Restore youthful contours and refine facial harmony with the full/SMAS facelift in Chicago by Sahar Nadimi, MD. This advanced procedure addresses sagging skin, deep folds, and jowls by lifting and tightening deeper layers of facial tissue, delivering natural, long-lasting results while maintaining your unique features and expressions.
Tighten the SMAS to restore youthful definition
A full/SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift is a comprehensive procedure that rejuvenates the face and neck by addressing deep facial tissues. Unlike traditional facelifts focusing solely on skin tightening, the full/SMAS facelift targets deeper structures to lift and reposition sagging muscles and tissue. This approach reduces jowls, smooths deep folds, and restores youthful definition to the jawline and midface. This procedure achieves natural, long-lasting results tailored to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Full/SMAS facelift treats:
- Sagging skin in the midface and lower face
- Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Loss of definition along the jawline
- Jowls and excess skin around the cheeks
- Loose neck skin and muscle banding
- General facial laxity caused by aging
How full/SMAS facelift works
The full/SMAS facelift in Chicago is a surgical technique that addresses facial aging by targeting both the skin and the underlying superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a critical structure that supports facial tissues. Dr. Nadimi begins by making precise incisions along the natural creases in front of and behind the ears, extending discreetly into the hairline to minimize visible scarring. The skin is gently elevated to expose the underlying SMAS layer.
This foundational layer is then carefully separated, lifted, and repositioned to restore youthful contours to the midface, jawline, and neck. Excess skin is meticulously trimmed, and the remaining skin is redraped over the restructured framework without creating unnatural tension. Dr. Nadimi uses advanced suturing techniques to secure the repositioned SMAS and skin layers, ensuring long-lasting results.
Benefits of full/SMAS facelift:
- Provides comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and neck
- Targets deeper structural layers for longer-lasting results
- Enhances definition in the jawline and neck
- Corrects sagging cheeks and jowls effectively
- Maintains a natural appearance without an over-pulled look
- Customizable to address individual anatomy and concerns
- Ideal for patients with moderate to significant signs of aging
- Minimizes recurrence of sagging by addressing underlying muscles
Full/SMAS facelift FAQs
How is a Full/SMAS Facelift Different From Other Types of Facelifts?
A full/SMAS facelift in Chicago differs from other procedures, such as a traditional/skin-only facelift, in that it addresses the deeper layers of the face. The SMAS layer is a connective tissue structure that helps support the facial muscles and skin. In a full/SMAS facelift, this layer is tightened, which not only results in more natural-looking outcomes but also offers greater durability compared to procedures that only target the skin.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Full/SMAS Facelift?
A good candidate for a full/SMAS facelift is typically someone in their 40s to 70s who is experiencing moderate to significant sagging of the skin, deep lines, and loss of facial volume. Ideal candidates have realistic expectations about their results and are in good health, with no contraindications to surgery. If you have significant jowling, drooping cheeks, or a loss of jawline definition, a full/SMAS facelift may be the best option to restore a youthful contour.
What is the Recovery Process Like After a Full/SMAS Facelift?
After a full/SMAS facelift, recovery varies from person to person, but most patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days. You should plan for at least one to two weeks of downtime, with most people able to return to normal activities after 10 to 14 days. Full healing can take several months, but most of the swelling should subside within the first few weeks. The final results typically take 6 months to a year to fully appear.
Are the Results of a Full/SMAS Facelift Permanent?
While the results of a full/SMAS facelift are long-lasting, they are not permanent. Aging continues, so you may see gradual changes over time. However, the results typically last much longer than those from less invasive facelifts. Most patients enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for 10 years or more, depending on their lifestyle, genetics, and aging post-surgery.
Will a Full/SMAS Facelift Leave Visible Scars?
Like all facelift surgeries, a full/SMAS facelift does leave some scarring. However, the scars are usually well-hidden along the natural contours of the hairline, around the ears, and beneath the chin. Over time, they tend to fade and become less noticeable, and they typically blend well with the skin, especially with proper aftercare.
Meet Dr. Nadimi
Sahar Nadimi, MD, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation. Known for her meticulous approach and natural-looking results, she has years of experience performing full/SMAS facelifts in Chicago, utilizing advanced techniques to restore youthful contours while maintaining a patient’s unique features. As a clinical faculty member at Loyola University Medical Center, she is dedicated to providing exceptional care and results. If you’re considering a full/SMAS facelift, schedule a consultation today.
