What constitutes a SMAS facelift?

The type of lifting procedure that is performed under the skin is generally not dependent on the type of incision that is made. A skin-only facelift, a SMAS facelift, a Bi-planar facelift, and a deep-plane facelift can all have the same skin incisions. Skin incisions tend to be very similar from one surgeon to another, but do have small nuances that will vary from surgeon to surgeon. In short, the skin incision does not dictate the type of lift performed under the skin.I recommend facelift techniques that involve tightening the SMAS layer under the skin in addition to the skin itself. I personally perform a Bi-planar SMAS technique that incorporates elements of several different types of facelift techniques. In doing so, we are able to achieve excellent, long-lasting, and natural-appearing results that are also very safe with limited down time.All the best,

The SMAS facelift is a type of facelift that describes the manner in which the tissues are lifted and tightened underneath the skin.  So, a small incision can be made and the SMAS can be tightened or a large incision can be made and the SMAS tightened.  The real question is if the type of lift you are having will address the amount of skin excess or fatty tissue you have.  In general, a facelift incision starts at the top of the ear and continues around the earlobe onto the back of the ear to get a good improvement for excess skin.  

A SMAS facelift elevates the sagging facial tissue that
results from aging. The SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) is a
deep connective tissue layer that forms a continuous sheath within the face and
neck. A facelift that lifts the underlying SMAS will re-elevate descended
facial tissues and improve the appearance of the cheek-bone area (malar area)
and jowls.



The typical incision starts in the sideburn, travels behind
the tragus, around the earlobe and behind the ear. The incisions give the surgeon
access to the SMAS, so that it can be elevated. The incisions also allow the
surgeon to remove excess skin.



A facelift that elevates the SMAS is treating the underlying
sagging facial tissues. A skin-only facelift relies on pulling the skin taught
to support the underlying tissue. This can lead to an undesirable “pulled” appearance.
A SMAS facelift should have excellent results that last about 7-10 years.