The “Segmental SMAS Model”: A Didactic Concept of Face and Neck Lift Anatomy

Facial Plast Surg 2020; 36: 337-350 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714117Profound understanding of the surgical anatomy of the face and neck is the key to successful face lift surgery. The “Segmental SMAS Model” presented herein is the result of a decade-long effort in teaching fellows a logical and coherent anatomic model of face lift anatomy. The superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) consists of segments with distinct surgical characteristics. These are determined by the presence of a deep gliding plane and/or adhesion through fibrous insertions. In this article, we define SMAS segments that are profoundly heterogeneous in their behavior and have surgical implications on the maneuvers required for a deep plane face lift. The present model introduces several novel interpretations of the surgical anatomy of the face and neck lift procedure and hopes to convey a better understanding of face lift anatomy to training surgeons. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text
Source: Facial Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research