SMAS Facelift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY

SMAS Facelift Dr. Jennifer Levine

A SMAS facelift is a specialized surgical procedure that rejuvenates the face by tightening the skin and underlying muscular structures, offering longer-lasting and more natural-looking results compared to facelifts that only address the skin. (1)

Visible aging in the lower face and neck often leads individuals to explore cosmetic surgery as a long-term solution. A SMAS facelift, which targets the deeper layer of tissue beneath the skin, is a specialized facelift technique. By repositioning the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS), this procedure improves sagging, softens deep folds, and restores youthful contours. Dr. Jennifer Levine, a recognized authority in facial aesthetics, offers SMAS facelifts at her Manhattan practice with a focus on anatomical accuracy, long-lasting results, and personalized treatment.

Dr. Levine is double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Her background in head and neck surgery, combined with her specialization in facial cosmetic procedures, places her among a small group of experts uniquely qualified to perform SMAS facelifts in New York City. She personally performs all consultations for surgical procedures, ensuring that each treatment plan is rooted in a deep understanding of the patient’s facial structure, goals, and concerns.

If you are considering a SMAS facelift to restore definition to the jawline, address jowling, or improve sagging in the neck and lower face, contact Dr. Levine’s office online or call (212) 517-9400 to schedule your consultation.

About SMAS Facelift

The SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses the signs of aging in the lower face and neck by lifting and securing the deeper facial tissues. Unlike lifts that rely solely on tightening the surface skin, this method focuses on repositioning the SMAS—a fibromuscular layer composed of facial expression muscles, fibrous connective tissue, and small fat compartments that lies beneath the skin and plays a central role in facial expressions and structure. (2) This method also focuses on repositioning the skin as well.

By manipulating this foundational layer, the SMAS facelift achieves more durable and natural-looking improvements in areas such as the jawline, nasolabial folds, cheeks, and neck. The technique also allows for a more thorough correction of facial drooping without causing a tight or unnatural appearance.

SMAS Facelift vs. Deep Plane Facelift

A common question many patients have is how an SMAS facelift differs from a deep plane facelift. While both target the deeper structural layers of the face, they differ in technique and extent of tissue repositioning. A SMAS facelift focuses on tightening and lifting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, which improves sagging. This approach is often used to address the jawline, jowls, and neck.

A deep plane facelift, on the other hand, goes a step deeper by addressing an additional layer below the SMAS. Ultimately, this technique releases and repositions the SMAS and the deeper ligaments as a single unit. This provides more comprehensive, longer-lasting lift and makes it ideal for patients with more intense sagging and heavier tissue.

Benefits

This procedure offers reliable, well-documented benefits for eligible patients. Some of these benefits include:

  • Refined lower facial contours: The procedure restores jawline definition and minimizes jowling
  • Improved neck profile: Laxity and sagging under the chin are addressed as part of the same treatment
  • Long-lasting structural support: By lifting the SMAS layer, Dr. Levine provides results that last
  • Subtle, natural appearance: The focus on deeper tissues helps preserve normal facial movement and avoid an overly tight or “pulled” look

Candidates

Individuals seeking this treatment typically have moderate to advanced signs of aging in the lower face and neck. Common candidates are those who:

  • Are in good general health
  • Do not smoke or are willing to stop in the weeks surrounding surgery
  • Have noticeable sagging around the jawline, cheeks, or neck
  • Desire stable, long-term results
  • Have realistic expectations about recovery and outcomes

During your consultation, Dr. Levine will assess your facial anatomy and health history to determine whether this procedure is appropriate for your goals.

Personal Consultation

Every procedure Dr. Levine performs begins with a one-on-one consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Levine will review your medical history, evaluate your facial structure, and ask about your aesthetic concerns. This step is essential for determining whether a SMAS facelift aligns with your needs or whether an alternate or additional procedure would be more suitable.

Dr. Levine’s double-board certification and extensive knowledge offer her a level of specialization that many other surgeons cannot match. Her familiarity with facial anatomy allows her to customize your treatment to both improve your appearance and protect your unique facial identity, and this will be reflected in your treatment plan.

You can schedule your consultation online or call our office at (212) 517-9400 to get started on your rejuvenation journey.

Preparation

Preparing for a SMAS facelift involves several important steps that help ensure a safe procedure and a smooth recovery. After your consultation, Dr. Levine and her staff will provide personalized instructions tailored to your medical history, lifestyle, and surgical plan. Patients will be advised to stop smoking at least several weeks before and after surgery, as nicotine can interfere with circulation and wound healing. Dr. Levine will also review any medications or supplements you are taking to determine which should be paused before the procedure. In particular, blood-thinning medications and supplements should be avoided.

You will need to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you on the day of surgery and stay with you during the initial phase of recovery. In the days leading up to your SMAS facelift, it is important to follow all instructions closely and communicate any new symptoms or concerns with Dr. Levine. This level of preparation supports optimal surgical results and sets the stage for a more comfortable recovery experience.

Procedure

Dr. Levine performs SMAS facelifts at her Manhattan facility using twilight anesthesia, also known as IV sedation. This form of anesthesia keeps patients relaxed and pain-free throughout surgery while offering a lighter, faster recovery than general anesthesia. Dr. Levine will begin your procedure by making discreet incisions near the ears and hairline to access the SMAS layer.

Once she reaches the deeper tissues, Dr. Levine will carefully release and reposition connective tissues, lift the SMAS layer, and secure it in a more youthful position. This method restores volume to the cheeks and improves facial definition, especially around the jaw and chin. Once the muscle adjustments are complete, she will redrape the skin over the new contours and close the incisions with precision.

Because of her double-board certification and extensive training in both plastic surgery and otolaryngology, Dr. Levine performs this procedure with a high level of anatomical accuracy and surgical precision, minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues and reducing recovery time.

Recovery

Recovery following a SMAS facelift requires patience and consistent follow-up. Most patients will experience swelling and bruising in the first two weeks. Dr. Levine and her staff will provide you with post-operative instructions, including how to care for the incisions, manage discomfort, and reduce inflammation.

Patients typically return to non-strenuous daily routines within two weeks and resume more intense physical activity after four to six weeks. While most visible healing takes place within the first few weeks, full healing continues for up to one year. Dr. Levine will schedule follow-up appointments during this period to monitor your progress and support long-term recovery.

Results

As swelling resolves, patients begin to see gradual improvements in jawline contour, cheek volume, and lower face definition. The results of a SMAS facelift are known to last several years, especially when performed by a surgeon with specific expertise in this technique.

Patients report looking more refreshed and youthful while still appearing like themselves. Dr. Levine emphasizes proportion and facial harmony rather than aggressive lifting, which is why the outcomes look both natural and age-appropriate.

Corresponding Procedures

Many facelift patients choose to combine it with other procedures for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. These treatments are often performed during the same surgical session to reduce overall recovery times.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

While the SMAS facelift helps patients achieve rejuvenation from a structural standpoint, many patients find it beneficial to also enhance facial skin imperfections while undergoing this procedure to achieve more complete facial rejuvenation. One of the popular methods for doing this is through laser skin resurfacing, which is often performed using the ContourTRL laser by Sciton, a state-of-the-art laser designed to address a variety of skin imperfections.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

While the SMAS facelift improves the lower face, it does not address signs of aging around the eyes. For patients experiencing upper eyelid heaviness or under-eye puffiness, Dr. Levine may recommend eyelid surgery to refresh the eye area and enhance the overall outcome.

Brow Lift

A brow lift can elevate drooping brows and smooth forehead lines. Patients with a heavy brow or tired expression often benefit from combining this with a lower facelift, especially if they want a more balanced and lifted facial appearance.

Each of these procedures targets a specific region of the face, and Dr. Levine will help you decide whether combining treatments is appropriate for your anatomy and goals.

Cost of SMAS Facelift in NYC, New York

The total cost of a SMAS facelift depends on the extent of the procedure and whether additional treatments are included. Dr. Levine will provide a personalized cost estimate after your consultation. This estimate will reflect anticipated fees related to your specific plan, such as anesthesia, surgical facility use, and follow-up care.

Schedule your consultation today to begin exploring your SMAS facelift possibilities. If you have any further questions, please call our Manhattan office directly at (212) 517-9400.

FAQ

How long does it take to recover from a SMAS facelift?

Initial recovery typically takes two to three weeks, with a return to full activities after four to six weeks. Complete healing can take up to one year. Patient experiences may vary.

Does a SMAS facelift provide permanent results?

While no facelift can stop the aging process, SMAS facelifts are known for their longevity. Many patients enjoy results for ten years or longer, although results are subject to vary from patient to patient. The duration of results is largely dependent on factors such as lifestyle and genetics.

Will my SMAS facelift look natural?

Yes. The SMAS technique focuses on lifting deeper tissues rather than pulling the skin, which results in a natural, refreshed appearance.

Can I get a SMAS facelift with twilight anesthesia?

Yes. Dr. Levine performs this procedure under twilight anesthesia in her Manhattan facility. This method allows for a comfortable surgical experience without general anesthesia. What makes Dr. Levine qualified to perform this procedure? Dr. Levine is double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Her expertise in facial anatomy and surgical precision makes her uniquely suited to perform SMAS facelifts.

Can I combine a SMAS facelift with other facial procedures?

Yes. Many patients combine a SMAS facelift with a neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery to achieve a more balanced and complete rejuvenation.

References

  1. del Toro E, Aldrich J. Extended SMAS Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562296/
  2. Whitney ZB, Jain M, Zito PM. Anatomy, Skin, Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) Fascia. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519014/