SMAS Facelift

During the initial consultation, your surgeon will examine the degree of facial sagging and your aesthetic goals. The type of facelift—deep plane, SMAS, mini, or mid face—will be selected based on your individual anatomy and desired outcome. Your surgeon will also assess the elasticity of your skin and discuss realistic expectations.

The consultation will allow you to discuss your aims and wishes, and will allow your surgeon to fully examine your facial structure, the specific areas of concern, and discuss your general health and wellbeing. Photographs may be taken from different angles so that you can review these together before deciding on the most appropriate surgical technique for you.

You will have the chance to ask any questions, and talk through the risks and the recovery process. There will be no pressure at any stage to make a decision. We welcome and indeed encourage you to take the time to think things over at home, write down questions, and review all the information you will have been given. If you want a second, third or even fourth consultation before moving forwards then that is absolutely fine.

Setting aside time to focus on preparation before you attend for surgery is important if you wish a successful outcome. Healthy eating (avoiding refined sugars, and ultra processed foods), reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking, vaping or taking recreational drugs is extremely important in the 6 weeks running up to surgery.

If you are unwell for any reason in the run up to surgery it is important to let your team know as occasionally it is safer to postpone any treatment until you are in full health. Please let your surgeon know if you are taking any herbal remedies, or blood thinners such as aspirin during your pre-op assessment as these may need to be stopped before surgery.

There are plethora of different types of facelift, each with their own advantage or disadvantages, and your surgeon will be able to help you with making the decision on which option will suit you best.

The SMAs facelift differs from a deep plane face lift in that the lifting of the facial tissues occurs at the level of a layer known as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). The SMAS is a fibrous layer lying beneath the skin and superficial fat. The skin and SMAs is gently lifted from the deeper facial muscles and tissues, and then repositioning and draping of the skin occurs to tighten and rejuvenate the face. A deep plane facelift involves a more extensive approach, and the surgeon will dissect deeper into the facial layers, allowing more significant movement.

The SMAS facelift is performed under general anaesthesia. Incisions are typically made along the hairline, continuing around the ear and into the lower scalp in a similar fashion to a deep plane facelift. The underlying tissues are lifted and repositioned, and excess skin is removed.  Because the SMAS facelift is less invasive, the recovery is a little quicker, and the risks of injury to the facial nerve are lower.

Once the necessary adjustments are made, the wounds are closed with precision to minimise scarring, and dressings are applied. Choosing between a deep plane facelift and SMAS facelift will depend on a multitude of factors including skin elasticity, facial volume, choice and longevity of the procedure. Both techniques offer advantages and disadvantages, and you will have the chance to discuss both techniques and make an informed decision about which suits your aesthetic goals best.