If sagging cheeks, lax jowls, or a softening jawline are making you feel less like yourself, you may be exploring options to restore definition. A SMAS facelift targets deeper facial structures, not just the skin, to address mid-face sagging, loose tissue, and excess skin, for a more natural-looking rejuvenation. At Quintessa, board-certified facial plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew Campbell and Dr. Jake Thayer tailor this advanced technique to your unique anatomy, helping you feel more aligned with how you want to look and live.
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Recreate Balanced, Natural Facial Harmony
A SMAS facelift is a surgical facial rejuvenation technique that goes beyond tightening the surface of your skin. It focuses on the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), a deep layer of connective tissue that supports your cheeks, jawline, and lower face. Over time, this layer weakens and descends, creating jowls, volume loss, and facial sagging. By lifting and repositioning the SMAS itself, this procedure restores structure, refines facial contours, and provides longer-lasting improvement compared to skin-only lifts.
*Actual Patient
Best Candidates for SMAS Facelift
Determining whether this procedure is right for you begins with a detailed consultation, during which our surgeons evaluate your facial structure, degree of skin laxity, and personal goals. This allows us to recommend the most effective rejuvenation approach while preserving your unique features. If you’re experiencing visible signs of aging in the lower or mid-face, this technique may be an ideal solution.
Candidates often share concerns such as:
- Mid-face sagging and lost cheek volume
- Noticeable laxity along the jawline
- Excess skin or fat creating jowls
- Prominent nasolabial folds
- Loose tissue beneath the chin and neck
SMAS Facelift vs. Deep Plane Facelift
SMAS Facelift
An SMAS facelift focuses on lifting and tightening the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, the deeper support layer beneath the skin. By repositioning this layer and removing excess skin, it restores definition to the cheeks, jawline, and lower face. This approach is ideal if you have moderate to advanced laxity and want natural-looking improvement without overly aggressive dissection.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift releases and lifts the deeper ligamentous attachments beneath the SMAS, allowing the mid-face and lower face to be elevated as a single unit. This technique provides powerful correction for pronounced drooping, severe jowls, and deep folds, especially in the mid-face. Because it repositions tissues as a single unit, the results can appear exceptionally natural.
Key Benefits and Expected Results
When this technique is right for your anatomy and goals, you can expect meaningful improvements that look natural and last, including:
- Lifting and tightening deeper facial support layers
- Restoring mid-face volume and cheek definition
- Reducing jowls and refining jawline contours
- Softening deep nasolabial folds
- Smoothing excess skin without a pulled look
- Enhancing lower-face harmony and balance
- Longer-lasting improvement than skin-only lifts
*Actual Patient
Your Complete SMAS Facelift Experience
1. Consultation
During your consultation, you and your plastic surgeon take a close look at the concerns that brought you in, from sagging cheeks to changes along your jawline. You’ll discuss your goals, review your facial anatomy, and learn whether a SMAS facelift is the right approach for you. Your surgeon will evaluate skin quality, laxity, and underlying support structures, then explain personalized options so you feel informed about your next steps.
2. Surgery
During your SMAS facelift, Dr. Campbell or Dr. Thayer begins by making carefully placed incisions around the ears and hairline to keep them discreet. They gently lift the skin, access the SMAS layer beneath, and reposition the deeper tissues to restore structure and lift. Excess skin is trimmed, the contours are smoothed, and everything is secured before the incisions are closed. The procedure typically takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity.
3. Recovery
After your SMAS facelift, you can expect swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort during the first several days. You may also notice temporary numbness in the incision areas. Keeping your head elevated, even while sleeping, helps reduce swelling. Most patients can return to work and light activities within 10 to 14 days. You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least a few weeks as your tissues heal and your refreshed contours settle.
Client Reviews
The outcome? Subtle, undetectable, and completely natural-looking results that easily took years off my appearance.
“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Dr. Andrew Campbell at Quintessa in Delafield for my mini face and neck lift—and I can honestly say the results exceeded every expectation I had…”
Neo N.
Delafield, WI
My neck has never looked this good—truly transformative!
“From the very first consultation, Dr. Campbell and his staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely caring. I underwent a deep plane neck lift and facelift, and I couldn’t be happier with the results…”
Lisa A.
Brookfield, WI
I highly recommend Quintessa!
“Dr. Campbell performed a mini face lift and blepharoplasty on my upper eyelids. Both procedures were done in office and turned out great!…”
Melonie P.
Mequon, WI
Will never go anywhere else
“Staff at Sheboygan Quintessa is the BEST! Amazing customer service, attention to detail, well educated and skilled. Will never go anyplace else! Would not trust anyone else other than Quintessa!!”
Anne Jetser
Milwaukee, WI
I am extremely happy with my results and I would highly recommend his expertise!
“Doctor Campbell and his assistant Dana are an excellent team together! Doctor Campbell did an excellent job with an upper and lower eyelid lift and a chin tuck…”
Maria T.
Sheboygan, WI
My experience with Quintessa has been amazing
“The staff are always pleasant and welcoming, and they genuinely care about your specific concerns. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. If they don’t have the answer to a specific question you may have, they will go out of their way to find the answer for you…”
Andrea K.
Middleton, WI
SMAS Facelift FAQs:
How Long Do the Results of an SMAS Facelift Last?
You can expect results to last many years, as this technique addresses the deeper supportive structures of your face. Nothing can stop the natural aging process, but you should notice a more lifted, defined appearance that ages more gracefully. Maintaining a stable weight, protecting your skin from the sun, and following your surgeon’s recommendations can help prolong your outcome.
Will I Look Overdone or Pulled After a SMAS Facelift?
No. One of the advantages of an SMAS facelift is that it repositions the deeper tissues rather than simply stretching the skin. This allows your face to look refreshed, not altered. You should appear like a more rested version of yourself while maintaining natural movement.
Why Choose Quintessa for SMAS Facelift?
Quintessa is a place where your concerns are taken seriously, and your goals guide every decision we make. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Campbell and Dr. Jake Thayer, bring advanced training and extensive experience in facial rejuvenation to ensure your procedure is thoughtfully tailored to you. You’ll receive attentive, personalized care to elevate your confidence with results that feel authentic to who you are. If you’re ready to explore an SMAS facelift, schedule your consultation today.
Five Convenient
Locations Across Wisconsin
DELAFIELD
LOCATION
W307 N 1497 Golf Road #200
Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 668-8802
BROOKFIELD
LOCATION
13785 West North Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53005
(262) 430-0655
MEQUON
LOCATION
10604 N Port Washington Rd
Mequon, WI 53092
(262) 447-8622
MIDDLETON
LOCATION
6720 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave #103
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 470-8858
SHEBOYGAN
LOCATION
2124 Kohler Memorial Dr
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 310-8117
