SMAS Facelift


SMAS facelift is used to manipulate the superficial muscular aponeurotic system AKA an area of musculature of the face. SMAS facelift is a deep rhytidectomy that goes underneath the SMAS. The surgeon makes an incision in the hairline and the temples. The incision usually continues around the ear and ends in the lower part of the scalp. During the procedure, the surgeon can sculpt or redistribute fat surrounding the face, jowls and the neck.  Once this is done, the surgeon can redrape the skin over the lifted structures and remove any excess skin that is no longer necessary. SMAS facelift can also be done by the limited incision facelift or neck lift technique.

Patients struggling with a saggy neck and face, caused by the natural ageing process, can be good candidates. Ideal candidates should also have some elasticity in the skin and a well-defined bone structure since this may improve the results. Most patients are between the age of forty and sixty although there have been cases where it was executed in patients ages seventy to eighty. The patient must be in good general health and not have any medical conditions that impair the healing process. Patients should have realistic expectations of the surgical outcome and a positive attitude.

The cost for SMAS facelift ranges from $2000 - $21,000.This range doesn't include anesthesia or operating room fees. The final cost depends on any necessary medical tests, the surgeon’s level of expertise, the geographic location of the procedure and if any other procedures are performed at the same time.

Immediately after the procedure, patients experience some facial swelling and inflammation which subsides within 10-14 days. Most patients need about 2 to 3 weeks off work after having a SMAS procedure. Allowing good healing and recovery time is crucial for the best results from a SMAS facelift. The patient should follow the post-op care instructions very carefully. After the surgery, the surgeon will wrap the incisions in bandages and often places a drainage tube which tends to be removed the next day.

LiteLift℠

LiteLift℠

submitted on   Mon Dec, 22, 2014 by Larry Nichter, MD     
LiteLift℠ is a modified SMAS (deep facial tissues and muscles) facelift technique which can improve signs of aging through the lower face, jawline and neck. Some doctors also refer to LiteLift as a short-scar facelift or a mini-facelift procedure. However, it is not a superficial skin lift like o...