SMAS Lift: Natural Results without artificial effect
Deep facial rejuvenation with natural and lasting results.
Starting from: €12,000
Duration of surgery:
2 to 4 hours
Social recovery:
14-21 days
Duration of result:
8 – 12 years
Anesthesia:
General anesthesia
What is a SMAS?
A SMAS lift is a facial plastic surgery procedure designed to reposition the deep structure of the face, not just the skin, by acting on the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer. Through hidden incisions around the ear contour and hairline, the surgeon elevates this fibromuscular layer in its upper portion, secures it with non-absorbable sutures to stable structures, and redrapes the skin without tension.
The result is a rested, defined, and harmonious face, without the "pulled-back" effect associated with skin lifts of previous generations. The duration of the result ranges between 8 and 12 years, making the SMAS lift the facial rejuvenation procedure with the best investment-to-longevity ratio in the current surgical catalog.
What approaches and techniques exist
Classic SMAS lift (plication):
The surgeon makes a periauricular incision and folds the SMAS layer onto itself with sutures, without extensive dissection. It is the most conservative approach, ideal for mild-moderate laxity in patients with good skin quality.
High SMAS lift:
The SMAS layer is elevated above the zygomatic arch and repositioned in a block upwards and backwards following a vertical vector. It restores volume to the midface and redefines the facial oval. It is the most demanded technique in patients between 45 and 60 years old with moderate laxity of the mid and lower third.
SMAS-ectomy (Baker):
Instead of folding the SMAS, a band of tissue is resected and the upper edge is sutured to the lower edge. Indicated in patients with thickened SMAS and severe sagging of the lower third.
Extended SMAS / Deep Plane Lift (alternative):
When the sagging of the midface is pronounced and the facial ligaments are retracted, the sub-SMAS plane and the zygomatic and mandibular ligaments are released. It is not a standard SMAS, but a related technique that we offer as an alternative when the anatomy requires it.
What does a SMAS lift involve?
The process begins with a personalized assessment with the surgeon who will operate. This is not a commercial: it is the doctor who will study your anatomy, explain the technique indicated for your case, mark the incisions on the day of surgery, and accompany you throughout the postoperative period. This continuity—the same surgeon who evaluates is the one who operates and reviews—is one of the pillars of the Instituto de Benito model.
Medical assessment of the SMAS lift:
It is carried out with the surgeon who will operate on you. It includes static and dynamic facial analysis, assessment of skin quality, indicative digital simulation, and selection of the specific technique (plication, High SMAS, SMAS-ectomy, or Deep Plane). To book the appointment, a fee of €80 must be paid in advance.
Preparation for the procedure
Complete preoperative analysis, electrocardiogram, consultation with the anesthesia team, suspension of antiplatelet agents, and smoking cessation (at least 3 weeks prior). We provide you with a dossier with day-to-day instructions.
The procedure
Surgery lasting 2 to 4 hours under general anesthesia or deep sedation with local anesthesia. 24-hour admission with full monitoring. Incisions designed to be hidden within the hair and around the ear contour.
Supervised recovery
Compressing bandage for the first 24-48 hours, removal of drains at 48 hours, check-up at 7-10 days for suture removal and scheduled check-ups at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months with the same surgeon.
Start looking how you want to feel.
Visible result at 80-90% around the third month. Final result at 6-12 months, when the scar matures. What your surroundings will see: a rested, not operated face.
Preparation and recovery of the SMAS lift
What is the price of the SMAS lift?
From €12,000. The SMAS lift at Instituto de Benito starts from €12,000 for the isolated procedure in moderate sagging. It is a fixed amount and provided in writing after the assessment: it is not a commercial "from" behind which unexpected extras appear.
What makes the price vary
The final budget may increase from the base price due to these factors, always communicated in writing before surgery:
- Indicated technique: plication, High SMAS, SMAS-ectomy, or Deep Plane. The Deep Plane technique requires more surgical time and greater complexity.
- Combined procedures: blepharoplasty, neck lift, or fractional laser in the same intervention.
- Revision surgery: on a previous lift, requires more time and greater technical skill.
- Specific preoperative tests if the clinical case requires it.
Are you suitable for SMAS lift surgery?
The SMAS lift does not transform your face: it returns it to a more youthful point of your own identity. You are in the indicated profile if you identify with any of these cases:
- 01
People between 45 and 60 years old with moderate sagging:
The facial oval loses definition, the cheeks descend, the initial double chin appears, and the nasolabial folds deepen. The SMAS lift repositions these structures as a block.
- 02
Patients with reasonable skin quality:
The surgery repositions the structure, but does not rejuvenate the skin. If there is severe sun damage, it is combined with fractional laser or peels to improve texture.
- 03
Those who prioritize naturalness over drastic change:
The SMAS lift is designed to be unnoticeable. The result is a rested face, not transformed.
- 04
Aesthetic medicine results that are no longer sufficient:
When hyaluronic acids, radiofrequency, or thread lifts no longer provide visible improvement because the sagging is structural, the SMAS lift is the next logical step.
- 05
Patients who have sought a second opinion:
We frequently receive patients who have been evaluated at other clinics and seek to confirm the indication or explore alternative techniques. The evaluation with the surgeon also serves this purpose.
- 06
Long-lasting result as a priority:
If you are looking for a result that lasts 8-12 years instead of annual touch-ups, the SMAS lift is the procedure with the best balance between investment, recovery, and permanence.
Our medical group in SMAS lifting
The Instituto de Benito is a reference in facial plastic surgery with over 35 years of experience and one of the most experienced surgical schools in SMAS surgery in Spain. Our team combines surgical artistry, technical precision, and emotional care, ensuring natural and safe results.
Dr. Javier de Benito | IdB
Dr. David Neagu, specialist in facial and maxillofacial
Dr. Álvaro Sada Malumbres, specialist in facial, oral and maxillofacial
Dr. Antonio Martínez Murillo, specialist in facial, body, and breast surgery
Medical guarantees and certifications of your SMAS lifting
We have a solid track record backed by over 35 years of experience in plastic and aesthetic surgery, with a special dedication to facial surgery. Throughout our career, we have been a reference school in SMAS technique and participate in the continuous training of surgeons through SECPRE and ISAPS.
Where to have a SMAS lift surgery
Related treatments
Frequently asked questions about the SMAS lift
How much does a SMAS lift cost at Instituto de Benito?
From €12,000 for an isolated SMAS lift. The exact quote is provided in writing after a personalized assessment with the surgeon.
How long do the results last?
Returning to social and work life occurs between the 2nd and 3rd week. Light sports can be resumed in the 4th week. The final result is consolidated at 6-12 months.
Are the scars noticeable?
The incisions are hidden within the hair, around the ear contour, and in the retroauricular fold. At 6-12 months, they are practically imperceptible.
Is the postoperative period painful?
Most patients report tightness and numbness rather than pain. Discomfort is managed with oral analgesia for the first 48 hours.
Can I finance the SMAS lift?
Yes. We work with an associated financial entity that allows financing up to 60 installments. The financial assessment is carried out after the medical consultation.
Is hospitalization required?
Yes, 24 hours with full monitoring. Discharge is given the next day with a follow-up included at 48 hours.
Can I combine the SMAS lift with other surgeries?
Yes, and it is very common. Usual combinations are: blepharoplasty, neck lift, facial fat transfer, and fractional laser.
In which cities do you perform SMAS lifts?
In Barcelona and Madrid.
When will I see the final result?
80-90% of the result is visible by the 3rd month. The final result, when the scar matures, is seen between 6 and 12 months.
At what age is it recommended?
The indication depends on anatomy, not a specific age. The usual range is 45-60 years, but there are 42-year-old patients with marked genetic laxity who benefit, and 65-year-old patients who still do not need it.
And if I want a subtle, non-surgical change?
In incipient laxity, we consider alternatives such as deep radiofrequency Ultherapy or threads. We only propose surgery when the anatomical indication justifies it.