It is less invasive than a regular facelift, and recovery or recuperation is faster.

The SMAS (superficialmuscularaponeuroticsystem) is a layer that connects face and neck muscles to the skin.

It contains fibers, collagen, and connective tissue and plays a key role in facial expression.

Plastic surgeon touching woman’s face

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What Is a SMAS Facelift?

It includes muscles, fibers,collagen, and fat.

As you age, your skin and the SMAS lose theirelasticity.

What Does a SMAS Facelift Correct?

Talk to your plastic surgeon to discuss your appearance, healing, and recovery expectations.

Your face will be marked for the placement of incisions.

An incision is made at your temple, above the hairline.

It will extend downward along the natural creases of the skin and curve behind the ears.

It will extend downward along the skin’s natural creases and curve in front and behind the ears.

Most of the scars will be hidden within the hair and the normal creases of the skin.

How Long Is the Procedure?

The SMAS facelift may take several hours to complete, depending on the extent of the procedure.

You should be able to go home the same day as the surgery.

During recovery, you will have a head dressing anddrainage tubes.

You should expect to have some swelling, bruising, numbness, and discomfort for a few weeks.

It is less invasive than a regular facelift, and recovery or healing is faster.

Potential risks include the usual risks of surgery and nerve damage in the face or undesired results.

A Word From Verywell

Signs of aging can affect your self-esteem and confidence.

These feelings can negatively impact your career, relationships, or how you are experiencing life.

The results last about 10 to 15 years on average.

The average cost is about $8,000.

However, this average cost usually does not include anesthesia, surgical facilities, or other related expenses.

However, the SMAS technique allows for more customization of the shape of a persons face.

This is because the surgeon can move the skin and SMAS layer separately.

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