SMAS Facelift Cost and Procedure Guide

Tired of looking tired? While there is a seemingly endless array of lotions, potions and procedures that promise to remove signs of aging, the SMAS facelift is considered a gold standard when it comes to achieving long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation for the face and neck.¹

By lifting and tightening the deeper layers of the face, the SMAS facelift goes beyond surface-level improvements and addresses the structural causes of aging in the face. It may be just the refresh you are looking for!

What Is an SMAS Facelift?

An SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the face by lifting and tightening the layers of tissue and muscle beneath the skin that support facial structure and expression, known as the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system or SMAS.² By repositioning and securing the SMAS to a new, lifted position, an SMAS facelift helps to restore firmness and contour to the face.¹ 

The SMAS layer can loosen with age, contributing to sagging and the creation of deep facial folds. An SMAS facelift may be a fit if you are looking to address any of the following issues:³

• Excess neck skin
• Jowls
• Marionette lines
• Nasolabial folds
• Saggy skin
• Soft jawline

The SMAS facelift may correct these issues at the deep structures of the face, unlike other types of facelifts that only tighten the surface and can lead to an overly taut or stretched appearance.³

Types of SMAS facelifts

A standard SMAS facelift involves lifting, trimming and repositioning the SMAS layer after detaching it from deeper tissues. However, there are three SMAS variations that can be used based on your desired results.¹

• SMAS plication facelift for mild to moderate sagging. This less-invasive technique tightens and lifts the face by folding and suturing the SMAS layer.
• SMASectomy for more significant sagging. The SMASectomy facelift involves first removing a strip of the SMAS and then tightening the remaining tissue to create lift. By trimming the tissue first, the procedure achieves a more precise and defined result than other SMAS techniques.
• Extended SMAS facelift for severe sagging and wrinkles. This variation uses a deeper dissection of the SMAS layer, enabling a more significant lift of the midface and neck.

An SMAS facelift may also be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as a blepharoplasty, brow lift, neck lift or buccal fat removal.³

Candidates

Good candidates for an SMAS facelift surgery would typically be non-smokers in overall good health without medical conditions that could slow healing or increase the chance for complications. The procedure is suitable for both men and women of various ages.⁴ The SMAS facelift is best suited for those who want to address mild to moderate sagging but still have good laxity in their skin.⁵

How Much Does an SMAS Facelift Cost?

The national average cost* of an SMAS facelift is $13,574, but it can range from $10,738 to $22,262. The overall cost can vary based on surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees and complexity of the procedure, as well as any complementary procedures performed at the same time.⁶

Calculate the cost of SMAS facelift surgery near you*

Average cost of SMAS facelift by state/district

Here is the average cost* of an SMAS facelift in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁶

Is an SMAS Facelift Covered by Insurance?

Facelifts are generally considered cosmetic procedures and not covered by health insurance plans.⁷ Provider locations may offer in-house financing to help spread out the cost of an SMAS facelift, or you can apply for the CareCredit credit card and spread payments over time**.

What You Might Expect During SMAS Facelift

If you are considering an SMAS facelift, here’s what you might expect before, during and after the procedure.

Preparation

You’ll want to start by scheduling a consultation with a cosmetic or plastic surgeon. The consultation will include a health evaluation, discussion of your aesthetic goals and treatment options. The surgeon may provide directions to avoid smoking, alcohol and some medications before the procedure, as well as using a gentle skin care routine to prepare the skin for surgery.⁸ 

Procedure

There are four main elements to the SMAS facelift procedure:

• Anesthesia. An SMAS facelift can be performed with a local anesthesia along with either a mild or deep IV sedation.² Some practitioners may use general anesthesia instead.⁵
• Incision. Discreet incisions will be made following the face’s natural creases to minimize visible scarring. Incisions will typically be hidden around the ears and extending into the hairline. An additional small incision under the chin may be made to remove excess neck fat and tighten the muscle.²
• SMAS lifting. The SMAS layer is exposed, lifted and tightened. In some cases, fat pockets may be repositioned for added volume. Then the overlying skin is repositioned and tightened, with any excess skin removed.⁴
• Sutures. Any incisions will be sutured closed. Antibiotic ointment will be applied to the sutures, which will then be covered with gauze and soft bandages.²

The entire SMAS procedure can take three to four hours to complete.¹

Recovery

After an SMAS facelift, patients might expect mild bruising, swelling and some discomfort. These typically improve over the first few weeks.⁵ It’s important to keep the head elevated, avoid strenuous activity and follow postoperative care instructions provided by the surgeon.³ Most individuals may return to normal daily activities within two to three weeks.⁵ 

Potential Side Effects of an SMAS Facelift

SMAS facelifts are generally considered safe with low incidents of hematomas, infections and nerve damage.⁹ Following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions and attending all follow-up appointments can further minimize side effects and help support your recovery.

Taking the Next Steps for Your SMAS Facelift

If the wrinkles and sagging skin staring back at you in the mirror are impacting your confidence or quality of life, maybe it’s time to address them. An SMAS facelift can provide long-lasting and natural-looking rejuvenation for your face and neck, leaving you with a lifted, smoother and younger-looking complexion. Schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to explore your next steps.

Financing an SMAS Facelift With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for an SMAS facelift and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.