The SMAS Facelift Technique
One of the greatest benefits of a modern plastic surgeon is that it offers more options than ever for patients who wish to enhance, rejuvenate, or simply reinvent targeted parts of their bodies. In particular, facelift surgery can be customized to produce nearly any result the individual patient desires, from subtle refinement to a more comprehensive turning back of the clock. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to personalize a facelift while ensuring the most natural-looking and flattering results possible.
At the renowned plastic surgery practice of Dr. Azita Madjidi in Houston, the SMAS facelift technique is often ideal for patients who wish to improve the appearance of the midface, lower face, and neck, where the delicate skin is especially susceptible to the signs of aging. Dr. Madjidi combines her finely honed surgical skills with a keen eye for aesthetics to tailor the SMAS technique to the unique needs and goals of each individual patient. She is also the master of the subtle incision, which further helps her to produce stunning results with few visible signs that surgery has been performed.
What Is the SMAS Technique?
The acronym SMAS stands for “superficial muscular aponeurotic system.” This is the layer of tissues attached through the fat that lies directly under the facial skin to the underside of that skin. It allows all three layers of the facial skin to operate together as one unit. Signs of aging on the face involve not only the visible superficial layer, but also the SMAS.
Of all modern facelift techniques, the SMAS technique is among the most consistently successful and time tested. Also known as the deep plane facelift technique, the SMAS technique involves the manipulation of both the facial skin and the underlying SMAS tissues, which are lifted both upward toward the brow and backward toward the ear. The result is facial skin that is tighter and smoother, but without an artificially “pulled-back” look. Incisions are made strategically in places where they will not be apparent, such as the natural folds of the skin, so there are little if any signs that the face has been operated on after recovery from surgery is complete.
While SMAS facelift surgery is a relatively invasive procedure, especially compared to modern mini facelift techniques, the results tend to be longer lasting and more transformative. Although results are limited to the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck, the procedure can be combined with other procedures, including eyelid surgery and brow lift, as part of a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan if the patient desires.
Among the specific signs of facial aging that can be addressed using the SMAS technique are:
- Jowls
- Sagging skin on the face and neck
- Lax muscles in the neck
- Wrinkles and deeper lines on the lower two-thirds of the face
- Hollowness in the cheeks
- Excess fat in the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck
Learn More about SMAS Facelift Surgery
To learn more about facelift surgery using the SMAS technique, or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Azita Madjidi, please contact our plastic surgery practice today.