SMAS Facelift at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Procedure | SMAS facelift |
| Surgeon | Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) |
| AHPRA registration | MED0001654827 |
| Technique category | Facelift technique working on the SMAS layer |
| Technique variants | SMAS plication, SMASectomy, high SMAS, extended SMAS, short scar SMAS |
| Areas commonly discussed | Lower face, jowls and jawline |
| Midface reach | More limited than a deep plane approach |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia in an accredited private hospital |
| Surgical time | 2 to 3.5 hours |
| Hospital stay | Day surgery or 1 night, confirmed at consultation |
| Return to desk work | Often around 2 weeks; recovery varies between patients |
| Final appearance | Healing continues over several months |
| Consultation locations | Bondi Junction and Manly |
| Surgery performed at | Bondi Junction Private Hospital, Delmar Private Hospital (Dee Why) |
| GP referral | Required (Medical Board and AHPRA requirement) |
| Medicare and private health rebate | Not applicable for cosmetic facelift surgery |
| Indicative cost | From around $25,000 all-inclusive (SMAS facelift alone); varies with surgical plan |
SMAS Facelift and Dr Turner’s Approach
SMAS facelift remains an important technique to understand, because many patients compare it with deep plane facelift surgery. It can be relevant for selected patients whose concerns are mainly limited to the lower face and jowls, with minimal midface involvement.
In Dr Turner’s clinical opinion, many patients seeking facelift surgery may be better suited to a deep plane facelift approach when deeper tissue descent, midface descent, jowls or more extensive lower-face changes are present. This is because deep plane surgery works beneath the SMAS layer and allows selected retaining ligaments to be released. Technique selection is made during consultation after assessing anatomy, tissue position, skin quality, medical history and surgical goals, rather than by technique name alone.
What Is a SMAS Facelift?
SMAS stands for Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System. It is a deeper support layer beneath the facial skin, continuous with the platysma muscle in the neck and the muscles of facial expression. It carries the facial fat compartments. With time, the SMAS descends, contributing to jowls, jawline changes and lower-face tissue descent.
A SMAS facelift addresses this descent by acting on the SMAS layer itself. The skin is elevated as a separate flap, and the SMAS is then folded, tightened, partially excised or repositioned depending on the technique used. The skin is then redraped over the lifted SMAS and excess is trimmed.
The SMAS technique works on the SMAS layer rather than the layer beneath it, the deep plane, where the retaining ligaments are located. This distinction is the basis for selection between SMAS and deep plane approaches.
SMAS Facelift Techniques
SMAS facelift is a category. The term covers several technique variations that differ in how the SMAS layer is treated.
SMAS Plication
The SMAS is folded on itself and secured with permanent sutures, tightening the SMAS without cutting or removing tissue. It is a less extensive SMAS technique, and may be considered for selected patients with limited lower-face change.
SMASectomy
A strip of SMAS is excised and the cut edges are sutured together, producing a tightening effect. It is an established approach that may be considered for selected lower-face and jowl concerns.
High SMAS
The SMAS is released and elevated as a flap, then re-suspended at a higher position. The high SMAS technique allows a different vector of tissue repositioning, and may be considered for more significant lower-face changes.
Extended SMAS
The SMAS flap is extended further forward, beyond the standard dissection limits, approaching the retaining ligaments without releasing them. The extended SMAS technique approaches the deep plane in extent without crossing into sub-SMAS dissection.
Short Scar SMAS
The SMAS work is performed through a shorter incision pattern, in front of the ear and around the earlobe, without extending into the posterior hairline. It may be considered for selected patients with limited skin excess.
SMAS Technique Comparison
| Variant | What it involves | May be considered for | Key limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAS plication | Folds the SMAS on itself and secures it with sutures | Selected patients with limited lower-face change | A less extensive approach; durability varies between patients |
| SMASectomy | Removes a strip of SMAS and sutures the edges | Selected lower-face and jowl concerns | More limited midface reach |
| High SMAS | Releases the SMAS as a flap and re-suspends it higher | When a different repositioning vector is needed | More complex dissection |
| Extended SMAS | Extends the SMAS flap further forward without entering the deep plane | More extensive SMAS mobilisation | Approaches the deep plane in extent without sub-SMAS release |
| Short scar SMAS | Performs SMAS work through a shorter incision | Selected patients with limited skin excess | Limited skin redraping |
Technique selection is made during consultation. For many patients with deeper tissue descent or midface involvement, Dr Turner may discuss why a deep plane facelift approach may be more appropriate.
SMAS Facelift vs Deep Plane Facelift
A SMAS facelift works on the SMAS layer itself. A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS layer and may include selected retaining ligament release. This difference matters because some facial changes are related not only to the SMAS layer, but also to deeper tissue descent and ligament support.
In Dr Turner’s clinical opinion, many patients considering facelift surgery may be better suited to a deep plane facelift when the assessment shows deeper tissue descent, midface descent, jowls or more extensive lower-face changes. SMAS facelift may still be discussed for selected patients with more limited lower-face concerns and minimal midface involvement.
| Feature | SMAS facelift | Deep plane facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Main layer | SMAS layer | Beneath the SMAS layer |
| Retaining ligaments | Not usually released | Selected ligaments may be released |
| Midface involvement | More limited | May be more relevant when midface descent is present |
| Lower face and jowls | May be considered in selected patients | Often discussed when deeper tissue descent is present |
| Technique selection | Depends on anatomy and tissue position | Depends on anatomy and tissue position |
| Dr Turner’s view | Useful comparison technique; selected use | More commonly considered for many suitable facelift patients |
The full technique is explained on the Deep Plane Facelift in Sydney page.
SMAS Facelift vs Vertical Restore Facelift
SMAS facelift and Vertical Restore Facelift differ in scope. SMAS facelift focuses on the SMAS layer and is usually discussed in relation to lower-face and jowl concerns. Vertical Restore Facelift is a broader surgical planning concept that may involve multiple facial areas in a single procedure. The appropriate approach depends on assessment of anatomy, tissue position and the patient’s goals.
Who May Be Suitable for a SMAS Facelift?
SMAS facelift may be considered for selected patients whose concerns are mainly limited to the lower face and jowls, with minimal midface descent and limited neck involvement. Suitability depends on anatomy, tissue position, skin quality, medical history, prior surgery and the patient’s goals.
Considerations assessed at consultation include:
- Lower-face and jowl concerns, with minimal midface involvement.
- Limited neck involvement.
- Skin quality and how redraped tissue is likely to settle.
- General health and suitability for general anaesthesia.
- Smoking status and wound healing considerations.
- Realistic expectations about what surgery does and does not address.
- Willingness to consider other approaches if assessment indicates a better fit.
If assessment shows deeper tissue descent, midface descent or more extensive lower-face changes, Dr Turner may discuss whether deep plane facelift surgery is more appropriate. A face-to-face consultation following GP referral is required to determine candidacy.
Optional Combined Procedures
Some patients considering facelift surgery also ask about eyelid, brow, neck or volume-related concerns. These are assessed separately. If several areas are being addressed, Dr Turner may discuss whether a different facelift approach is more appropriate than adding multiple procedures to a SMAS facelift.
- Upper blepharoplasty for excess upper-eyelid skin.
- Lower blepharoplasty for under-eye fat and lower-eyelid skin.
- Brow lift for brow descent.
- Neck lift for platysmal banding or submental fullness.
- Facial fat transfer for volume in the midface and temples.
When changes span multiple facial zones, the Vertical Restore Facelift integrates these components as a single procedure rather than combining individual procedures with a SMAS facelift.
SMAS Facelift Recovery Timeline
Recovery after SMAS facelift surgery varies between patients and depends on the technique used, whether other procedures are performed, health factors and individual healing. Swelling, bruising, tightness and temporary altered sensation may occur.
- First 24 to 48 hours. Day surgery or a 1-night hospital stay, depending on the technique. Drains, if used, are removed within this period. Head elevation is maintained.
- First week. Swelling and bruising build and then begin to settle. Light walking is encouraged while bending and lifting are avoided. Sutures are removed in staged fashion from around day 7.
- Weeks two to four. Many patients return to desk-based work from around week 2. Mineral makeup may be used to camouflage residual discolouration. Visible bruising often resolves over this period.
- Several months after surgery. Light exercise resumes with surgeon approval. Healing continues over several months, with tissue settling and scar maturation over 6 to 12 months.
A SMAS facelift combined with blepharoplasty, brow lift or neck lift often has a longer recovery than a SMAS procedure alone, because the surgical area is broader.
SMAS Facelift Scars
SMAS facelift incision placement depends on the technique used and the surgical plan. Incisions may be planned around the ear and within the hairline. Short scar SMAS techniques use a more limited incision pattern.
Scar healing varies between patients and may be influenced by skin type, health factors, smoking history, wound healing and aftercare. Scars appear pink initially and typically fade over months. Scar care is monitored at follow-up visits. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring, while uncommon, is possible.
SMAS Facelift Cost in Sydney
SMAS facelift cost in Sydney varies depending on the technique used, procedure duration, hospital fees, anaesthetist fees, post-operative care and whether other procedures are included.
As an indicative figure, a SMAS facelift performed alone is from around $25,000 all-inclusive, covering the surgeon, assistant surgeon, anaesthetist, accredited private hospital fee, garments and standard post-operative care. A SMAS facelift combined with blepharoplasty, brow lift, neck lift or fat grafting will be higher. Cost should not be the main reason for choosing a SMAS facelift instead of a deep plane facelift, because technique selection depends on anatomy, tissue position and the surgical plan.
Medicare and private health insurance rebates do not apply for cosmetic facelift surgery. A consultation fee applies, and a personalised quote is provided after consultation. A complete cost breakdown is available in the Facelift Cost Sydney 2026 guide.
Risks and Complications
All surgery carries risk. Risks relevant to SMAS facelift surgery, discussed in detail at consultation, may include:
- Haematoma. A collection of blood beneath the skin, most common in the first 24 hours.
- Infection. Uncommon in clean facial surgery but possible.
- Scarring. Including the uncommon possibility of hypertrophic or keloid scarring.
- Delayed wound healing. Increased in patients who smoke or have poorly controlled medical conditions.
- Facial nerve injury. Temporary or, less commonly, permanent weakness of the muscles of facial expression.
- Altered sensation or numbness. Around the ears and cheeks, usually improving over months.
- Asymmetry. Minor asymmetry may persist, as no two sides of any face are identical.
- Hairline or skin changes. Including temporary hair loss near incisions.
- Anaesthetic risks. Associated with general anaesthesia.
- Need for further surgery. To address healing or to revise an outcome.
- Dissatisfaction with the outcome. Where the result does not meet expectations.
Because SMAS techniques work on the SMAS layer rather than beneath it, durability and revision considerations may differ from deep plane techniques in some patients. This is discussed during technique selection. Risk is reduced by smoking cessation, optimisation of general health, careful surgical technique, an accredited private hospital setting and structured follow-up. Further information is available on the risks and complications page.
Consultations in Bondi Junction and Manly
SMAS facelift consultations with Dr Scott J Turner are available at two Sydney locations.
The Bondi Junction clinic is located at 39 Grosvenor Street, a short distance from Bondi Junction station and Westfield. The Manly clinic is located in Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade, close to Manly Wharf. Surgery is performed at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.
A GP referral is required before booking a consultation, in line with Medical Board and AHPRA requirements introduced for cosmetic surgery in Australia. Dr Turner conducts a minimum of two consultations before proceeding with surgery, both personally.
To request a consultation, contact the practice on 1300 437 758 or [email protected], or visit the contact us page.
SMAS Facelift FAQs
What is a SMAS facelift?
A SMAS facelift is a facelift technique that works on the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS), the deeper support layer beneath the facial skin, to address jowls, jawline changes and lower-face tissue descent. SMAS facelift is a category rather than a single operation, covering plication, SMASectomy, high SMAS and extended SMAS variants. Dr Scott J Turner performs SMAS facelift surgery at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.
How does a SMAS facelift compare with a deep plane facelift?
A SMAS facelift works on the SMAS layer itself, by folding, excising or elevating it. A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS and may release selected retaining ligaments, repositioning the deeper tissues of the midface and jawline. SMAS facelift may be considered for selected lower-face and jowl concerns, while deep plane is often discussed when midface descent or deeper tissue descent is present. Selection is made at consultation.
Why does Dr Turner often discuss deep plane facelift instead of SMAS facelift?
Dr Turner often discusses deep plane facelift surgery when assessment shows deeper tissue descent, midface descent, jowls or more extensive lower-face changes. In his clinical opinion, many patients with these features may be better suited to a deep plane approach. SMAS facelift may still be considered for selected patients with more limited lower-face concerns and minimal midface involvement.
Who may be suitable for a SMAS facelift?
SMAS facelift may be considered for selected patients whose concerns are mainly limited to the lower face and jowls, with minimal midface descent and limited neck involvement. Suitability depends on anatomy, tissue position, skin quality, general health, smoking status, prior surgery and realistic expectations. Candidacy is determined at consultation following a GP referral.
Does a SMAS facelift treat the neck?
A SMAS facelift on its own provides limited correction of the neck. The platysma muscle is continuous with the SMAS, so some neck change may follow the SMAS lift. For patients with significant platysmal banding, submental fullness or cervicomental angle change, a formal neck lift component may be added. Surgical time and recovery are longer when a neck lift component is included.
Where are SMAS facelift scars placed?
SMAS facelift incision placement depends on the technique used and the surgical plan. Incisions may be planned around the ear and within the hairline, with short scar techniques using a more limited pattern. Scar healing varies between patients and may be influenced by skin type, health factors, smoking history, wound healing and aftercare. Scars are monitored at follow-up visits.
What is the recovery timeline for a SMAS facelift?
Recovery varies between patients and depends on the technique used and whether other procedures are performed. The first 24 to 48 hours involve day surgery or a short hospital stay. Swelling and bruising peak in the first week, and many patients return to desk-based work from around week 2. Healing continues over several months, with follow-up appointments used to monitor progress.
What does a SMAS facelift cost in Sydney?
SMAS facelift cost in Sydney varies with the technique used, procedure duration, hospital and anaesthetist fees, post-operative care and whether other procedures are included. As an indicative figure, a SMAS facelift performed alone is from around $25,000 all-inclusive. Medicare and private health rebates do not apply. Cost should not be the main reason for choosing a technique. A personalised quote is provided after consultation.
Related Guides
Facelift techniques: Facelift Surgery Sydney (the hub covering the related facelift technique pages), Deep Plane Facelift, Vertical Restore Facelift, Short Scar Facelift, Lower Facelift, Ponytail Facelift and Revision Facelift.
Component and complementary procedures: Neck Lift Surgery, Facial Fat Transfer, Upper Blepharoplasty, Lower Blepharoplasty and Brow Lift.
Reading more: Difference Between Vertical Restore and Deep Plane Facelift Surgery, Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline and Facelift Cost Sydney 2026.
