The superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (or SMAS) facelift is the most common facelift techniques used by plastic surgeons today. This is because the SMAS facelift employs advanced technology and an effective approach to create the best results. After surgery, the patient looks refreshed without looking as though the facial skin has been excessively stretched or surgically tightened. The SMAS facelift will be customized to the specific patient to produce a great improvement in facial laxity, yet with results that appear natural.
Candidates
Candidates for this procedure should be in good health and non-smokers. They should have developed sagging of the skin and muscles in the mid and lower portions of the face. The SMAS facelift will treat sagging jowls, prominent nasolabial folds, and facial wrinkling.
Procedure
In a SMAS facelift, an incision is made behind the ear and along the hairline. The skin is lifted off of the tissues and underlying muscles. The surgeon can then tighten the loosened facial muscles with sutures. Tightening the facial muscle structure provides and smooth surface upon which the skin and tissues can be re-draped. The skin is then laid over the tissues again, so that it lays flat, without the folds that it had before the procedure. In some cases, extra fat in the neck and cheek areas may be removed in order to provide for a more symmetrical facial contour. Any excess skin is then removed, and the incision is closed.
Recovery
Recovery from this type of facelift usually takes about six weeks. Most patients can return to work and most normal activities after a week or two. However, the side effects of surgery, including pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness, may remain for a few weeks. Most patients experience swelling and bruising in the areas of the incisions and anywhere under the skin where an adjustment was made to the tissue. This can make it difficult to fully see the results of the facelift until all of these side effects have subsided. The bruising usually takes up to three weeks to subside, while swelling may take up to two months to fade. Resting with the head elevated and applying an ice compress intermittently in the 48 hours after surgery will reduce the severity and longevity of these side effects.
In general, surgeons recommend that patients avoid any kind of strenuous exercise until six weeks after surgery. Patients should also avoid the sun and windy conditions during this timeframe.
Results
The SMAS facelift is a great choice for men and women who want to regain a more youthful appearance in one effective procedure. When performed correctly, the patient should see improvement to the cheeks and lower face area. The results of an SMAS are also usually much longer lasting than other facelift procedures and they appear more natural. While patients will see noticeable results, they rarely feel as though their skin has been pulled too tight across their face, or that the incision scars are even noticeable.
For more information about the SMAS facelift technique, contact the practice of Paul Pin, MD, today!