The SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure performed by Dr. Burchhardt for comprehensive facial enhancement. This procedure tightens the muscles and connective tissues underneath the skin to address sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and muscle laxity. Dr. Burchhardt uses her artistic insight and surgical expertise to help you achieve a more youthful appearance.
A Lesson in Anatomy: The SMAS Layer
The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer is a complex network of facial muscles and connective tissue beneath the skin. It provides essential support to the facial tissues and is responsible for maintaining the face’s youthful contours. Signs of aging become evident as the SMAS layer gradually loses its elasticity and resilience. This results in sagging jowls, deepening of nasolabial folds, and loose skin along the neck and jawline. The SMAS layer needs to be lifted and skin loosely re-draped to ensure a natural-looking result. During a SMAS lift, Dr. Burchhardt skillfully lifts the skin and tightens the SMAS layer, restoring a youthful contour to the face. By addressing the skin and the underlying structure, Dr. Burchhardt ensures long-lasting and natural-looking results that enhance your overall appearance.
SMAS Facelift: An Overview
An SMAS facelift is a sophisticated surgical technique to address aging-related facial and neck concerns. It involves tightening the underlying muscle and connective tissue (SMAS layer) and repositioning and trimming excess skin to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This approach targets deep tissue laxity, sagging jowls, and wrinkles, resulting in natural and long-lasting facial rejuvenation. Dr. Burchhardt often combines the SMAS facelift with a neck lift (platysmaplasty) to address the lower face.
SMAS Facelift Corrects:
- Sagging skin
- Deep tissue laxity
- Jowls and jawline definition
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
SMAS Facelift vs. Deep Plane Facelift
To achieve natural-looking facial rejuvenation, the SMAS layer of the face needs to be tightened or repositioned, with excess skin removed and the remaining skin redraped. The primary distinction between an SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift lies in the surgical techniques and plane of dissection. In an SMAS facelift, the skin is lifted separately from the SMAS, and the SMAS is tightened prior to redraping the skin. Conversely, in a deep plane facelift, the skin, muscles, and SMAS are elevated and repositioned together. Dr. Burchhardt determines the appropriate surgical technique after thoroughly evaluating your facial anatomy and signs of aging.
The SMAS Facelift + Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
The SMAS facelift can be combined with a neck lift (platysmaplasty) for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. A neck lift targets the neck’s sagging skin, muscle bands, and excess fat deposits. During this procedure, Dr. Burchhardt tightens and repositions the underlying platysma muscle, removes excess skin, and sculpts the neck and jawline for a more youthful and defined look. Combining a neck lift and facelift is the most common facial rejuvenation procedure to address the face, jawline, and neck.
Preparing for a SMAS Facelift
Preparation prior to a facelift is essential to ensure a successful and safe procedure. First, during an initial consultation, Dr. Burchhardt will thoroughly evaluate your health, medical history, and aesthetic goals. Providing complete and honest information about your health is crucial, including any medications, allergies, or preexisting conditions. Smoking and certain medications will need to be avoided before surgery.
You’ll receive specific pre-operative instructions, such as discontinuing certain medications and arranging for transportation on the day of the procedure. In the weeks leading up to your facelift, you may be advised to refrain from aspirin or blood-thinning medications and maintain a healthy lifestyle to optimize healing. Following Dr. Burchhardt’s guidance will help ensure a successful SMAS facelift.
Benefits of a SMAS Facelift:
- Comprehensive facial rejuvenation
- Addresses sagging skin and deep tissue laxity
- Improves jawline definition
- Smoothes wrinkles and fine lines
- Long-lasting results
- Natural-looking outcomes
- Suitable for advanced signs of aging
- Customizable to individual needs
SMAS Facelift Recovery & Results
After your SMAS facelift, you can expect a gradual recovery. In the initial days of recovery, you’ll experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Dr. Burchhardt will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including pain management and wound care, to minimize discomfort and optimize healing. Follow these instructions to ensure the best possible results.
Over the weeks and months following your SMAS facelift, you’ll notice the gradual emergence of your refreshed appearance. The final results become visible within several months as any residual swelling subsides and your tissues settle into the new contours. The extent of improvement will depend on various factors, including your unique anatomy. Dr. Burchhardt performs her facelifts so that the results and improvement in your facial structure will last for years to come.
SMAS Facelift FAQs
How long does the recovery period typically last after a full facelift?
The recovery time varies from person to person, but most individuals can expect to see significant improvement within the first few weeks. The majority of the recovery, with minimal residual swelling or tightness remaining, occurs over two to three months.
Are there any risks or potential complications associated with this procedure?
Like any surgery, there are inherent risks involved, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve damage, or anesthesia-related complications. As a double board-certified surgeon specializing only in the face and neck, Dr. Burchhardt takes all available precautions and provides detailed aftercare instructions to minimize these risks.
How long do the results of a SMAS facelift typically last?
While the results are long-lasting, the aging process continues, and with time, skin laxity and tissue descent will reform. Dr. Burchhardt designs her facelifts so that the rejuvenated appearance can be enjoyed for years to come.
Am I a suitable candidate for a SMAS facelift?
The ideal candidates are generally in good health, do not smoke, and have skin and deep tissue laxity in the face and neck. Please consult Dr. Burchhardt to determine your candidacy for a facelift.
Can a SMAS facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, it can. Many individuals combine a facelift with procedures like a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or brow lift for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Will I have visible scars after a SMAS facelift?
Dr. Burchhardt makes discreet incisions along the hairline, behind the ears, and under the chin to reduce their visibility. Furthermore, Dr. Burchhardt offers detailed guidelines to heal the scars, and with time they continue to fade.
When can I return to work or regular activities after a SMAS facelift?
Most patients can return to light activities within two weeks but should refrain from workouts or strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.
Why Choose Dr. Burchhardt?
Dr. Daniela Burchhardt is an exceptional choice when considering a full facelift. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, she focuses solely on cosmetic surgeries of the neck and face. She has a keen awareness of the intricacies of facial and neck tissues. Dr. Burchhardt pairs a woman’s touch and refined aesthetic sensibilities with technical skill and surgical expertise, helping you achieve facial balance and harmony with beautifully natural results. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Burchhardt for natural-looking facial rejuvenation.
