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

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.

Try not to get caught up in the terminology between different facelift techniques and the details of one surgeon's technique compared to another's. Each surgeon's facelift technique is going to vary slightly and may even change from one patient to another. Surgeons also use different names to describe the same procedure or a variation of the same procedure such as a facelift, a cheek/neck lift, a SMAS lift, or any other number of marketing names that have come and gone over the years. 
I always recommend finding a surgeon that you trust and that can show you results that look natural. Once you are comfortable with that surgeon, discuss the details of surgery and what all would be involved to find the right combination of procedures for you.
All the best,

A well performed facelift includes tightening of the SMAS tissue. There are different SMAS tightening techniques for lower face and neck rejuvenation. I have performed well over 2500 facelifts and found that Double C plication technique will create the most natural and long lasting results. For mid face I recommend fat grafting with PRP to enhance the volume.

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.

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.