SMAS Facelift

A SMAS facelift is a well-established surgical facelift technique designed to improve the lower face, jawline and neck. It can be a very good option for patients who are starting to notice jowls, softening of the jawline, loose skin in the neck, or a heavier appearance around the lower face.

At McKeown Medical, we offer the SMAS facelift as an alternative to our deep plane facelift for patients who want meaningful facial rejuvenation, but who may prefer a shorter procedure, a quicker recovery and a less extensive surgical approach.

At a glance

Every patient is unique, and during our consultation process, we work with you to develop a bespoke treatment plan based on what you want to achieve.

Duration

3 hours

Downtime

2 weeks

Anaesthetic

Local

Pricing

£12,000

Length of results

Permanent

How Does It Work?

What is a SMAS facelift?

SMAS stands for Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System. This is the supportive layer of tissue beneath the skin of the face.

During a SMAS facelift, the deeper supportive tissues of the face are lifted and tightened, rather than simply pulling the skin. This helps to create a more natural-looking result, improving facial shape and definition without an overly tight or “pulled” appearance.

The skin is then carefully redraped, and any excess skin is removed.

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Which areas does a SMAS facelift improve?

A SMAS facelift is particularly helpful for improving:

Jowls
Loss of jawline definition
Loose skin in the lower face
Mild to moderate neck laxity
Early heaviness beneath the chin
Some softening or descent in the lower cheek

The main improvement is usually seen in the jawline, jowls and neck. Patients may also notice some improvement in the cheek area, although the SMAS facelift does not usually lift the midface as powerfully as a deep plane facelift.

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SMAS facelift vs deep plane facelift

A deep plane facelift is our most comprehensive facelift option. It is designed to produce a more powerful lift, particularly in patients with more advanced facial ageing, heavier tissues, deeper folds or more significant midface descent.

A SMAS facelift is a less extensive procedure. It can still produce a very worthwhile improvement, but it is usually best suited to patients with more moderate ageing changes, particularly around the lower face and neck.

The SMAS facelift may be preferred by patients who want:

A shorter operation
Local anaesthetic rather than sedation
A quicker recovery
A lower-risk procedure
A more accessible treatment option than a deep plane facelift

The trade-off is that the result is usually more modest than a deep plane facelift. During your consultation, we will assess your face carefully and advise which approach is most likely to achieve the result you want.

Are you ready to start your consultation?

If you are considering facelift surgery but are unsure whether you need a SMAS facelift or a deep plane facelift, the first step is a consultation.

We will assess your face, listen to your concerns and explain which treatment options are most suitable for your anatomy, goals and lifestyle.

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Who is suitable for a SMAS facelift?

You may be suitable for a SMAS facelift if you are concerned by moderate signs of facial ageing, particularly around the jowls, jawline and neck.

It may be appropriate if you:

Have moderate jowling
Feel your jawline has become less defined
Have some loose skin in the neck
Want a fresher, more lifted appearance
Prefer a less extensive facelift procedure
Do not feel ready for a deep plane facelift

It may not be the best option if you have more advanced ageing, significant neck laxity, marked midface descent or very heavy tissues. In those cases, a deep plane facelift or a face and neck lift may be more appropriate.

Recovery after a SMAS facelift

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Woman smiling while holding a handheld mirror and viewing her reflection after cosmetic treatment in a clinic setting.

Recovery after a SMAS facelift

Recovery is usually quicker than with a deep plane facelift because the surgery is less extensive.

You should expect some swelling, bruising and tightness in the first couple of weeks. Most patients begin to look socially presentable after around 2 weeks, although this varies from person to person.

The final result continues to refine over several months as swelling settles and the tissues soften.

Common Questions

What does the procedure involve?

A SMAS facelift is usually performed under local anaesthetic. The procedure typically takes around 3–4 hours.

Incisions are carefully placed around the natural curves of the ear and hairline where possible. The SMAS layer is lifted and tightened to improve the contour of the lower face and jawline. The skin is then redraped without excessive tension, helping to create a natural result.

The aim is not to change how you look, but to restore a fresher, more defined version of your own face.

What results can I expect?

A SMAS facelift can create a fresher, more defined appearance, particularly around the lower face, jawline and neck.

It can help soften jowls, sharpen the jawline and improve loose skin in the neck. The result should look natural and balanced, rather than obviously surgical.

It is important to understand that a SMAS facelift is not as powerful as a deep plane facelift. For the right patient, however, it can offer an excellent balance between result, recovery time and surgical commitment.

How much does a SMAS facelift cost?

A SMAS facelift at McKeown Medical costs £12,000.

This includes your procedure, local anaesthetic, clinical follow-up and aftercare.

For comparison, our deep plane facelift is a more extensive procedure performed under sedation and costs £25,750.

We will discuss all suitable options with you during your consultation so you can make an informed decision about which approach feels right for you.

Your Expert Team

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Mr Russell Bramhall

Mr Russell Bramhall (GMC 6120528), MB ChB and FRCS(Plast), is a Specialist Registered Consultant Plastic Surgeon and BAAPS member. Trained in Harley Street alongside leading names in aesthetics, Russell is an indispensable part of our multidisciplinary team, enabling patients to seamlessly transition from minimally invasive procedures to surgical rejuvenation.

Meet Mr Russell Bramhall