Facelifts can consistently accentuate someone’s appearance, making them seem younger. In the medical field, these procedures are called rhytidectomies. Generally, they smooth wrinkles, tighten the jowls and address laxity in the neck. Consequently, you can reverse aging’s effect on your appearance by nearly a decade. SMAS and deep plane techniques deliver natural-looking results, making them incredibly popular. Here is what you should know about these two approaches to cosmetic enhancement.
What Is a Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System Facelift?
The SMAS facelift corrects sagging skin in the neck and lower two-thirds of the face. Usually, it is performed to help somebody get rid of excess fat, jowls, and lost volume in the cheeks. In addition to improving a person’s cosmetics, it is not as invasive as other techniques.
The superficial muscular aponeurotic system lies beneath the skin, encompassing a muscle network. These muscles participate in facial expressions, changing to accommodate smiles. Since they are covered by connective tissue, they are the face’s most important feature.
As the body ages, skin loses its elasticity, particularly in the epidermis. Furthermore, the SMAS membrane’s elasticity decreases with age, contributing to aging. For example, somebody may acquire fleshy jowls or a double chin. Sometimes, the cheek fat will begin to sag forward, accentuating the nasolabial folds.
Once you have aged, the SMAS descends into the lower two-thirds of the face. As a consequence, the front edge of the platysma muscles is seen in the neck, creating a “turkey neck.”
The SMAS procedure will counteract some of these changes by reducing sagging skin. Additionally, it will remove fat, trim excess skin, and tighten the face’s flesh.
After you decide to get this procedure, a doctor will schedule an appointment for you. Then, you will be put under anesthesia, sedating you during the surgery. Once sedated, a doctor will utilize scalpels to cut several incisions along the temple. From there, they will implement several more slices downward, following the face’s creases.
The staff will tug and pull the facial and neck tissue afterward, tightening it safely. Any excess skin will be removed and redraped over the face. In general, this procedure will require multiple hours to complete entirely.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift
Alternatively, a surgeon may prefer a deep plane technique, targeting deeper structures. Compared to the SMAS, this approach can elucidate a few differences. By addressing key ligaments and deeper attachments, the lifting may be more thorough.
Although the results are similar to what you see with SMAS, they can appear more natural. Moreover, many surgeons believe a deep plane facelift produces longer-lasting results. Similarly, the surgeon can alleviate mid-face sagging by repositioning the cheek’s fat pads.
How to Decide Which Technique Should Be Used?
Regardless of approach, getting a facelift will shave years of anyone’s appearance. However, each technique focuses on separate tissue layers in the face. Generally, it is best to ask your surgeon which approach would be most effective.
Both techniques will rejuvenate your appearance, leaving you refreshed and renewed. Nevertheless, you may want to see a couple of before and after photos for comparison. Once you have found a picture you like, ask about the procedure used for that client.
Potential Risks Associated With Facelift Techniques
Overall, a facelift is a relatively benign procedure addressing cosmetic concerns. For the most part, the only risk involved will be general surgery risks, such as anesthesia.
In rare cases, surgery can adversely impact somebody’s facial nerves, damaging them. On the other hand, the vast majority of procedures are complete without significant complications.
Advanced technology has enabled further improvements to age skin. For example, a doctor can stimulate collagen production, creating a firmer appearance. These techniques include micro-needling, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels. After your surgery is done, the doctor may monitor you and suggest something else. If you benefit from the facelift, they may recommend liposuction to treat a double chin. On the other hand, a blepharoplasty may be recommended to address dulled eyes. Therefore, it is important to complete any follow-up appointments and consult with them.
