How many years does a SMAS last versus a MACS facelift?

Question

Sammy Sinno, MD · Answer

I wrote a paper on patient satisfaction and longevity after facelifting which used a validated patient assessment tool and was published in the top journal in plastic surgery. For a SMAS facelift, patients felt that they looked 6-10 years younger and were very satisfied with the decision to have the procedure. After 10-12 years, some patients would like a revision, but even without additional surgery feel they have aged much better and in many cases look younger than they did 10 years earlier. To my knowledge there are no studies that assess the longevity of the MACS lift with a validated outcome tool.

Thomas A. Pane, MD · Answer

I think many if not most experienced face lift surgeons like some variation of a SMAS procedure, as it works reliably and tends to last.  You'll will almost always look better after the procedure than if it had not been done, though normal aging does continue.

Nora Nugent, FRCSI (Plast) · Answer

Dear MixTo Fan,
Thank you for posting your question.  Many factors affect how long a facelift will last - some of these are your skin tone, thickness and quality, the thickness of your SMAS (underlying support layer of the face), any significant changes in weight, if you smoke or not, sun damage, genetics....
However, in general a SMAS facelift will outlive a MACS facelift (and outperform in terms of lifting ability) as the dissection tends to be more extensive and the work to tighten the SMAS layer more involved.  There are of course different techniques within a SMAS facelift too! I tell my patients that on average a SMAS facelift lasts 7 to 10 years while a MACS lift lasts 5 - 7 years. With either, this is a gradual process as ageing continues and of course there are exceptions to every rule. You will still be ahead of where you would be without having a facelift at the end of these time frames.
I hope this was helpful and good luck with your research. You may find that an in-person discussion and assessment with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area would be the best next step.
Best wishes

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

It really will vary depending on the patient's age, skin condition, sun damage, weight, etc.  SMAS can be more aggressive in terms of lifting the cheek and regaining jawline definition.    MACS tends to be a more limited dissection so may not last as long.  See a board certified ASPS plastic surgeon to  help determine what will give you your best results, as your anatomy will dictate which procedure addresses your issues and will give you the best result.  Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we perform a high-SMAS lower face and neck lift. This procedure accomplishes tightening loose facial and neck skin, tightening loose  facial and neck muscles, lifting the SMAS and jowls, and removing fatty deposits in the neck along with a platysma plasty. We do not perform a MACS lift for a variety of reasons. Most face lifting procedures last approximately 10 years, but it depends upon many factors which include environmental factors, genetics, sun exposure, and smoking. Choose your surgeon based upon producing natural results consistently. Study your prospective surgeon's facelift photo gallery, and make sure that it is extensive

How many years does a SMAS last versus a MACS facelift?

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How many years does a SMAS last versus a MACS facelift?

Answers (7)

Answer: Macs vs smas

Answer: Macs vs smas

Answer: How many years does a facelift last?

Answer: How many years does a facelift last?

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Everything you need to know about SMAS Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.