Question:
Can you explain what an SMAS lift is?
Answer:
The SMAS lift refers to the layer in the face that contains the attachments to all the deeper tissues, specifically the muscles of the lower two-thirds facial region. The SMAS is best identified along the front of the ear with performing a facelift whereby suspending it, it can create a permanent, more youthful appearance. Essentially, the difference between an SMAS lift versus a non-SMAS facelift is that an SMAS lift is a longer lasting lift. With an SMAS lift, you not only get a longer lasting result but also a more natural appearance with a facelift, avoiding any tension on the skin which can result in pulled earlobes and avoidable sequelae of facelift surgery and a pulled skin look. For 20 years now, I have been almost exclusively performing these SMAS lifts and have been very happy with the satisfaction and results it gives my patients.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
