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What is SMAS Facelift?

Side-by-side comparison of SMAS facelift plication technique vs deep plane facelift dissection, showing different surgical depth layers

SMAS plication (left) vs Deep Plane dissection (right) — different surgical depths

Quick Answer

What is a SMAS facelift?

A SMAS facelift tightens the superficial musculoaponeurotic system layer beneath the skin. It costs $10,000–$25,000, takes 2–3 hours, and results last 5–7 years. While effective, it produces less natural results than a deep plane facelift (which lasts 10–15 years) because it doesn't reposition deep facial structures.

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Quick Answer

What is the SMAS layer and why does it matter in facelifts?

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is a fibromuscular layer beneath the skin that connects facial muscles. In deep plane facelift surgery (the standard technique across 1400+ listed specialists), the surgeon dissects beneath this layer rather than just tightening it, enabling natural tissue repositioning that lasts 10-15 years.

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What is a SMAS Facelift?

A SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens the muscle layer beneath the facial skin, with an average cost of $10,000 to $25,000. The surgery typically lasts 2-3 hours, and results are expected to last 5-7 years. While effective, it's crucial to understand how it compares to more advanced techniques.

  • Average Cost: $10,000 - $25,000
  • Longevity: 5-7 years
  • Procedure Time: 2-3 hours

SMAS facelift is the most widely performed traditional facelift technique[3], costing $10,000-$25,000 with results lasting 5-7 years. The procedure tightens the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer with sutures, providing effective but more limited rejuvenation compared to the the deep plane method which works beneath this layer for 10-15 year results[1,2]. See our detailed deep plane vs SMAS comparison.

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Verdict

For most patients with moderate-to-severe facial aging, a deep plane facelift outperforms a SMAS facelift — results last 10–15 years versus 5–7 — because it releases the retaining ligaments and repositions the skin and SMAS as one composite unit instead of tightening the layer with sutures.

  • A SMAS facelift remains a reasonable choice for a shorter operation (2–3 hours), a lower budget ($10,000–$25,000 vs $35,000–$75,000), or moderate aging where jowl and neck improvement is the main goal.
  • More surgeons are trained in SMAS than in deep plane — whichever technique you choose, the surgeon's proven case volume with it matters more than the technique label.

What Are the Key Differences Between SMAS and Deep Plane?

SMAS Facelift

Tightens SMAS with sutures — does not release retaining ligaments
Skin pulled separately — higher risk of "windswept" look
Results last 5-7 years on average
Shorter surgery time (2-3 hours)
Lower cost ($10K-$25K)
Recommended

Deep Plane Facelift

Releases retaining ligaments — repositions entire deep tissue
Natural results — no pulled appearance
Results last 10-15 years (2-3× longer)
Better midface lifting and nasolabial correction
Higher cost ($35K-$75K) but better value per year

SMAS Facelift: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • More surgeons trained in the technique
  • Shorter surgery time (2-3 hours)
  • Lower cost ($10K-$25K) than deep plane
  • Good jowl and neck improvement for moderate aging

Cons

  • Tightens SMAS with sutures — does not release retaining ligaments
  • Skin pulled separately — higher risk of 'windswept' look
  • Results last only 5-7 years on average
  • Limited midface improvement
  • May look pulled over time

What Is the Deep Plane Technique?

The deep plane facelift represents a significant advancement in facial rejuvenation surgery1. Unlike traditional techniques that primarily address skin laxity, the deep plane approach works beneath the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer to release and reposition the deeper facial structures that have descended with age.

This technique was pioneered by Dr. Sam Hamra in 19901 and has since been refined by leading facial plastic surgeons worldwide3. The key advantage is that it addresses the root cause of facial aging—the descent of deep tissues—rather than just treating the symptoms by pulling skin tighter.

How Do SMAS and Deep Plane Compare in Detail?

How Do the Surgical Approaches Differ?

SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift techniques vary significantly in how they manipulate this critical tissue layer. Traditional SMAS plication folds the layer upon itself using sutures, while SMAS imbrication overlaps and excises excess tissue. Deep plane technique goes further by dissecting beneath the SMAS, releasing retaining ligaments, and mobilizing the entire composite flap for tension-free repositioning.

Deep Plane Advantage

Below-SMAS ligament release technique allows the entire facial soft tissue envelope to be repositioned as a single unit, eliminating skin tension

Alternative Approach

SMAS plication and imbrication techniques work above the SMAS plane, relying on suture tension that can weaken over 5-7 years

What Are the Long-Term Outcome Considerations?

The evolution from SMAS plication to deep plane represents a paradigm shift in facelift surgery. While plication achieves acceptable short-term results, the deep plane approach produces more natural, longer-lasting outcomes by working with the body's own tissue planes rather than against them. Peer-reviewed studies consistently demonstrate superior patient satisfaction and longevity with deep plane techniques[2].

Surgery Duration

4-6

Hours

Results Duration

10-15

Years

Patient Satisfaction

99%+

Satisfaction Rate

SMAS facelift lifts the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a fibrous tissue layer beneath facial skin. Average cost ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 in the United States — compare with international pricing. Surgery takes 2-3 hours with results lasting 5-7 years. Check if you're a good candidate and explore the recovery timeline.

$10K-$25K

Average Cost (USA)

2-3 Hours

Surgery Time

5-7 Years

Results Duration

1-3%

Complication Rate

Quick links:Before & After →Cost & Value →Best Age →Request Evaluation →

What Does SMAS Stand For?

Three-quarter face illustration with the skin layer peeled back to reveal the SMAS layer beneath, labeled at the temporal SMAS extension, zygomatic ligament attachment, masseteric cutaneous ligaments, mandibular ligament, jowl SMAS, and platysma muscle continuation into the neck. Side inset cross-section through the cheek labels five layers from outside in: skin, subcutaneous fat, SMAS, mimetic muscles plus deep fat compartments, periosteum plus bone
The SMAS is a continuous fibrous layer attached to retaining ligaments at six anatomical anchors.
Two side-by-side cross-section panels through the cheek tissue. Left labeled SMAS facelift shows dissection above the SMAS, skin and SMAS pulled separately, retaining ligaments intact, tension on the skin layer. Right labeled deep plane facelift shows dissection below the SMAS into the deep plane between SMAS and deeper mimetic muscles, zygomatic and masseteric ligaments released, skin and SMAS travelling as a composite unit with tension on the SMAS instead. Bottom comparison table summarises longevity, scar quality, and natural-look score
SMAS lift versus deep plane lift: same anatomy, different dissection plane and tension load.

SMAS stands for Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System. It is a continuous fibrous layer that:

  • • Lies beneath the skin and subcutaneous fat
  • • Covers the facial muscles (parotid, masseter, platysma)
  • • Extends from the forehead to the neck
  • • Transmits muscle movements to overlying skin

The SMAS was first described by Mitz and Peyronie in 1976. Before this discovery, facelifts only tightened skin, which produced short-lived results and an unnatural "pulled" appearance. SMAS manipulation became the foundation of modern facelift surgery.

How Much Does SMAS Facelift Cost?

How much does SMAS facelift cost in 2026?

A SMAS facelift typically costs $10,000–$25,000 in the United States, £8,000–£18,000 in the UK, and $10,000–$12,000 in Turkey or Mexico — generally 30–50% less than a deep plane facelift. The lower price reflects a shorter operation (2–3 hours versus 4–6), less specialized training, and a simpler dissection. However, SMAS results last 5–7 years versus 10–15 for deep plane.

Compare SMAS vs deep plane pricing side-by-side

SMAS facelift costs vary significantly by location, surgeon experience, and technique used. Here is a breakdown of average costs:

LocationPrice RangeNotes
United States$10,000 - $25,000Major cities higher
United Kingdom£8,000 - £15,000London premium
Turkey (abroad)$4,000 - $8,000All-inclusive packages
Mexico$5,000 - $10,000Border cities popular

Cost Breakdown (USA Average)

Surgeon Fee60-70% ($6,000-$17,500)
Facility Fee15-20% ($1,500-$5,000)
Anesthesia10-15% ($1,000-$3,750)
Post-Op Care5-10% ($500-$2,500)

How Does SMAS Compare to Deep Plane in Practice?

The fundamental difference lies in how the tissue layers are handled during surgery:

Anatomical cross-section comparison: SMAS facelift on the left dissects between skin and SMAS (skin elevated off SMAS at tension, results 5-7 years), deep plane facelift on the right dissects beneath SMAS between SMAS and parotid fascia (skin plus SMAS plus fat repositioned as one unit with no skin tension, results 10-15 years); both diagrams show labeled tissue layers including skin, subcutaneous fat, SMAS, buccal fat, facial nerve, parotid gland
The dissection plane is what determines longevity. SMAS lifts skin OFF the SMAS layer (5–7 yr); deep plane goes BENEATH it and moves the whole composite unit (10–15 yr) — without the skin-tension trade-off.
FactorSMAS FaceliftDeep Plane Facelift
TechniqueSkin separated from SMAS, each tightened independentlySMAS lifted with attached skin as one unit
Ligament ReleaseNoYes (zygomatic, masseteric)
Surgery Time2-3 hours4-6 hours
Results Duration5-7 years10-15 years
Nasolabial ImprovementLimitedSignificant
Cost (USA)$10,000-$25,000$35,000-$75,000
Recovery1-2 weeks2-3 weeks

SMAS May Be Better If:

  • • Budget is limited
  • • Primarily jowl/neck concerns
  • • Prefer shorter surgery
  • • Need faster recovery

Deep Plane May Be Better If:

  • • Significant midface descent
  • • Want longest-lasting results
  • • Deep nasolabial folds
  • • Can invest more upfront
Medical illustration of facial tissue layers showing skin, subcutaneous fat, SMAS layer, and deep plane — highlighting the anatomical difference between where SMAS facelift and deep plane facelift operate

Facial tissue layers in cross-section: SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer from above, while deep plane facelift dissects beneath it — releasing retaining ligaments for longer-lasting results

Horizontal timeline of facelift technique evolution from 1960s subcutaneous facelift through 1970s SMAS introduction by Skoog, 1990s deep plane facelift by Hamra, 2000s composite and extended deep plane evolutions, to 2020s modern deep plane plus fat grafting. Each milestone has a small cross-section icon showing the dissection plane and a citation reference
Sixty years of facelift technique: deeper dissection has consistently produced longer-lasting, more natural results.

What Are the Different SMAS Techniques?

There are three main variations of SMAS facelift, each with different approaches to manipulating the SMAS layer:

Three SMAS facelift technique comparison showing plication (folding), SMASectomy (excision), and extended SMAS (wider dissection) surgical approaches in cross-section

Three-panel cross-section comparison: SMAS Plication (fold and suture), SMASectomy (strip excision), and Extended SMAS (wide dissection).

SMAS Plication

The SMAS is folded and sutured without cutting. This is the least invasive SMAS technique.

Duration: 3-5 years | Risk: Lowest | Cost: $8,000-$15,000

SMASectomy

A strip of SMAS tissue is excised (removed), and the remaining edges are sutured together for tightening.

Duration: 5-8 years | Risk: Moderate | Cost: $12,000-$20,000

Extended SMAS

More extensive SMAS dissection and repositioning, approaching but not entering the deep plane.

Duration: 6-9 years | Risk: Higher | Cost: $15,000-$25,000

What is SMAS Facelift Recovery Like?

How long is recovery after a SMAS facelift?

SMAS facelift recovery is typically 1–2 weeks shorter than deep plane, because the dissection is more superficial and mobilizes less tissue. Most patients see major swelling resolve by 10–14 days and return to desk work at 2 weeks. Bruising fades by 2–3 weeks, and the final result settles at 2–4 months. Strenuous exercise is usually cleared at 3–4 weeks.

Compare the day-by-day SMAS vs deep plane timelines

SMAS facelift recovery is generally faster than deep plane facelift. Here is a typical timeline:

1

Days 1-3: Initial Recovery

Swelling and bruising peak. Head elevation required. Pain managed with medication.

2

Days 7-10: Suture Removal

Most sutures removed. Bruising begins to fade. Light activities resume.

3

Week 2: Social Recovery

Most patients return to work. Makeup can cover remaining bruising.

4

Months 3-6: Final Results

Swelling fully resolves. Scars mature and fade. Final results visible.

Frequently Asked Questions About SMAS Facelift

What is SMAS facelift?
SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a fibrous tissue layer beneath the skin. The SMAS layer is tightened through plication (folding) or SMASectomy (excision) to create a more youthful facial contour. Average surgery time is 2-3 hours with results lasting 5-7 years. Compare SMAS vs deep plane side-by-side at deepplane.com/what-is-deep-plane-facelift/deep-plane-vs-smas.
How much does SMAS facelift cost?
SMAS facelift costs range from $10,000 to $25,000 in the United States. Cost breakdown: surgeon fee 60-70%, anesthesia 10-15%, facility fee 15-20%, post-operative care 5-10%. Turkey and Mexico offer SMAS facelifts for $4,000-$8,000. See live 2026 facelift pricing across 71 countries at deepplane.com/best-country.
What is the difference between SMAS and deep plane facelift?
SMAS facelift separates skin from SMAS and tightens each layer independently. Deep plane facelift lifts SMAS with attached skin as one composite unit. Deep plane results last 10-15 years versus 5-7 years for SMAS. Deep plane costs $35,000-$75,000 versus $10,000-$25,000 for SMAS.
How long does SMAS facelift last?
SMAS facelift results typically last 5-7 years. SMAS plication may last 3-5 years. SMASectomy provides slightly longer results at 5-8 years. Deep plane facelift lasts 10-15 years for comparison.
Is SMAS facelift safe?
SMAS facelift has a complication rate of 1-3% when performed by board-certified surgeons. Common risks include hematoma (1-2%), infection (<1%), and temporary numbness (common, resolves in weeks). Facial nerve injury risk is lower than deep plane at 0.5-1% because the SMAS-skin interface is lifted as two layers — the facial nerve branches remain protected beneath the dissection rather than being skeletonized. Operating on a non-smoker, at a facility accredited by AAAASF or JCI, and with the surgeon performing 50+ SMAS cases per year reduces complication rate to under 1%.
What is the recovery timeline after SMAS facelift?
SMAS facelift recovery is shorter than deep plane. Day 1-3: rest with head elevated, drains removed day 1-2. Week 1: bruising and swelling peak day 3, stitches removed day 7-10. Week 2: 60-70% of swelling resolved, office return for desk work. Week 3-4: most bruising gone, makeup concealment easy, public outings comfortable. Month 3: final contour visible. Full healing at 6 months. Most patients return to vigorous exercise at week 4 (vs week 6 for deep plane).
Can SMAS facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes — SMAS facelift is routinely combined with neck lift (adding $3,000-$8,000 and 1-2 hours), upper or lower blepharoplasty ($3,500-$7,000 additional), brow lift ($4,000-$8,000), and autologous fat transfer for midface volume ($2,500-$5,000). Combined procedures share anesthesia, facility, and recovery — adding ~30-40% cost vs 100% if done separately. Single-stage combinations are limited to 5-6 hours total operative time for safety. Rhinoplasty and chin augmentation are often done in the same session at marginal cost.
What is the difference between SMAS plication and SMASectomy?
SMAS plication folds the SMAS layer onto itself using permanent sutures — a vector-based tightening without removing tissue. Surgery time: 2 hours. Durability: 3-5 years. SMASectomy excises a strip of SMAS (typically 1-2 cm wide) before re-approximating the edges with sutures — reduces bulk and provides stronger tightening. Surgery time: 2-3 hours. Durability: 5-8 years. Plication is technically easier and preferred for mild-moderate aging; SMASectomy is preferred for moderate aging with jowl weight. Both are SMAS-above dissection (superficial to SMAS), distinguishing them from the deeper sub-SMAS dissection of the deep plane technique.
Can a SMAS facelift be revised to a deep plane facelift later?
Yes, but it's technically harder than a primary deep plane and most experienced surgeons charge a 30–50% revision premium for the additional difficulty. The reason: prior SMAS surgery creates dense scar tissue at the SMAS plane that obscures the natural anatomic planes the deep plane technique relies on for safe sub-SMAS dissection. The retaining ligaments may have been partially released or distorted. Facial nerve branches sit in altered positions. Most revision deep plane procedures after a prior SMAS take 5–7 hours instead of the standard 4, with longer recovery (3–4 weeks of swelling vs 2). Outcomes are still good in the right hands — Primary deep plane patient satisfaction is 94.4% in Khoury et al. 2025 (n=2,896); revision-specific satisfaction is not separately established — but expect the surgeon to want to see your prior op report before quoting.
Is the SMAS layer thickness or quality something the surgeon assesses pre-op?
Not typically with imaging — the SMAS is too thin (1–3 mm) to evaluate reliably with ultrasound or MRI for routine cases. The pre-op assessment is clinical: the surgeon palpates the cheek and jawline, evaluates skin elasticity (snap test), assesses the patient's age, smoking history, and weight stability — all of which correlate with SMAS quality. SMAS thickness varies by ethnicity (typically more robust in patients of African and South Asian descent, thinner in patients of Northern European descent) and by sun-exposure history, but surgeons confirm the actual SMAS quality intraoperatively as soon as the skin flap is raised. If the SMAS is unexpectedly thin or atrophic at that point, the surgeon may convert from a planned plication to a SMASectomy or even abort to a less aggressive technique.
What is a lateral SMASectomy and how does it differ from deep plane?
Lateral SMASectomy (Tonnard 2002) is a SMAS-modification technique that REMOVES a lateral strip of SMAS tissue rather than dissecting beneath it. The remaining SMAS edges are sutured together, creating a vertical lift vector. It's faster than deep plane (3-4 hours vs 4-6), produces less swelling (recovery ~10 days vs 14-21), and is preferred by some surgeons for younger patients with mild-moderate aging. Trade-off: results last 5-8 years (vs 10-15 for deep plane), and the fixed lift vector limits surgeon control over the final tissue position. Deep plane is preferred for moderate-severe aging, midface descent, or patients prioritising longevity.
Does prior SMAS plication compromise a future deep plane revision?
Yes — prior SMAS plication makes a future deep plane more technically demanding. Plication sutures distort the natural anatomic planes that deep plane technique relies on for safe sub-SMAS dissection. Operative time extends from 4-6 hours to 5-7. Revision difficulty correlates with the original surgeon's plication aggressiveness — light plication (single suspension suture per side) revises easily; heavy plication (multi-vector imbrication) creates dense scar that's meaningfully harder to dissect. Best practice for patients considering SMAS now but who may later want deep plane: ask the SMAS surgeon to use minimal plication and document the technique in the operative report, so a future revision surgeon has the roadmap.
Is a Cinderella facelift the same as a SMAS facelift?
Often yes, but "Cinderella facelift" is a marketing name rather than a defined clinical term, so it varies by clinic. Most commonly it describes a minimally invasive SMAS-type mini-facelift performed under local anesthesia with sedation instead of general anesthesia, marketed around its fast "24-hour" or "weekend" recovery. Some clinics use the same name for a non-surgical thread-lift-plus-filler combination with no incisions at all. Either version is a lighter procedure than the SMASectomy/plication techniques covered on this page and lasts a shorter 2-4 years rather than 3-8. If a clinic offers a "Cinderella facelift," ask which specific technique it actually is before comparing price or recovery claims.

Related Topics

What is Deep Plane Facelift? →

Complete guide to deep plane technique

Deep Plane vs SMAS →

Detailed comparison of techniques

Facelift Recovery Guide →

Week-by-week recovery timeline

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SMAS Facelift Key Facts

Average Cost (USA)
$10,000 - $25,000
Surgery Duration
2-3 hours
Results Last
5-7 years
Recovery Time
2-3 weeks
Complication Rate
1-3%
Technique Introduced
1976 by Mitz & Peyronie
Best For
Moderate jowling, ages 45-65
Anesthesia
General or IV sedation

SMAS Facelift: A surgical facial rejuvenation procedure that lifts and tightens the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS), a fibrous tissue layer beneath the skin. Unlike deep plane facelift which lifts skin and SMAS together, SMAS facelift separates these layers and tightens them independently through plication or excision.

According to Mitz and Peyronie's foundational 1976 anatomic study (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), the SMAS layer is a discrete fibromuscular sheet continuous with the platysma in the neck and the frontalis muscle in the forehead — the surgical target that defines all modern facelift techniques.

According to Rohrich et al. (2021) comparing SMAS vs deep plane outcomes, SMAS plication results last 5–7 years on average, while deep plane composite-flap repositioning lasts 10–15 years — the difference attributed to whether retaining ligaments are released vs left intact.3

What Are Common Misconceptions About SMAS Facelift?

Myth: SMAS facelift is the same as deep plane facelift

Fact: SMAS facelift tightens the superficial layer, while deep plane releases ligaments and repositions deeper tissues. Deep plane provides longer-lasting, more natural results.

Myth: SMAS facelift results last as long as deep plane

Fact: SMAS facelift results typically last 5-7 years, compared to 10-15 years for deep plane. The difference is due to the depth of tissue manipulation.

Myth: All surgeons perform SMAS the same way

Fact: There are multiple SMAS techniques (plication, imbrication, SMASectomy) with varying results. Surgeon experience significantly impacts outcomes.

Explore Related Topics

What is Deep Plane?

Everything about the deep plane facelift approach

Recovery Guide

Your guide through the recovery process

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Understanding SMAS Facelift Technique

What is SMAS?

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is a fibromuscular layer that connects facial muscles to the skin. Traditional SMAS facelifts tighten this layer separately from the skin, while deep plane facelifts lift them together. Not sure which technique suits your anatomy? See our guide on who is a good candidate for a deep plane facelift — the same candidacy factors apply when comparing SMAS options.

SMAS vs Deep Plane

  • • SMAS: 2-3 hour surgery, 5-7 year results
  • • Deep Plane: 4-6 hour surgery, 10-15 year results
  • • SMAS: Limited midface improvement
  • • Deep Plane: Comprehensive midface lifting

When is SMAS Appropriate?

  • Mild to moderate facial laxity
  • Patients seeking shorter recovery
  • Budget-conscious patients
  • Those planning future revision

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⭐ Celebrity Case Studies

Kris Jenner— confirmed deep plane facelift by Dr. Steven Levine (2025)
Marc Jacobs— documented extended deep plane facelift recovery on Instagram (2021)
Jane Fonda— confirmed multiple facelifts over decades
Rosie O'Donnell— confirmed deep plane facelift (2025)
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Medical Review

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The DEEPPLANE™ editorial board is a named group of board-certified plastic surgeons who set the clinical standard our guides are written to. Review is recorded per article, not claimed for the site as a whole — each guide shows whether a reviewer has signed it, and says so plainly when none has.

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SMAS Myths vs. Facts

Myth

All facelifts tighten the SMAS layer, so they're all the same.

Fact

Traditional SMAS facelifts only plicate or imbricate (fold) the SMAS surface without releasing its retaining ligaments. Deep plane surgery releases these ligaments, repositioning the entire SMAS-fat unit — a fundamentally different operation.

Myth

Deep plane facelifts are more dangerous because they go deeper.

Fact

Studies show complication rates for deep plane are comparable to SMAS facelifts in experienced hands. The facial nerve is actually better protected in the deep plane because the surgeon works in the plane superficial to the nerve.

Myth

A mini-facelift gives you 80% of the results with 20% of the recovery.

Fact

Mini-facelifts treat only the lower face and jowls, typically last 3–5 years, and cannot reposition the midface or neck. Deep plane results last 10–15 years with comprehensive rejuvenation — they are not comparable procedures.

Myth

Thread lifts are a non-surgical alternative to SMAS surgery.

Fact

Threads provide temporary lift (12–18 months) and cannot replicate the structural repositioning of SMAS/deep plane surgery. They are suitable for mild laxity only and carry specific risks like puckering and migration.

Continue Reading

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What is Deep Plane Facelift?Find a SurgeonDeep Plane Facelift Cost

Scientific References

  1. 01
    Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(1):53-61(opens in new tab)(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199007000-00008
  2. 02
    Jacono AA, Bryant LM. Extended Deep Plane Facelift: Incorporating Facial Retaining Ligament Release and Composite Flap Shifts to Maximize Midface, Jawline and Neck Rejuvenation. Clin Plast Surg. 2018;45(4):527-554(opens in new tab)(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2018.06.007
  3. 03
    American Society of Plastic Surgeons - 2024 Procedural Statistics(opens in new tab)(Organization)Accessed: 2026-03-21
Cite this pageCC-BY 4.0
DEEPPLANE™ Editorial Team (2026). What is a SMAS Facelift? Cost, Procedure & Results. DEEPPLANE™. Retrieved from https://deepplane.com/smas

Content licensed CC-BY 4.0. Free to share with attribution to DEEPPLANE™.

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Key Facts

SMAS facelift costs $10,000-$25,000 with results lasting 5-7 years
SMAS technique tightens the superficial musculoaponeurotic system layer using sutures or excision
SMAS facelift recovery takes 1-2 weeks, slightly shorter than deep plane recovery
SMAS plication is less invasive than SMASectomy but produces shorter-lasting results
Deep plane facelift is generally considered more durable than SMAS facelift (estimate)
SMAS facelift cost per year averages $4,167 compared to $3,333 for deep plane facelift

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