Double Board Certified · AAFPRS Fellowship Director
SMAS Facelift in NYC — tightening the layer at its surface.
A SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer through folding (plication) or overlapping (imbrication) without sub-SMAS dissection, suited to moderate jawline laxity.
ABFPRS
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
In Consultation
"The technique is chosen to fit the anatomy, not the other way around."
A Note from Dr. Mourad
"A SMAS facelift tightens the connective-tissue layer beneath the skin without dissecting beneath it. It is a well-established operation with a long safety record, and for moderate jawline laxity with a preserved midface it can be exactly the right amount of surgery."
— Dr. Moustafa Mourad, MD
Medically reviewed by Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS — dual board-certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Otolaryngologist (Head & Neck Surgery).
Last reviewed: June 2026
Is this the right page for you?
This page is for
- You have moderate jawline laxity and early jowling with a relatively preserved midface, and you are researching the SMAS technique specifically.
- You want to understand how a SMAS facelift differs from a deep plane facelift or a mini facelift.
- You are weighing the SMAS approach as part of a facelift consultation with Dr. Mourad.
You may be looking for
- A general overview of every facelift technique — start with the main facelift page.
- Advanced midface descent that needs a sub-SMAS release — see the deep plane facelift page.
- Concerns limited to the neck and jawline — see the neck lift page.
Overview
What is a SMAS facelift?
A SMAS facelift addresses the superficial musculoaponeurotic system — the SMAS, the connective-tissue layer beneath the skin that carries much of the structural support of the lower face.
Rather than dissecting beneath the SMAS, the technique tightens it at its surface, either by folding it on itself (plication) or by overlapping and securing it (imbrication). The skin is then redraped without tension. Because the dissection planes are more limited than a deep plane lift, recovery can be slightly faster.
The SMAS technique is generally suited to moderate jawline laxity where the midface remains well-supported. When midface descent and deep folds are part of the picture, a deep plane facelift may be the more appropriate operation. The right technique is determined individually at consultation.
An Established Academic Authority
Double board certification. Fellowship director. Published author. A surgeon's surgeon.
ABFPRS
Board Certified
American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Board Certified
American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Textbook
Published Author
Contributions to the academic literature of facial plastic surgery
Dual board certification in both Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology — a combination held by a small number of physicians nationally.
02 · Ideal Candidates
Who benefits most from a SMAS facelift.
The SMAS technique suits patients with moderate lower-face laxity and a relatively preserved midface. Candidacy is confirmed through an in-person examination.
I
Moderate Jowling
Jowling and softening along the jawline that has progressed beyond early changes but does not yet involve significant midface descent.
II
Preserved Midface
An upper cheek and midface that remain reasonably supported, so tightening the SMAS at its surface can accomplish the goal without a sub-SMAS release.
III
Healthy & Realistic
Non-smokers in good overall health with realistic expectations about what surface tightening of the SMAS can and cannot change.
If this describes you, the next step is a quiet, unhurried conversation — not a sales call.
An Honest Note
When a SMAS facelift may not be the right choice.
When midface descent and deep nasolabial folds are prominent, surface tightening alone may under-treat the problem; a deep plane release is often more appropriate.
If your concerns are primarily skin texture, fine lines, or pigmentation, resurfacing or energy-based treatments may serve you better than surgery.
Active smokers face elevated risk of impaired healing; a nicotine-free window before surgery is required, and unstable medical conditions must be addressed first.
03 · How It Compares
Where the SMAS facelift sits among the techniques.
A facelift is not a single operation. The editions below show how the SMAS technique relates to the other approaches Dr. Mourad performs.
Deep Plane Facelift
Releases the facial retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS and repositions the deeper tissues as one unit. Suited to midface descent and deeper folds.
Learn More
Mini Facelift
A shorter incision and a more limited dissection for early jowling, typically in the 40s to early 50s.
Learn More
Neck Lift
Addresses the platysma, submental fat, and cervicomental angle. A neck lift accompanies almost every facelift in this practice.
Learn More
04 · Technique
SMAS vs deep plane.
The two techniques differ in where the surgical plane sits. The SMAS technique tightens the layer at its surface; the deep plane works beneath the SMAS and releases the retaining ligaments.
SMAS
Plication or Imbrication
A SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer through folding (plication) or overlapping (imbrication) without sub-SMAS dissection. It is a predictable operation with a long safety record.
It is well suited to patients with moderate jawline laxity who do not require a deep midface release. Recovery can be slightly faster because the dissection planes are more limited.
Deep Plane
Beneath the SMAS
The deep plane technique releases the retaining ligaments of the face and elevates the SMAS, fat, and skin together as one composite unit, so the vector of elevation follows the true line of descent.
It addresses the midface, nasolabial fold, jowl, and upper neck in a single coordinated movement, and is generally considered when midface descent is part of the presentation.
Illustrative diagrams. The appropriate plane is determined individually at consultation based on anatomy and goals.
01 · Why Dr. Mourad
Concentrated experience in facial surgery.
Dr. Moustafa Mourad is dual board-certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, and serves as an AAFPRS fellowship director.
His practice concentrates on the face and neck. Because he performs the full range of facelift techniques, the choice between a SMAS approach and a deeper release is made on the merits of your anatomy.
Every surgical plan begins with an unhurried clinical evaluation, with the facial nerve and the natural creases of the ear central to the planning.
Begin the conversation
A consultation is a clinical evaluation — not a sales conversation.
Cost, Financing & Insurance
SMAS Facelift Cost, Financing & Insurance in NYC
The cost of a SMAS facelift in NYC varies because every surgical plan is individualized. Operating time, anesthesia, facility needs, whether the neck is treated at the same time, and postoperative care all factor into the fee.
Facelift surgery is generally considered cosmetic and is typically self-pay. During consultation, Dr. Mourad can evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and provide a personalized quote. Financing options may be available for qualified patients through third-party healthcare financing providers.
What May Affect Cost
- Complexity of the surgical plan
- Degree of lower-face and jawline laxity
- Whether the neck is treated at the same time
- Primary vs revision surgery
- Anesthesia and facility fees
- Postoperative care
This information is educational and is not a guarantee of pricing, insurance coverage, reimbursement, financing approval, or surgical candidacy. A personalized estimate is provided after consultation. Insurance coverage depends on the patient’s plan, medical necessity, documentation, and carrier requirements. Financing terms are determined by third-party financing providers.
Before & After
Real results, real patients.
Every case is unique — tailored to individual anatomy and goals. Browse representative outcomes from the Manhattan practice.
05 · Recovery
What healing actually looks like.
Stage 01
First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours involve a soft compressive dressing, head elevation, and rest. Discomfort is generally moderate and well controlled with non-narcotic medications.
Stage 02
Week 1
Through the first week, bruising and swelling peak around day three and begin to subside. Sutures in front of the ear are removed around day seven. Most patients are presentable for quiet social return at ten to fourteen days.
Stage 03
Weeks 2 – 4
Between weeks two and four, residual swelling steadily declines and light makeup covers most discoloration. Light cardio typically resumes around three weeks.
Stage 04
Months 1 – 12
From one to twelve months, the tissues continue to settle and scars mature. Final contour is generally appreciated by six to twelve months.
Have a specific question?
Send a brief note describing your anatomy or concerns — the office will route it directly to Dr. Mourad for review.
Investment
Understanding the value.
A SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure performed in an accredited facility with board-certified anesthesia and a structured year of follow-up care. The fee reflects those elements and the surgeon's experience.
Surgical fees vary with the complexity of the plan and whether the neck is treated at the same time. A personalized quote is provided at consultation.
Before You Arrive
Your consultation, prepared.
Bring photographs of your face from your 30s and 40s if you have them.
Note any prior facial surgery, injectable history, or facial trauma.
List current medications, supplements, and any blood-thinning agents.
Allow 60 minutes; expect a thorough examination of the face and neck.
Bring questions. Consultations are designed for a real conversation.
No decisions are made at the first visit — that is by design.
Patient Reviews
Facelift Patient Experiences
Selected public patient reviews. Individual experiences vary.
“My results are natural and stunning.”
Real patient experiences
Selected public reviews from patients of the practice.
Your privacy matters
We never share personal health information.
Board-certified expertise
Dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Individual results vary. Reviews reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of outcome.
Frequently Asked
Patient questions, honestly answered.
A SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer at its surface through folding or overlapping, without dissecting beneath it. A deep plane facelift dissects beneath the SMAS and releases the facial retaining ligaments so the deeper tissues move as one unit. The right technique depends on your anatomy and is determined at consultation.
No. The SMAS technique remains a well-established operation with a long safety record, and for moderate jawline laxity with a preserved midface it can be the appropriate choice. Newer does not automatically mean better for a given patient; the technique is matched to the anatomy.
Both tighten the SMAS without a sub-SMAS dissection. Plication folds the SMAS on itself with sutures; imbrication overlaps and secures it. The choice is a technical detail handled during surgery based on the tissues.
The neck is part of the lower face, and a neck lift accompanies almost every facelift in this practice. The neck is treated through a small submental incision and the same pre-auricular access when indicated.
Clinical references
This page draws on published clinical practice guidelines and public-health references. These sources inform general patient education and do not replace an individual evaluation with Dr. Mourad.
- 01American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facelift (Rhytidectomy): procedure, candidacy, and recovery overview. ASPS
- 02American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Patient resources on facial plastic surgery procedures. AAFPRS
- 03U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. MedlinePlus
Explore Further
Related procedures & resources
A SMAS facelift is one of several facelift approaches. These pages explain how the work relates.
Facelift (Overview)
The main facelift page — every technique, candidacy, and what to expect.
Read moreDeep Plane Facelift
A sub-SMAS release for midface descent and deeper folds.
Read moreMini Facelift
A shorter-incision lift for early jowling and mild laxity.
Read moreNeck Lift
Restores the jawline and cervicomental angle, often combined with a facelift.
Read moreDeep Plane vs SMAS Facelift
A plain-language comparison of the two main techniques.
Read moreBefore & After Gallery
Representative facelift and neck lift cases, photographed with written consent on file.
Read morePatient Reviews
Read experiences from patients of the practice.
Read moreRequest a Consultation
Begin with an unhurried clinical evaluation.
Read moreThe Most Important Step
Your expert consultation.
A facelift consultation is a careful clinical evaluation of facial anatomy and goals. Any surgical plan — including whether a SMAS technique or a deeper release is appropriate — is built around the patient.