor can utilize the SMAS facelift technique to improve the area of the mid face. While it is easy to get upset, it is better to remain calm and discuss further with him/her the techniques that he used and how he/she can ensure your happiness.

A SMAS facelift and a mid facelift can be one and the same.  SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift refers to the tightening of  the deeper tissues of the face and facial muscles of expression.  Mid facelift refers to the region of the face to be tightened (below the lower eyelids to above the jawline).  It is possible to perform a mid facelift with or without tightening the SMAS.

Ther are many varieties of mid-face lifts that lift the soft tissue of the cheek and periorbital region.  The SMAS is sometimes rotated in this area to elevate the midface.

Many surgeons use confusing terminology when discussing mid-face lifts. The SMAS is commonly lifted or tightened in most facelift techniques, however, unless you have an extended SMAS lift, or a true mid-face lift, you will only get mild improvement in the nasal labial fold.  A true mid-face lift is designed to address the area below your eye down to the corner of your mouth and can be done through a traditional facelift incision or through a lower eyelid incision.  Many... more

The SMAS stands for superficial muscular aponeurotic system, which is the gristle or muscle layer that is tightened during a facelift. A mid facelift is usually addresses deeper structures including the SMAS in the periosteum and buccal fat pads. Neither one of the operations will address the nasolabial folds also known as the nasal laugh lines. A SMAS lift and mid facelift are not the same procedures.

It may not be important what the actual procedure was called, it only matters that it did not address what the initial concern was. SMAS lift is a general term and not greatly descriptive. If you only had incisions around your ears, it is difficult if not impossible to perform a proper or adequate midface lift through that approach. Generally a mini-lift, s-lift, SMAS plication or imbrication type procedures do not address the nasolabial folds adequately. A midface lift requires direct... more

There are no standard terms used in facelifting that can be used to differentiate one operation from another and one doctor's version from another's.  It is posible to lift the midface with a SMAS facelift or not depending on how you do the surgery (the individual surgeon's version of the SMAS lift).  No matter what you do and what you call it, about the best you can get in terms of improving the nasolabial folds is 50% correction after 6 months of healing.  Set... more

Yes? Maybe? No?  There are some many terms that the exact matching can be done but it is best to fully understand what each surgeon means by the terms they use. ASK QUESTIONS - Be informed! From MIAMI Dr. B

A SMAS is a layer of the face that is used in lift procedures. It is generally preferred to pull on the SMAS than the skin to avoid a "pulled" look and maintain a longer result.

No, I keep these as separaty defined terms in cosmetic facial surgery rejuvenation. The Mid-face lift (I had it performed on me) is designed to life the cheek tissue inferior to the eyes and in the central oval of the face.  This procedure is similar to, and in some cases , cheek implant surgery.  The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) consists of a thin layer of tissue which is lifted and can be folded on itself during a facelift to augment the cheeks, but this... more

Face lift surgery has many names & terms, which confuses patients. Face lift surgery typically refers to cosmetic surgery to improve the jawline, lower face, and neck. Most plastic surgeons will speak of SMAS lift, and its variations, as a face lift to improve these areas. Face lift surgery will generally not improve the mid face or cheeks. Nasolabial lines or smile lines are improved with mid facial & cheek procedures, such as a mid face lift, fat transfer, or facial fillers.... more

There are many names to a face lift. Scientifically all face lift will have to do something with the SMAS. Mid face lift, full face lift, macs  face lift, all will deal and tighten the SMAS, and called SMAS face lift. The question is what you do with the SMAS, and what yo want to correct. Do not discuss the surgical technique in depth, you have to discuss what you want and expect. Do not come to the surgeon with 'I want minimal surgeryand down time ' then you... more