The SMART Facelift procedure is a suture suspension technique that lifts the Skin, Muscle, and Adipose while Reducing Tension on the skin.
The procedure name (“SMART”) is an acronym and differentiates the procedure from other types of suspension facelift procedures.
Because the procedure reduces skin tension, patients enjoy natural results and never need to worry about a “windswept” appearance.
The Procedure
Unlike typical facelift techniques, the SMART Facelift does not remove any skin, so it is not a good procedure for individuals with a lot of skin laxity. Typically, patients are in their mid-thirties to mid-sixties with some cheek folds (nasolabial folds) and minor jowling. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in about one hour and the results are seen immediately.
Because all patients age at different rates, it is impossible to predict how long the results will last in any particular patient. However, based on Dr. Summers long-term experience, most of his patients enjoy results of mid-face elevation for 5 – 10 years, with many patients having results that last even longer.
Risk
Some bruising is possible, but other side effects associated with facelift surgery (swelling, numbness, muscle weakness, scars) are very unusual or completely unexpected. If there is any dimpling of the skin, it typically resolves spontaneously. Minor facial asymmetry is possible but unlikely to occur because of the procedure.