Back to Photo Gallery
Back to Photo Gallery
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sultan to learn more about this procedure and how it can possibly benefit you. exit

SMAS Facelift

What Is a SMAS Facelift?

A SMAS facelift targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a layer of tissue beneath your skin. This technique lifts and repositions the SMAS layer, creating support for your facial structures. Unlike traditional facelifts, which only tighten the skin, a SMAS facelift addresses the underlying cause of sagging.

Learn More

Difference between SMAS and traditional skin-only facelift

Traditional facelifts pull and remove excess skin without addressing deeper tissues. A SMAS facelift lifts the muscle and tissue layer beneath your skin, providing structural support. This approach creates more natural contours and longer-lasting results.

Targeted areas: Midface, jawline, neck

The SMAS facelift rejuvenates your midface, reducing the hollow appearance under your cheekbones. It sharpens your jawline by eliminating jowls. When combined with a neck lift, it smooths bands and loose skin in your neck area.

Achieve natural facial rejuvenation with Dr. Babar Sultan

At Sultan Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Sultan uses advanced surgical techniques to reposition your SMAS tissue without creating an overdone appearance. His approach preserves your unique facial features while restoring youthful contours. You’ll look refreshed, not altered.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Signs of aging suitable for SMAS facelift

You may benefit from a SMAS facelift if you notice midface drooping, jowls along your jawline, or loose skin around your neck. This procedure works well for moderate to advanced facial aging. It’s ideal if you want improvement beyond what non-invasive treatments can provide.

Health criteria and realistic expectations

Good candidates are in overall good health and don’t smoke. You should have realistic goals about what surgery can accomplish. During your consultation, Dr. Sultan will assess your skin quality, bone structure, and specific concerns to determine whether this procedure is a good fit for you.

The Procedure

Anesthesia and the surgical process

The SMAS facelift is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure typically takes three to four hours. You’ll be comfortable throughout, and you can return home the same day.

SMAS tissue lifting and repositioning

Dr. Sultan accesses the SMAS layer through carefully placed incisions. He lifts and repositions this tissue to restore volume to your midface and define your jawline. This deeper approach provides the structural foundation for lasting results.

Skin redraping and incision placement

After repositioning the SMAS layer, Dr. Sultan gently redrapes your skin over the new contours, allowing it to fall naturally. Incisions are placed along your hairline and around your ears, where they’ll be well-concealed. Excess skin is trimmed before the incisions are closed.

Can be combined with a neck lift or other procedures

Many patients combine their SMAS facelift with a neck lift for comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face. You may also consider adding eyelid surgery or a brow lift to address your entire face. Dr. Sultan will discuss which combinations best meet your goals.

Recovery & Results

Swelling and bruising timeline

Expect swelling and bruising for the first week to ten days. Most visible swelling subsides within two weeks. You’ll wear a compression garment for several days to minimize swelling and support your healing tissues.

Return to work and normal activities

Most patients return to work and light activities within two weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks. Follow Dr. Sultan’s post-operative instructions carefully to support optimal healing.

Final results

You’ll notice immediate improvement once the initial swelling decreases. Your results continue to refine over the next three to six months as the tissues settle. The SMAS facelift provides natural-looking rejuvenation that typically lasts ten years or more.

Benefits of a SMAS Facelift

Long-lasting, natural results

Because the SMAS facelift addresses deeper facial structures, your results last significantly longer than skin-only procedures. You’ll enjoy a refreshed appearance without the pulled or tight look associated with older facelift techniques.

Restores midface and jawline contours

This procedure lifts your cheeks to a more youthful position and sharpens your jawline. Your facial proportions become more balanced. Together, these improvements give your face a refreshed and well-defined look.

Reduces Jjwls and neck laxity

The SMAS technique effectively eliminates jowls that age your lower face. When combined with neck rejuvenation, it creates a smooth transition from your jaw to your neck. Your profile appears more defined and youthful.

Minimal visible scarring

Dr. Sultan places incisions strategically, so they heal into fine lines that blend with natural contours. Most patients find that their scars become virtually undetectable within months. Your results look natural, not surgical.

Cost of SMAS Facelift

The cost of an SMAS facelift varies based on your specific needs and whether you combine it with additional procedures. During your consultation with Dr. Sultan, you’ll receive a detailed price estimate.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Babar Sultan

Dr. Babar Sultan is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon serving Baltimore, DC, Towson, and the surrounding areas. He completed specialized fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, focusing exclusively on procedures of the face and neck. His expertise in SMAS techniques allows him to deliver natural results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy.

Dr. Sultan takes time to understand your goals and concerns. He explains your options clearly and helps you make informed decisions about your care. His patients appreciate his detailed approach and the personal attention they receive throughout their experience.

View our before-and-after gallery to see the natural results Dr. Sultan achieves. Read patient testimonials to learn about their experiences at Sultan Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

A traditional facelift only tightens the skin layer, which can create a pulled appearance and shorter-lasting results. A SMAS facelift lifts the deeper muscle and tissue layer beneath your skin, providing structural support that produces more natural contours and longer-lasting improvement.
Most patients return to work within two weeks and resume normal activities gradually. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first ten days. You should avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks to allow proper healing.
Incisions are carefully placed along your hairline and around your ears, where they're naturally concealed. With proper care, scars can heal into fine lines that become nearly invisible. Most patients find their scars virtually undetectable within several months.
Results from a SMAS facelift typically last ten years or longer because the procedure addresses deeper facial structures. Your skin quality, lifestyle, and natural aging process influence your results. Many patients enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for over a decade.
Yes, many patients combine a SMAS facelift with a neck lift for comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. This combination addresses sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and neck bands in one procedure. Dr. Sultan will help you determine which combination best addresses your concerns.

Schedule Your Consultation

Your face tells your story. Make sure it’s the one you want to tell. Meet with Dr. Babar Sultan in Baltimore, DC, or Towson to discuss your SMAS facelift options and see if this procedure fits your goals.

Contact us at 410-296-1980 or fill out the form below to book your appointment at Sultan Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.