Home

SMASbased

SMASbased refers to a family of facial rejuvenation techniques that surgically mobilize and reposition the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to restore facial contour. The SMAS is a fibromuscular layer that envelops the facial muscles; by elevating and retensioning this layer, surgeons can lift sagging tissues more securely than skin-only procedures, addressing the jawline, jowls, nasolabial folds, and midface support. The concept emerged in the late 20th century and includes non-excisional methods such as SMAS plication or imbrication, as well as excisional SMASectomy, often combined with platysmaplasty. Extended SMAS techniques extend the dissection into the neck to improve cervical contour. Some practitioners distinguish SMASbased approaches from deep plane facelift, which involves a deeper dissection that can mobilize midface tissues differently; in practice, techniques and terminology vary by surgeon.

Indications typically include moderate to severe facial aging with descent of malar fat, jowling, and neck

laxity
when
a
longer-lasting
and
more
natural
elevation
is
desired
compared
with
skin-only
lifts.
Benefits
include
improved
durability
and
a
more
natural
elevation
of
the
midface
and
jawline,
with
potentially
longer-lasting
results.
Risks
are
those
common
to
facelift
surgery,
notably
injury
to
branches
of
the
facial
nerve,
hematoma,
infection,
asymmetry,
and
contour
irregularities;
outcomes
depend
on
patient
factors
and
surgeon
experience.
Recovery
usually
involves
swelling
and
bruising
for
days
to
weeks.
SMASbased
techniques
remain
a
core
option
in
facial
rejuvenation,
offering
versatile
planning
and
customization
for
individual
anatomy.