What is SMAS? Understand Your Facelift and Neck Lift Procedure

What is the SMAS?

The Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) is a key layer of facial muscles that play a critical role in facelift and neck lift procedures. This layer extends from the platysma muscle in the neck and chin area to the galea aponeurotica, which covers the upper part of the scalp. It is made of mobile and non-mobile portions. The mobile SMAS, which is not attached to underlying tissues, gets affected by the aging process. On the other hand, the non-mobile section is firmly attached to underlying tissues and is not affected by the aging process.

What to Expect During an SMAS Facelift

During this facial plastic surgery procedure, the SMAS is carefully repositioned by the surgeon to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. An SMAS lift refers to any facelift technique that tightens this muscular layer along with the overlying skin, repositioning them to restore facial contours. This procedure effectively lifts and tightens areas such as the jowls, neck, and cheeks, eliminating sagging skin and enhancing facial definition.

By addressing the SMAS layer, a facelift not only rejuvenates the surface appearance but also provides longer-lasting and more natural-looking results, leaving patients looking youthful and revitalized. There are different SMAS lifting techniques that are used during facelifting. Before reading on to learn more about the different SMAS lifting techniques, view how this beautiful and rejuvenated look can be you in the following case study with Dr. Sadati:

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SMAS Plication Technique

The SMAS plication technique folds and sutures the non-mobile SMAS layer to lift loose skin, providing a less invasive option with shorter recovery compared to deeper techniques. However, this cosmetic procedure requires extensive skin undermining, increasing risks of complications like seroma, and may not deliver comprehensive results. It also comes with less longevity compared with deep plane facelifts.

High SMAS Facelift Surgery

The High SMAS facelift lifts the non-mobile SMAS vertically without releasing deep retaining ligaments, enhancing the midface and jawline with less tissue disruption than a deep plane facelift. While it offers a quicker recovery, it requires extensive skin undermining, increasing risks like seromas and skin necrosis. Deep plane facelifts deliver more comprehensive, long-lasting results by addressing deeper tissues and ligaments.

Extended Deep Plane Facelift

The Extended Deep Plane Facelift lifts the mobile SMAS and deeper tissues as a single unit, releasing retaining ligaments for comprehensive rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, and neck. It delivers natural, long-lasting results by addressing underlying structural changes caused by aging. However, the technique is complex, requires extensive expertise, and involves a longer recovery period compared to a less invasive procedure. Its effectiveness makes it ideal for advanced facial aging.

Is a Neck Lift Included in Facelift Surgery?

An Extended Deep Plane facelift is a surgical procedure that typically includes both a facelift and a neck correction. This comprehensive technique is designed to address aging facial skin, excess skin, sagging facial muscles, and neck laxity, providing a harmonious and rejuvenated appearance.

This facial rejuvenation surgery, regarded as one of the most effective for combating visible signs of aging, requires exceptional surgical skill and extensive experience. When performed by a highly skilled surgeon, the Deep Plane Facelift delivers natural and long-lasting results, ensuring both facial and neck areas are seamlessly rejuvenated.

However, it’s important to note that not all facelift surgeries include a neck lift. Some facelifts, like plication or high SMAS lifts, may focus solely on lifting the midface and jawline, leaving the neck untreated unless specifically addressed. To achieve a cohesive, youthful appearance, patients should discuss their goals and concerns with their surgeon, ensuring the procedure meets their individual needs.

Dr. Sadatis Facelift and Neck Lift Procedures

The Preservation Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift, performed by renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Sadati, is a revolutionary approach to facial rejuvenation designed to deliver natural, long-lasting results with reduced recovery time. Unlike traditional techniques, this advanced method preserves the deep anatomical structures of the face while addressing sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck.

Dr. Sadati’s unique Preservation Facelift combines elements of the Extended Deep Plane and High SMAS facelift techniques, minimizing trauma to the surrounding facial tissues. By lifting and repositioning the mobile SMAS and releasing key retaining ligaments, this procedure restores youthful contours to the face and neck without the overly stretched appearance associated with older methods.

One of the defining features of this procedure is that it is performed under twilight sedation, offering a safer and more comfortable alternative to general anesthesia. Twilight sedation allows patients to remain deeply sedated, relaxed, and pain-free during surgery while significantly reducing risks associated with general anesthesia. Learn more about twilight sedation with Dr. Sadati in the following video:

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The Preservation Deep Plane Facelift also addresses neck laxity by incorporating a tailored neck lift. Using techniques such as lateral platysma suspension, Dr. Sadati refines the midface and the jawline and smoothens the neck, creating a harmonious rejuvenation of the entire lower face and neck.

With over two decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, Dr. Sadati has perfected this advanced technique, ensuring exceptional outcomes for his patients. The Preservation Facelift is ideal for individuals seeking comprehensive rejuvenation with minimal downtime and a natural, refreshed appearance.

About Dr. Sadati

Dr. Sadati has enjoyed a decade-long career as a plastic surgeon in Orange County. He has over 5,000 patients who have undergone facial rejuvenation and are thrilled with the results. Dr. Sadati’s facelift techniques have been published in peer-reviewed journals. He has presented his technique in national and international plastic surgery meetings.

Schedule A Consultation

If you are interested in Dr. Sadati’s revolutionary facelift technique, how it can help you look younger, and how it is done comfortably without general anesthesia, contact the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery today for more information.