November 08, 2013 | Blog
3 minute read
Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S has performed hundreds of SMAS facelift procedures for patients at our Manhattan area office. If you are seeking to combat the signs of aging, an SMAS facelift could be the right choice for you.
What is an SMAS Facelift?
The concept of the facelift has evolved drastically since the first facelift procedures were performed decades ago. Where a facelift once involved nothing more than making the top layer of skin more taut and smooth, today’s more sophisticated facelifts yield more subtle and aesthetically pleasing results.
SMAS is an abbreviation for the term “Sub-Muscular Aponeurotic System,” which describes the layer of tissue just underneath the skin and surrounding the head and neck. In an SMAS facelift, the sub-muscular aponeurotic system is moved and manipulated along with the connected layers of tissue to tighten and lift the skin and muscles in the patient’s face and neck. Ultimately an SMAS facelift results in a more youthful appearance, as it addresses the signs of aging in deeper levels of skin.
The SMAS Facelift Procedure
An SMAS Facelift is a relatively simple cosmetic surgery procedure. After the patient has been put under general anesthesia, Dr. Greenberg makes carefully planned incisions in order to reach the lower sub-muscular levels of tissue within the face and neck. From there Dr. Greenberg is able to lift and suture all of these layers of skin and tissue together, ultimately hanging the suture tension on the sub-muscular apoteurotic system. As an SMAS Facelift only addresses the lower portions of the face, a patient may opt to have multiple procedures such as an eyelift done at the same time.
SMAS Facelift Recovery
As with any surgical procedure, the SMAS facelift requires a healing process before patients are able to see the procedure’s full results. You may experience bruising and swelling that can persist for a week or more after the surgery. Most patients find that pain from the procedure is easily managed with medication and subsides within less than a week.
Am I a Good Candidate for an SMAS Facelift?
You may be wondering if you are a good candidate for an SMAS facelift. Many patients meet the qualifications for this state-of-the-art cosmetic procedure.
If you are showing progressive signs of aging, then you are a strong candidate for an SMAS facelift. Because it is a surgical procedure, it is important that you are in good overall health. Patients should also be non-smokers or willing to quit for several weeks, both before and after surgery. During a consultation, your plastic surgeon will be able to thoroughly assess your individual situation and recommend an appropriate plan of action. Be sure to discuss your expectations for the outcome of the procedure with your plastic surgeon as well to ensure that your ideas of what can be achieved are in line with what can be realistically achieved.
Contact Your SMAS Facelift Specialist Today
To learn more about the SMAS Facelift and how it can work for you, contact our Manhattan cosmetic surgery practice today.