The SMAS Facelift By Nimit D on September 13, 2013

As we know perhaps all too well, when the skin on our faces begins to age due to sun exposure, nicotine use, constant stress, and plain old gravity, a gradual loss of elasticity occurs that results in sagging cheeks, fleshy jowls, and double chins. If you are considering a facelift but are concerned about the results not appearing natural or believable, then the SMAS (superficial muscuo-aponeurotic system) facelift may be an alternative option to consider for Ottawa facelift patients. Considered the most commonly performed facelift technique currently performed, the SMAS facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face, effectively removing sagging skin and excess fat, tightening the neck muscles and jowls, and restoring volume to hollow cheeks. The SMAS facelift procedure differs from a traditional facelift in that it addresses the deeper dermal layers of the face, which provides a more youthful, natural, and longer-lasting result than a standard facelift.

Benefits of the SMAS Facelift

The SMAS facelift can take years off your face by removing jowls, filling in sunken cheeks, and correcting the nasolabial folds, or laugh lines, that run from the nose down to the corners of the mouth. It is proven to keep you looking younger for 10 years or more by restoring youth in a natural looking way.

Candidates for the SMAS Facelift

If you are age 50 or over, have a realistic desire to turn back the clock, and are in reasonably good health, you are probably a good candidate for the SMAS facelift surgery.

The SMAS Facelift Procedure

Your SMAS facelift will be performed in an outpatient facility in which you will be able to return home the same day. It can take up to several hours depending on the uniqueness and extensiveness of your lift. Some patients opt to combine other anti-aging procedures with their lift, such as chin or cheek implants, for an even more satisfying outcome. After you are given either general anesthesia or IV sedation, your plastic surgeon will mark your face to indicate where your incisions will be made, which is typically behind the ears or somewhere inconspicuous. He or she will then access and free the 3-layer unit of your facial and neck skin, lifting these layers upward in unison, with the tension being placed on the underlying SMAS layer. After removing the sagging skin and excess fat, the SMAS will then be stitched for healing.

Recovery

Upon waking from your procedure, expect to be covered in a full head dressing and drain tubes. Swelling, bruising, and numbness are normal and should last around two weeks. Most SMAS facelift patients are able to return to work within that time.

Learn More about the SMAS Facelift

To learn more about what the SMAS facelift entails and to determine whether you are a good candidate, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with board certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Brownrigg for a personal consultation. Dr. Brownrigg can evaluate your facial anatomy and goals, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the SMAS facelift procedure.

Related to This

• All Blog Posts
• Facelift
• Plastic Surgery