SMAS face lift
SMAS Face Lift
Traditional face lift with repositioning of the SMAS layer for durable, natural results.
Duration
3-4 hours
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Result
Stabilized result at 3 months; lasts 10-12 years
Overview
SMAS lift is the established international standard for rejuvenation of the lower and middle facial thirds. The technique treats not only the skin but also the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), which is responsible for facial structure. Repositioning this layer offers results that cannot be obtained through non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures.
Dr. Mubariz Mammadli performs SMAS lift through hidden preauricular incisions, shaping the SMAS through plication, excision or flaps depending on patient anatomy. The difference from simple skin lift is durability: skin alone relapses in 2-3 years, while SMAS maintains the result for 10-12 years.
Who it is for
- Patients 45-65 with marked lower facial third ptosis
- People with visible jowls (cheek descent)
- Patients with deep nasolabial and marionette folds
- People with reduced skin elasticity
- Patients seeking durable results of 10+ years
Procedure overview
- Consultation with assessment of SMAS, skin and fat compartments
- General anesthesia
- Hidden preauricular incisions extended retroauricularly
- Skin dissection and isolation of the SMAS layer
- SMAS repositioning by plication/excision + skin redraping
Recovery and aftercare
- Compressive bandage for 24-48 hours
- Drains for 24-48 hours (if applicable)
- Edema and bruising for 10-14 days
- Sutures removed at 7 days
- Return to activity in 14-21 days
Frequently asked questions
How much does a SMAS face lift cost in Bucharest?
The price depends on the extent of surgery and associated techniques (neck lift, lipofilling). The exact fee, with hospitalization and follow-ups, is set at consultation.
How does it differ from a mini-lift or skin-only lift?
Mini-lifts and skin-only lifts treat only the skin, with results that relapse in 2-3 years. SMAS lift repositions the deep muscular layer, offering 10-12 year durability and a natural appearance without obvious tension.
Will the scars be visible?
Incisions are hidden in the preauricular crease, around the earlobe and retroauricularly, along the hairline. After complete healing (6-12 months), scars are practically invisible.
When can I return to work?
Socially acceptable appearance is reached in 2-3 weeks after major bruising resolves. Office activity can resume in 14-21 days depending on individual tolerance.
Will I look operated on?
No, when the technique is correctly applied. Modern SMAS lift avoids the pulled or mask-like look through vertical and deep repositioning of structures, not simple skin tension.
Relevant results
Facial harmony
Combined before and after image for discreet facial harmonization.
Balanced profile
Combined before and after image for profile refinement.
Natural contour
Combined before and after image for more balanced proportions.
Individual results may vary. Images are shared with patient consent.
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