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Why the SMAS Facelift Is Better Than a Skin-Only Facelift

Posted March 30, 2017 in Facelift, Skin-Only Facelift, SMAS Facelift, Uncategorized

Facelift surgery is a delicate process. Surgeons must be careful with their technique so that they produce natural-looking results that can withstand the test of time. Over the years, plastic surgeons have learned which facelift techniques are best in terms of the quality and longevity of the results. For these reasons, Dr. Taleisnik prefers the SMAS facelift technique over the “skin-only” facelift technique.

Facelift Surgery Then and Now

In the early days of facelift surgery, people were right to be wary of the procedure because patients often came out looking “windswept” or “stretched” instead of merely looking more youthful. Now, due to advancements in science and technology, modern facelift techniques can produce more natural-looking results. This could be why the number of facelift procedures is so high today—in fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nearly 121,000 facelifts were performed across the country in 2016. The best plastic surgeons of today use a scientific and technical approach called the SMAS technique, which includes skin and muscle tightening and produces youthful, natural-looking results.

Facelift Before and After PhotosWhere the Skin-Only Facelift Falls Short

A “skin-only” facelift is the technique that was originally used for facelift surgery and is still used in some plastic surgery practices. Here, the surgeon simply removes excess skin and lifts or tightens the remaining skin. This technique would be ideal if it were only the skin that is affected by aging. However, as our understanding of the aging process has improved, we know that the underlying musculature of the face also changes over time. Tightening the skin alone without addressing the facial muscles poses two threats: its results can look somewhat unnatural, and the benefits do not last as long because the problems are not addressed in full. Because of these disadvantages, it is rare that Dr. Taleisnik even performs this technique.

How the SMAS Facelift Supersedes the Skin-Only Facelift

“SMAS” is short for “superficial muscular aponeurotic system” and refers to an area of facial musculature that can be manipulated with facelift surgery. The SMAS facelift tightens both the skin and underlying muscle to rejuvenate the face. Because this technique directly addresses both sagging skin and muscles, the surgeon can provide a more durable foundation before re-draping the skin. The muscles will not stretch as quickly as the skin, which means that the results can last much longer. The results often look more natural and avoid the “stretched” appearance. Dr. Taleisnik prefers the SMAS facelift over the skin-only facelift and frequently uses this technique to help patients reach their aesthetic goals and achieve a more rejuvenated appearance.

 
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrés Taleisnik is experienced in performing the SMAS facelift technique. He can perform your facelift surgery to help you achieve a more youthful appearance. Call (714) 538-8549 or fill out our online contact form to request your personal consultation with Dr. Taleisnik today.

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