High SMAS Facelift: Combined Single Flap Lifting of the Midface, Cheek, and Jawline

Abstract

The traditional deep plane and "low" cheek superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flaps elevated below the zygomatic arch suffer the drawback that they cannot, by design, exert an effect on tissues of the midface and infra-orbital region. Traditional deep plane and low designs target the lower cheek and jowl only and produce no improvement in the upper anterior cheek and "midface" area. Planning the flap "higher," along the zygomatic arch, and extending the dissection medially in an "extended SMAS" fashion to release and mobilize midface tissue, overcomes this problem and allows a combined, simultaneous, single flap lifting of the jawline, cheek, and midface. An improved outcome is obtained in many patients and no separate midface lift procedure is needed.