How Long Does an SMAS Facelift Last?

The SMAS Facelift procedure is designed to restore a more youthful appearance to the face by repositioning muscles under the skin.

A facelift is a type of cosmetic surgery to provide a younger, firmer appearance to your face. Superficial musculo aponeurotic system (SMAS) is the group of facial muscles and tissues that tend to become saggy with aging. It is a layer of tissue that occurs under the skin of your face and provides facial elasticity and support. 

The SMAS facelift technique is especially suitable for people seeking to improve cosmetic changes in their faces and necks due to aging.

The surgery is useful for patients who have

• Sagging or hollow cheeks
• Deepening of the crease between the nose and lips
• Prominent skin around the lower jawline (jowls)

• Your surgeon will rehearse the operative steps on your face before the surgery.
• They will grasp your skin to understand how much skin tightening needs to be done to get the best results.
• They will make markings on your face to guide surgical cuts.
• Your face will be cleaned with antiseptic solution and drapes will be applied.
• After you have been prepared for the procedure, you will be given anesthesia.
• Because the facelift is a long surgery, local anesthesia with regular monitoring helps to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the entire procedure.
• The surgeon will then make surgical cuts on your skin.
• Then, they will lift the facial tissue and muscle beneath the skin.
• The lifted muscles and skin will be rearranged into a more desirable position, and excess skin will be removed. 
• The surgeon will stitch the skin on your face to minimize and camouflage scarring.
• Finally, dressing and drainage tubes are placed. 

Patients usually report satisfaction with the results of an SMAS facelift and rarely need revision surgery or touchups. Some even seek more facelift surgery in several years as they age.

Recovery is reasonably swift after a SMAS facelift. The patient typically can take a shower during the first postoperative evening. The stitches in front are removed on the fifth day and those behind them around the eighth day. Even the need for painkillers is usually minimal. 

The patient’s activity increases with each passing day. 

The patient will need to visit the doctor weekly for the first five weeks. 

Thereafter, three monthly follow-up visits are required, followed by annual visits.

The facelift will not give you permanent results. With aging, there will be changes in your face, despite the facelift. 

Several factors such as your age, general health and addictions determine how long you can expect the results to last. On average, the results can last anywhere from 10 to 12 years. 

SMAS facelift is a relatively safe surgery. The complications, although rare, include:

• Nerve injury
• Bleeding
• Loss or sloughing of the facial skin
• Pain
• Muscle injury 
• Fever
• Infection
• Scarring
• Changes in skin color
• Numbness