Want and need a SMAS facelift but afraid!

Question

I have a good doctor and want to have the SMAS lift but am afraid of potential jaw, nerve or gland pain as well as the neck tightness from a submental platysmaplasty. Any words of encouragement? I know there are no guarantees or easy ways through this!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

While no procedure can be 100% guaranteed, an SMAS lift should not result in nerve or gland pain, as these structures will not be cut into or moved during your lift. Aside from postoperative bruising, swelling and pain that can be managed with over-the-counter medications, icing, bandaging, and rest, you should experience no real side effects and certainly nothing long-term – providing your surgeon is experienced and skillful.  For this reason, the doctor you choose is the most important decision in undergoing facial plastic surgery.

If you want a neck lift as well as an SMAS lift, that is a separate procedure called a plastysmaplasty. I usually perform this as part of a regular facelift procedure, as it gives the best results. If you are feeling nervous about your SMAS lift, you might ask your facial plastic surgeon to put you in touch with prior patients who were happy with their results. Their experience should help calm your fears. I hope this helps.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

A SMAS facelift is part of a
true natural “Lift and Fill” facelift to give you longer
lasting results, where you are “Lifting” laterally and “Filling” the deep fat
medially compartments. This should be done in the
hands of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with expertise in the science of aging.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

A board certified plastic surgeon specializing in face lift surgery should have minimal complications such as the one you mentioned. The vast majority of my patients for example do great. Do your best to find the most qualified face lift  plastic surgeon

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

It is completely normal to be concerned and a bit anxious about undergoing surgery.  SMAS facelift has really become the "gold standard."  While there is always risk to any surgery, the construct of a SMAS facelift is quite safe.  Please discuss the operation in detail with your experienced surgeon.  Ask questions, and tell him your concerns.  Together you will come up with an appropriate plan that is right for you.

Ali Totonchi, MD · Answer

SMAS face lift by far provides the best results in face lift, if you have experienced surgeon it worse the money and extra anesthesia time to do it right the first time. Best,Ali Totonchi M.D.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It is very normal to be nervous about any surgical procedure. The potential complications of nerve injury,jaw and neck problems are rare events. You must trust the experience e of your surgeon. Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

Garrett Griffin, MD · Answer

It is quite normal to be nervous before a facelift.  A SMAS-type facelift is probably the safest of the commonly-performed facelifts because the nerve that moves the face is well out of the way.  This is in contrast to the "deep-plane" facelift where the nerve that moves the face is very close.  Also, SMAS-type facelifts generally result in less bruising and swelling than deep-plane facelifts.  You will inevitably have some strange sensations and tightness after the surgery but these typically resolve within a couple of weeks, and by that time you will be too excited about how you look to notice!  Best of luck.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is normal to have some degree of apprehension and anxiety prior to undergoing elective cosmetic surgery such as a facelift. In experienced hands, jaw, nerve or glandular pain  are very rare. Patient do experience tightness in their neck from the platysma plasty, however this is usually temporary for the first week or two after the surgical procedure. For many examples of SMAS face lift with platysma-plasty, please see link below to our facelift  photo gallery.

William Numa, MD, FACS · Answer

You wouldn't be normal if you weren't at least a bit anxious. When you undergo any facial surgical procedure, be sure to select a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or board-certified general plastic surgeon who is experienced in the procedure being carried out. The results from this particular procedure are typically excellent, long-lasting, and yields very natural results. Good luck!

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Facelift with SMAS should not be a problem if your surgeon is very experienced. In 35 years I have never had any of the problems you mentioned. Bleeding after facelift should be the only concern and should be less than 1%

Want and need a SMAS facelift but afraid!

Answers (20)

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