What is the SMAS?
Terminology:
SMAS:
- superficial = superficial
- muskulo = with reference to the muscles
- aponeurotic: aponeurosis = tendon-like plate
The SMAS is a solid fiber plate that connects the facial muscles to the skin. The SMAS is therefore indispensable in the diversity of human facial expressions.
If the skin sags considerably with age or as a result of severe weight loss, the SMAS is involved and leads to sagging, particularly in the mid and lower face. This results in the classic sagging cheeks, marionette lines and a deepening of the nasolabial folds.
SMAS and facelift
The SMAS plays a particularly important role in facelifts. The aim today is not so much to tighten the facial skin with tension, but rather to tighten the SMAS with the application of special sutures. This is also possible with the so-called mini facelift – albeit to a lesser extent.
