The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS for short) Facelift is a type of facelift commonly done here at our Santa Ana area office. This type of facelift affects the superficial top layers of skin along with the deeper tissues of the face and neck. The tissues in the SMAS typically grow lax and sag with use and advancing age.

Dr. Sajjadian has found that the SMAS facelift works wonderfully for individuals with mild laxity, some jowls and mid-face sagging. While those with severe sagging are often better off with the deep plane facelift. The SMAS facelift includes several popular techniques and some more reliable than others. A lot depends on the plastic surgeon and his/her experience with the techniques so length of surgery time (and recovery), placement of incisions, revision rates, and overall results can differ but in general, the procedure time and time for recovery is shorter than when the deeper plane facelift technique is done. The main difference between a SMAS facelift and a deep plane lift is that in the SMAS facelift, no attachments underneath the SMAS are released.

During the SMAS facelift, an incision is made in the temple area, above the hairline. From there, we extended the incision downward, following the skin’s natural crease in front of or at the edge of the ear, below the ear lobe and behind the ear, thus hiding the incision from all but the most scrupulous examination. Using sutures the SMAS layer is then tightened and any excess or saggy skin is removed and the remaining skin is stitched up.

In general we’ve found that here in the Santa Ana area, Deep Plane Facelifts and SMAS Facelifts will give the exact same results for most individuals with mild to moderate signs of aging in the face. When done by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, a SMAS facelift will give the same results that a Deep Plane Facelift will with quicker recovery along with a lower cost.

If you live in the orange county , Santa Ana area and are interested in learning more about which facelift is right for you, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with triple board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Sajjadian!