A facelift aims to improve the appearance of the face by tightening loose skin. The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift goes one step further — it also targets the underlying muscles and connective tissues to provide dramatic results. Dr. Lalezar specializes in SMAS facelift in NYC to reverse advanced signs of aging.
What is an SMAS Facelift?
The SMAS is a layer of tissues found in the face consisting of muscle, fat, and connective tissues. It is located beneath the skin and supports the overall facial structure. During an SMAS facelift, Dr. Lalezar tightens and repositions the SMAS layer to lift and rejuvenate the face. In contrast to other facelift techniques, the SMAS facelift targets the deeper layers of the face to provide more comprehensive rejuvenation.
The Goals of SMAS Facelift:
- Lifting and tightening the skin and underlying SMAS layer
- Tightening loose skin in the mid and lower face
- Reducing wrinkles and lines in the mid and lower face
- Improving the appearance of the neck
- Enhancing the contours of the face
- Reversing advanced signs of facial aging, such as jowls, nasolabial folds, and creases
SMAS Facelift vs. Other Facelift Techniques
There are several different facelift techniques available, each with its own set of benefits. Some of the main differences between a SMAS facelift in NYC and other facelift techniques include:
- Comprehensive Rejuvenation: The SMAS facelift targets the deeper layers of the face, including the muscle and connective tissue, to provide more comprehensive rejuvenation. Other facelift techniques, such as a mini facelift, may only address the skin.
- Longer-Lasting Results: Because the SMAS facelift targets the underlying tissue, the results may be longer-lasting, making you look more youthful for over a decade.
- More Invasive: The SMAS facelift is more invasive than other facelift techniques because it repositions the muscles and underlying tissues. This may lead to a longer recovery period.
- Dramatic Results: The SMAS facelift is suitable for older patients with advanced signs of aging, such as mid-face sagging, excess facial skin, lax jowls, and loose submental skin.
How to Find the Best Facelift Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon for your facelift is one of the most important steps in your journey. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a qualified expert:
- Verify Board Certification – Ensure your surgeon is board-certified by a reputable organization, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the appropriate certifying body for their specialty. Board certification indicates advanced training, ethical standards, and a commitment to patient safety.
- Hospital Affiliations – A top-tier surgeon should have privileges at a respected hospital and be in good standing within their medical community.
- Reputation Among Peers – A well-regarded surgeon will be respected by other medical professionals and known for their expertise, patient care, and results.
- Patient Testimonials & Experience – Speak to past patients who have undergone similar procedures to gain insight into their experiences and satisfaction with their results.
Remember, this is your journey, and your consultation is just as much an interview of the surgeon as it is an evaluation of your candidacy for surgery. Come prepared with questions, and ensure that your doctor listens attentively to your goals, concerns, and expectations. A skilled facelift surgeon is not only technically proficient but also deeply attuned to your unique aesthetic vision.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Frank Lalezar is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic procedures for the face, breasts, and body. A graduate of Cornell University, he earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and refined his skills at Stony Brook University Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center. Recognized as a rising star in New York’s medical community, he has received multiple awards for his research and contributions to plastic surgery publications. Dr. Lalezar takes a personalized approach, tailoring procedures to each patient’s anatomy and goals, ensuring exceptional results and the highest standard of care. Schedule an appointment to explore your options for a SMAS facelift in NYC.
What Does the SMAS Facelift Procedure Entail?
During your consultation with Dr. Lalezar, he will carefully assess your facial structure and discuss the most suitable facelift technique for your unique needs. The SMAS facelift is designed to provide natural-looking results with minimal visible scarring. Dr. Lalezar strategically places incisions within the natural contours of the ear—hiding them behind the tragus and along the ear crease—to ensure discreet healing. This meticulous approach means that even with hair pulled back or worn short, the incisions remain nearly invisible, allowing for a seamless and refined appearance.
To achieve long-lasting and natural rejuvenation, Dr. Lalezar lifts and repositions key layers of the facial structure, focusing on the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System). This technique targets moderate sagging by tightening underlying muscle and tissue for a firmer, youthful contour. Every facelift is customized to the patient’s unique anatomy, ensuring a harmonious and natural result that enhances your natural beauty rather than altering it.
What Will My Facelift Incisions Look Like?
Even with the most advanced facelift techniques, Dr. Lalezar’s meticulous approach ensures that incisions are as discreet as possible. He specializes in strategically placing incisions within the natural contours of the face—inside the tragus of the ear, behind the ear in the natural crease, and along the hairline—so they blend seamlessly with your skin.
Dr. Lalezar also utilizes precise, micro-suturing techniques, meticulously closing incisions in layers to promote optimal healing and minimal scarring. As your incisions heal and mature, they become barely visible to the human eye—if at all—allowing you to enjoy a natural, rejuvenated appearance with no obvious signs of surgery.
Your Recovery Journey After A SMAS Facelift
After a SMAS facelift, you can expect swelling and bruising for a few weeks. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, but it may take several months for the final results to be visible. Dr. Lalezar will provide detailed instructions on caring for your incisions and what to expect during recovery. Please follow his instructions to ensure optimal results after your New York City SMAS facelift.
SMAS Facelift FAQs
What are the side effects of an SMAS facelift?
Common side effects of an SMAS facelift include swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated areas, which usually subside within a few weeks. Some patients may also experience tightness or numbness in the skin as the nerves heal.
How much younger does an SMAS facelift make you look?
Results from an SMAS facelift can make patients look approximately 10-15 years younger, depending on their features and the degree of correction needed. By addressing deep tissues and removing sagging skin, the procedure restores youthful contours and reduces visible signs of aging like jowls and deep folds. The results are natural and long-lasting.
How much does an SMAS facelift cost?
The cost of an SMAS facelift varies based on the surgeon’s expertise and the complexity of the procedure. During your consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your goals, curate a personalized surgical plan, and provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your specific needs.
Am I a candidate for a SMAS facelift?
Candidates for an SMAS facelift are typically individuals in their 40s to 60s experiencing moderate to severe sagging in the lower face and neck. The ideal candidates are in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. A consultation with Dr. Lalezar will help determine if the procedure aligns with your aesthetic goals.
How should I prepare for SMAS facelift surgery?
Once you’ve made the decision to move forward with this transformative procedure, preparation is key. You will need to obtain medical clearance from your primary physician to ensure you are in optimal health for surgery. Detailed pre-operative instructions will be provided, along with prescriptions that should be filled in advance. If specialized post-surgical garments are required, they will be arranged for you by Dr. Lalezar’s office.
For patients traveling from outside the area, we recommend staying at a nearby luxury hotel for at least two nights following surgery to ensure comfort and convenience during your initial recovery. Our team can assist in coordinating accommodations and, if desired, private nursing care for additional support.
What is the ideal age for a facelift?
There is no universal “right age” for a facelift—rather, the best time is when you personally feel ready. If you notice signs of aging that concern you and impact your confidence, that is the right time to schedule a consultation. Most importantly, any cosmetic procedure should be a decision made for yourself, not in response to external pressures. Your well-being and satisfaction are always our top priorities.
