SMAS Facelift Technique

Both the science and the art of facial rejuvenation have come a long way over the years. In the past, a facelift cosmetic surgical procedure almost invariably left the patient with a very tight, pulled back look to the face that did not appear natural. No matter how skilled the cosmetic surgeon, the results appeared obviously artificial.

However, today’s facelift procedures are far more refined, giving the patient a rejuvenated, younger, and completely natural looking appearance. There are no obvious, tell-tale signs that the patient has undergone a facelift. Furthermore, cosmetic surgeons have become skilled in the best methods to drape the facial skin, tissue, and underlying muscle to preserve the fine muscles needed for facial expression. One such example of these improved facelift methods is the superficial musculoponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift technique.

The SMAS Facial Structure

The SMAS is a series of fibrous tissue connections that attach the deeper facial structures, such as the muscles, through the fat layer to the upper dermal and epidermal layers of the skin. It is responsible for control of facial muscles, allowing for full facial expression as the skin, tissue, and muscles all work together.

Over time, the effects of gravity will cause not only the outer skin layers to sag, but will also affect the SMAS structures. This will result in the appearance of jowls and deepening skin folds around the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds) that are commonly known as “marionette lines.”

Traditional Facelift versus SMAS Facelift Technique

A traditional full facelift begins with one incision going from behind one ear and following the natural hairline. The skin is then lifted up and tightened, the excess is removed, and then the remainder is sutured back into place.

By comparison, an SMAS facelift only focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face, which is from the cheekbones down. The SMAS procedure not only tightens up the dermal layers of skin, but also the actual SMAS structure itself. It repositions the skin and muscles that drape over the cheekbones. There is the option of an extended SMAS facelift, which also corrects for deepened nasolabial folds.

What Are the Advantages of an SMAS Facelift Technique?

The biggest advantage of the SMAS facelift technique is that it produces a much more natural look to the face. Furthermore, since it is correcting not just the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin, but also addresses the aging SMAS by tightening it up as well, the effects will last longer than a traditional full facelift procedure. Additionally, because the SMAS procedure only targets part of the face, recovery will be shorter, with less risk of complications or noticeable scarring.

Today, cosmetic surgeons are expected to think more like sculptors when they perform facelift procedures. The SMAS technique allows for greater refinement and control over the final appearance of the face, so that the face can be sculpted to achieve a natural look.

To schedule your SMAS facelift consultation, contact Crawford Plastic Surgery. Dr. Marcus Crawford and Dr. Steven Bailey can determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.