The SMAS Facelift: Understanding the Procedure

The recent news about Kris Jenner’s facelift has sparked a lot of interest in the SMAS facelift procedure. According to reports, Jenner underwent a traditional SMAS facelift, which is a type of facelift that targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a fibrous layer of connective tissue that envelops the muscles of the face.

What is a SMAS Facelift?

A SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that aims to restore a more youthful appearance to the face by lifting and tightening the SMAS layer. There are several iterations of SMAS lifts, and each addresses the SMAS in its own way. Dr. Steven Levine, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, reportedly performs a lateral SMASectomy, which involves removing a strip of the SMAS before suturing the edges back together, in combination with a deep neck lift.

How Does it Differ from a Deep Plane Facelift?

In recent years, the deep plane facelift has gained popularity on social media, with some people comparing it unfavorably to the SMAS lift. However, the majority of American plastic surgeons perform some version of a SMAS lift. According to Elizabeth Chance, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, the SMAS lift can garner beautiful results, especially for someone who has had multiple facelifts in the past.

The Benefits and Limitations of SMAS Facelifts

Dr. Chance notes that traditional SMAS lifts tend to "start to fade or fall at three, four, five years out." This is because the subcutaneous fat of the neck, which provides a cushion between the skin and the muscle, gets thinner and thinner with every intervention, exposing the dynamic platysma as well as any internal scarring left by previous surgery. However, SMAS facelifts can be divided into two main categories: extended SMAS techniques, which dissect under the muscle, and SMAS procedures that do not go under the muscle or touch the ligaments.

What Do Experts Say?

According to Pierce Janssen, MD, an aesthetic plastic surgery fellow at the Cleveland Clinic, all methods can yield good results when performed by well-trained, experienced surgeons. Dino Elyassnia, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, notes that "treating the SMAS and diverting tension away from the skin is the hallmark of a good facelift." He also reminds us that there is no single study that has ever been published that says a deep plane facelift looks better or lasts longer than a SMAS lift.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that can help restore a more youthful appearance to the face. While it may not be as widely discussed as the deep plane facelift, it is a popular procedure among plastic surgeons and can garner beautiful results. It’s essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for individual needs and goals.

FAQs

• What is a SMAS facelift?
  A SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a fibrous layer of connective tissue that envelops the muscles of the face.
• How does it differ from a deep plane facelift?
  A SMAS facelift differs from a deep plane facelift in that it does not dissect under the muscle, whereas a deep plane facelift does.
• What are the benefits and limitations of SMAS facelifts?
  SMAS facelifts can garner beautiful results, but they may not last as long as other types of facelifts, typically fading or falling at three, four, or five years out.
• What do experts say about SMAS facelifts?
  Experts agree that SMAS facelifts can be an effective procedure when performed by well-trained, experienced surgeons, and that there is no single study that has ever been published that says a deep plane facelift looks better or lasts longer than a SMAS lift.