A facelift, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) lift, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing visible signs of aging in the face and neck. The SMAS lift specifically targets the deeper layers of facial tissue and muscle, tightening and repositioning them for longer-lasting and more natural-looking results. This procedure smooths wrinkles, lifts sagging skin, and improves facial contours, restoring a youthful and refreshed appearance. Recovery typically involves some swelling and bruising but results can last for many years.
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is surgery that minimizes visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It tightens loose skin, erases deep wrinkles, repositions facial fat, and rejuvenates a more youthful contour—without altering your natural expression.
The SMAS lift is a more modern and permanent facelift method. SMAS stands for the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System, a subsurface layer of tissue that provides facial support. Instead of tightening the skin only, a SMAS facelift elevates and repositions this deeper layer for natural, long-lasting results.
Injectables and skin-tightening devices provide temporary, mild enhancement for early aging. A facelift is a surgical option for moderate to severe sagging and volume loss, offering dramatic and long-lasting results that non-surgical treatments cannot provide.
Note: For the upper face (forehead, brows, eyelids), complementary procedures such as brow lift or blepharoplasty may be recommended.
Not if you have a properly done SMAS facelift. The technique lifts the deeper tissues rather than just tightening skin, preventing an overdone or “windblown” appearance. The result is a rested, refreshed look that still looks like you.
Facelift surgery is most commonly done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the procedure complexity and patient preference. Your surgeon will advise the best option during your consultation.
The procedure typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the level of correction and whether other procedures (like neck lift or eyelid surgery) are performed simultaneously.
Incisions are usually discreetly placed:
Skilled surgeons place incisions to minimize visibility, and scars fade significantly over time—often becoming nearly invisible.
While aging continues, SMAS facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years. Many patients find they look younger than their age long after the procedure.
Choosing a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon greatly reduces these risks.
For many, yes. A facelift offers dramatic, long-lasting correction of facial aging, boosting confidence and restoring a youthful appearance—especially when non-surgical treatments are no longer effective.
If you’re considering a facelift or SMAS lift, schedule a consultation with an experienced surgeon to explore your options, review before-and-after photos, and create a personalized treatment plan.
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