The SMAS facelift, or SMAS rhytidectomy or extended SMAS facelift, is a popular facial plastic surgery procedure in the UK. Among cosmetic surgeries for facial rejuvenation and aesthetic enhancement, the SMAS facelift stands out for its ability to deliver natural, youthful results. This type of facelift cosmetic surgery is ideal for those seeking a longer-lasting youthful look. The SMAS facelift is considered an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure compared to older facelift techniques. The SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens and lifts the middle and lower parts of your face. Unlike skin only facelifts, which lift only the superficial skin layer and often result in less natural and less durable outcomes, the SMAS facelift targets deeper tissues for more natural-looking and longer-lasting rejuvenation. It can treat the sagging skin around the cheek area, jowls and sad mouth look. It can also treat the neck if there is not a lot of skin laxity. A facelift involves repositioning and tightening the underlying facial structures and overlying skin, with the choice of technique depending on individual anatomy, degree of facial ageing, and desired results.
The SMAS plication facelift is a popular procedure for patients who want an overall improvement in their appearance, as it treats sagging skin, muscle laxity and can target jowls. Facial ageing is the primary reason patients seek SMAS facelifts, as the procedure can achieve a cheek and jowl lift.
SMAS stands for Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System, which comprises muscles and fibrous tissue on the face that becomes loose when we age. This area starts near our ears and moves down towards the neck, where looseness occurs in the middle of your face. The SMAS facelift addresses signs of ageing such as sagging, loose skin, and loss of facial contour, especially around the jawline and neck. It specifically targets the effects of the natural ageing process, including facial sagging, wrinkles, and tissue loss, to provide longer-lasting and more natural rejuvenation.
SMAS facelift surgery is considered an advanced surgical option for those seeking significant and lasting facial rejuvenation of 10 to 15 years.
At Kensington Medical our GMC Specialist Registered facial plastic surgeons are highly trained in performing SMAS facelifts, ensuring results that can last and patient safety. Find out more about our consultations with one of our cosmetic surgeons to discuss our facial rejuvenation procedures.
Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a highly sought-after cosmetic procedure designed to restore a more youthful appearance by addressing the visible signs of facial aging. This surgical technique involves lifting and tightening the middle and lower regions of the face, effectively reducing sagging skin. In addition to repositioning underlying tissues, facelift surgery also aims to improve the quality and texture of the facial skin, helping to reduce signs of ageing and enhance skin health for a more youthful look. It can also soften deep lines and enhance facial contours. Facelift surgery can also improve the appearance of the neck, particularly when there is minimal skin laxity. With advancements in facelift techniques, such as the SMAS and deep plane facelift, patients now have access to more comprehensive facial rejuvenation options that target deeper facial tissues for longer-lasting, natural-looking results. Whether you are concerned about jowls, loss of definition, or the “sad mouth” look, a facelift can help you achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance tailored to your unique needs. Achieving good skin tone is also an important factor in obtaining natural-looking results and overall facial harmony.
Modern facelift techniques are specifically designed to achieve a natural appearance, avoiding an overdone or 'pulled' look and preserving authentic facial expressions.
There are several types of facelift procedures available, each designed to address specific concerns and areas of the face and neck. The deep plane facelift is a highly advanced surgical procedure that targets the deeper facial tissues, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), to achieve a more natural and longer-lasting youthful appearance. By repositioning these deeper structures, the deep plane facelift can provide dramatic improvements in facial contours and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds.
For those seeking a less invasive option, the mini facelift focuses on the lower face and jawline, making it ideal for patients with early signs of facial ageing who want subtle enhancement with minimal downtime. The extended SMAS facelift goes a step further by addressing the midface area and providing additional lift to the cheeks and nasolabial folds, resulting in a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
The choice of facelift procedure depends on several factors, including the degree of facial ageing, the quality of the skin, and the patient’s aims. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will recommend the most suitable facelift technique to help you achieve a more youthful appearance and natural-looking results tailored to your unique facial anatomy.
To find out about the differecnes between a SMAS facelift and Deep plane facelft visit our comprehensive page that breaks down the differences. SMAS versus Deep plane facelift.
A SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that targets the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS) (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), a layer of tissue that connects the facial muscles to the skin. The SMAS plays a crucial role in facial expression and is responsible for the sagging skin and loss of facial contours that occur with aging. Above the SMAS lies the superficial fascia, a distinct anatomical layer that separates the skin and subcutaneous tissue from deeper structures. By lifting and tightening the SMAS layer, the procedure addresses the underlying tissue beneath the skin for more natural and lasting results. In some cases, the SMAS facelift may involve working with deeper layers of facial tissue to achieve optimal rejuvenation. This surgical procedure not only addresses sagging skin but also enhances the overall facial structure, providing a more defined and refreshed look. To learn about other facelift procedures such as the Vertical Facelift and Ponytail Facelift, explore more options for achieving facial rejuvenation.
The ageing signs that a SMAS can target include:
The lower half of your chin area (jowls)
Sad mouth lines or marionette lines at the sides of the mouth or nasolabial
Nasolabial folds, which are prominent lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
A drooping neck or turkey neck if there is not a lot of skin laxity in the neck. The platysma, a key muscle in the neck, is often addressed during neck lift procedures to restore neck and jawline definition. If there is more skin laxity a neck lift may be recommended
SMAS facelift patients want to slow down the effects of ageing. We see patients in their 50’s, 60s and older achieve lift and rejuvenation.
The benefits of a SMAS facelift are the following:
A natural-looking facelift result with minimal scarring
The scars are hidden in the hairline and behind the ear
The recovery is faster than a full facelift and neck lift
Many consider the SMAS facelift to be the best treatment for jowls
By lifting and tightening the SMAS layer, the procedure restores a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance to the face and neck, taking into account the unique facial anatomy of each patient
The SMAS facelift helps restore a youthful facial contour by repositioning the underlying structures.
The procedure can also help restore facial volume that is lost due to aging, especially in the midface area.
Repositioning the soft tissues of the face is key to achieving a natural, rejuvenated look.
The benefits of a SMAS facelift are numerous. This procedure significantly improves sagging skin and facial contours, resulting in a more defined and youthful appearance. By repositioning the SMAS layer, the technique provides better support to the overlying skin compared to superficial lifts, leading to longer-lasting and more natural results. It effectively reduces the appearance of jowls and excess skin in the lower face and neck, enhancing facial expression, facial definition and restoring a more natural and relaxed look. During the procedure, the buccal fat pad may also be addressed to further improve midface contour. Fat grafting can be combined with a SMAS facelift to enhance facial volume and contours, achieving a more balanced and rejuvenated look. One of the standout advantages is the long-lasting results, with many patients enjoying their rejuvenated appearance for up to 10-15 years. A SMAS facelift can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid surgery, neck lift, and facial fat transfer, to achieve a more comprehensive result. Ask about multi procedure surgery when you see your facial plastic surgeon.
Studies show that over 85% of patients are satisfied with the outcomes of their SMAS facelift procedure.
Many of our patients tell us they look refreshed after a SMAS facelift, as if they had returned from a restful holiday.
SMAS facelifts show improved recovery times compared to older facelift techniques due to the refined surgical methods.
Our patients generally come because they want to look refreshed and naturally younger. We have many who come because their non-surgical dermal fillers or non-surgical facelift are no longer working. They feel they are spending a lot of money to maintain something that does not give them the youthful and natural look they want. They want to avoid that overly unnatural pillow face look.
A SMAS face lift candidate is looking for a facelift that will last for a good many years. Of course, we all age and this process does not stop when you have a SMAS or any facelift procedure.
A SMAS facelift is a common facial rejuvenation surgery that can take up to 10 years off the appearance of your face. This procedure addresses the signs of aging effectively, catering to the rising social pressures of maintaining a youthful appearance. A person’s decision to have one should depend on their circumstances, such as lifestyle and facial structure.
We see individuals in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. However, a SMAS can also be offered to someone in their 70’s.
Younger patients can benefit from a SMAS, it really does depend on their facial structure and this will be discussed in consultation with our facial plastic surgeon.
Consultations with our experienced facial plastic surgeon should help answer any questions and concerns. They will look at skin and muscle laxity and your lifestyle to give you the best options for what you want to achieve.
Selecting the right facelift procedure is a crucial step in achieving your desired outcome. Every individual has unique facial anatomy, ageing patterns, and personal goals, which is why a thorough consultation with our facial plastic surgeon is essential. During this consultation, your surgeon will assess your facial structure, skin quality, and the extent of facial aging to recommend the most suitable facelift technique for you. Options may include a traditional facelift, mini facelift, or deep plane facelift, each offering different levels of correction and rejuvenation. In some cases, combining facelift surgery with other facial cosmetic procedures—such as eyelid surgery, neck lift, or fat transfer—can provide a more harmonious and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. By considering your medical history, expectations, and lifestyle, your surgeon will help you choose the right facelift procedure to achieve natural, balanced, and long-lasting results.
Preparation for a SMAS facelift is a vital step in ensuring a safe and successful outcome, as well as achieving the most natural and youthful appearance possible. This facial rejuvenation procedure, which targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and deeper facial tissues, requires careful planning and collaboration with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation, during which your plastic surgeon will assess your unique facial anatomy, including skin laxity, facial volume, and the presence of deep wrinkles or pronounced nasolabial folds. This evaluation helps determine which facelift techniques—such as the traditional SMAS facelift, mini facelift, or deep plane facelift—are best suited to your facial structure and aesthetic goals. The surgeon will also discuss the possibility of combining your SMAS facelift with other facial cosmetic procedures, such as eyelid surgery, neck lift, facial fillers, or fat grafting, to achieve a more harmonious and comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
In preparation for your surgical procedure, you will be advised to make certain lifestyle adjustments. It is important to stop smoking well in advance of surgery, as smoking can impair circulation and increase the risk of delayed wound healing. You may also be asked to avoid specific medications and supplements that could increase bleeding or interfere with recovery. A thorough medical evaluation will be conducted to ensure you are in good health and an appropriate candidate for the SMAS facelift procedure.
During your consultation, the SMAS facelift cost will be clearly outlined, including the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist and hospital fees, and any additional expenses related to other facial rejuvenation procedures you may choose to include. This transparent approach allows you to plan accordingly and make informed decisions about your treatment plan.
On the day of your facelift surgery, you will need to arrive at the surgical facility with a responsible adult who can assist you after the procedure. The SMAS facelift, especially when combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, may take several hours to complete. After surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area before being discharged home with detailed post-operative instructions.
By following your plastic surgeon’s guidance before and after your SMAS facelift, you can help minimise risks, such as facial asymmetry or delayed wound healing, and maximise your chances of a smooth recovery and a more youthful, revitalized facial appearance. Careful preparation is key to achieving long-lasting, natural-looking results from your facial cosmetic procedures.
The SMAS facelift procedure typically involves the following steps:
Preparation: The patient is prepared for surgery, which may include administering anesthesia and marking the incision sites.
Incision: The surgeon makes incisions in the hairline, typically above the ears, and extends them downward along the natural creases of the skin.
SMAS Lift: The surgeon lifts and tightens the SMAS layer, repositioning it to a more youthful and elevated position.
Excess Skin Removal: Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped over the newly positioned SMAS layer.
Closure: The incisions are closed, and the patient is taken to the recovery room.
Recovery from a SMAS facelift typically takes several weeks, during which time the patient may experience:
Swelling and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses
Numbness or tingling sensations, which are usually temporary
Scarring, which can be minimized with proper wound care and follow-up appointments with the surgeon
It’s essential to follow our plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. At Kensington Medcial you will receive thorough post operative advice on how to look after your face. In addition, post operative appointments are crucial and you will see the plastic surgeon a number of times.
As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries certain risks and considerations that patients should be aware of before proceeding. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, numbness, and mild discomfort, which typically resolve within a few weeks. Although rare, there is a risk of nerve injury that could result in temporary or, in very rare cases, permanent facial asymmetry or muscle weakness. To minimise these risks and ensure the best possible outcome, it is vital to choose a highly experienced and skilled facial plastic surgeon who is well-versed in the latest facelift techniques. Your overall health, skin quality, and the degree of facial ageing will play a role in determining your suitability for a facelift procedure. Open communication with your surgeon about your medical history and expectations will help ensure a safe and satisfying experience.
At Kensington Medical our team of plastic surgeons take great care to advise on the best facelft suited to your face, structure, skin laxity and muscle tone. Find out what facelft is best for you.
The results of facelift surgery are designed to be long-lasting, with many patients enjoying a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance for 10 to 15 years. However, the longevity of your results can be influenced by factors such as skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle choices. To maintain your refreshed look, it is important to adopt healthy habits, including protecting your skin from sun exposure with daily SPF 50+ sunblock, following a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking. Regular follow-up appointments with your facial plastic surgeon will help monitor your progress and address any concerns. For those seeking to further enhance or maintain their results, combining facelift surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures—such as facial fillers or resurfacing laser treatments—can provide additional improvements and prolong the youthful effects of your facelift.
Aftercare and follow-up are critical components of a successful facelift surgery. Proper management of excess skin, facial tissue, and swelling in the days and weeks following your procedure will help ensure optimal healing and results. At Kensingtin Medical your plastic surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including how to care for your incisions, manage discomfort, and reduce swelling.
It is important to be aware of potential risks and complications, such as facial nerve injury, skin laxity, or delayed wound healing. Attending all booked follow-up appointments with your GMC Specialist Registered plastic surgeon ensures they have close monitoring of your recovery and can act on early intervention if any issues arise. These visits are also an opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have as you heal.
By following your surgeon’s aftercare guidelines and keeping in touch, we can support your smooth recovery and ensure you enjoy the full benefits of your facelift surgery.
Maintaining the results of your facelift and preventing further facial ageing requires real commitment to a healthy lifestyle and ongoing maintenance. Protecting your facial skin from sun exposure by using a high-SPF 50+ sunscreen daily is essential to prevent new signs of ageing and to help maintain a youthful appearance. Avoiding smoking, avoiding too much alcohol and maintaining a stable, healthy weight will also help preserve your results.
A good skincare routine, including moisturizers and products tailored to your skin type, can keep your skin hydrated and resilient. Over time, other facial rejuvenation procedures such as facial fillers, chemical peels, or laser treatments may be recommended by your plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon to touch up and enhance your results.
By adopting these healthy habits and working closely with your surgeon, it is possiblew to prolong the effects of your facelift and continue to enjoy a refreshed, youthful look for 10-15 years to come.
A SMAS facelift is often combined with other facial cosmetic procedures associated with aging, such as an upper eyelid lift (upper blepharoplasty) or an eye bag removal (lower blepharoplasty). While the SMAS facelift primarily targets the mid and lower face, additional procedures may be needed to address aging changes in the upper face, such as volume loss or sagging. A brow lift can also be considered to elevate the eyebrows, smooth the forehead, and achieve facial harmony, especially when combined with other procedures such as deep plane facelifts. It is important to consult a qualified surgeon to determine if a brow lift is suitable as part of your comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan. This option can often give you a better result and reduce the need to come back later for more surgery. Book a consultation in our Harley street, London, UK or Wimbledon clinic and find out if you are suitable.
SMAS facelifts are often carried out with upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and other facial cosmetic procedures to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation. This is because a SMAS facelift targets the middle and lower portions of the face, the eye area is not touched, especially the upper eyelids. The frontalis muscle, which is continuous with the galea aponeurotica and superficial fascia, plays a key role in elevating the eyebrows and upper eyelids; addressing its anatomical relationship during upper eyelid surgery is important for achieving balanced facial rejuvenation.
A blepharoplasty removes excess fat and tightens the skin in the areas around the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids or eye bags, or both. By combining this with a SMAS facelift and other facial cosmetic procedures, it can produce an overall rejuvenated face.
A SMAS facelift has a smaller effect on the neck. If the neck has a lot of skin laxity our plastic surgeon might suggest a neck lift. Sometimes the neck can age sooner than the face. To obtain a natural look, our plastic surgeon may suggest a SMAS facelift with a neck lift.
Patients often have skin laxity around the mouth as well as the cheek, mid face and jowls. This lip area of ageing may result in a slightly drooping upper lip which can give an ageing effect on the face. A lip lift with the SMAS facelift can address this surgically.
A SMAS facelift targets the superficial muscular aponeurotic system to lift and tighten the face, and combining it with fat transfer can help restore volume and create a more youthful look. A liposuction procedure will take the fat from other parts of your body, for example the stomach or thigh area.
Fat transfer into areas such as the cheeks or under-eye area adds volume, creating more youthful contours. It increases fullness in the cheek area, nasolabial lines or marionette lines, and the areas around the eyes.
The advantages of fat transfer over dermal fillers include:
There is no rejection issue because the fat comes from the patient
Between 50% and 70% of the amounts injected stay in place permanently
A SMAS facelift tightens the muscle and skin of the face. It will not however help with skin texture. If this is a concern our plastic surgeon can discuss combining a laser treatment with SMAS for smoother skin after surgery. Lasers can increase collagen production, reduce sunspots, or brown spots, resurface the skin to make scars less visible.
At your consultation with our expert facial surgeons they will look at your facial structure, skin laxity and fat distribution and collagen supply. In some cases they will recommend a full facelift or deep plane facelift as they feel it will give you a better natural result. The deep plane face technique is an advanced method for achieving natural and long-lasting rejuvenation results. Deep plane facelift surgery involves precise dissection of the SMAS layer beneath the muscles for optimal facial rejuvenation. The deep plane facelift addresses the deep structures beneath the skin. To find out more about deep plane facelift click here or the extended deep plane facelift.
We offer specialist facial rejuvenation treatments in the heart of London. Our team of expert plastic surgeons is dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive and personalised experience. With our expertise in facial cosmetic surgery, we can help you fight back the years and delicately recover your facial freshness and youthful appearance.
Consultation
Your journey begins with a dialogue between you and your surgeon: the pre-operative consultation, which is central to the operation's success. At Kensington Medical, patients interested in surgery undergo several consultations with the surgeon. We are keen for our patients to be fully informed before deciding whether to proceed with surgery. So, we encourage them to see the surgeon more than once and ask as many questions as they wish. Typically, our patients go through two pre-operative consultations.
The first consultation tends to be face-to-face. During it, the surgeon will:
Following the first consultation, we will:
A second consultation is often necessary for the following reasons:
The second consultation can also be face-to-face. Alternatively, it can be via a video call.
Following your consultations, our medical team is always available should you have further questions before your surgery.
Pre-Operative Care
Once you have decided to go ahead with surgery, we will book your operation in one of our specialist cosmetic surgery hospitals.
Before your operation, you will be sent a health questionnaire. This will be reviewed by your anaesthetist, who may call you to discuss specific aspects of your medical history. In certain cases, you may be required to attend the clinic for blood tests. This will be discussed with you by one of our medical team members before your scheduled appointment date.
We will also issue you with preoperative instructions. In particular:
On The Day Of The Procedure
You will arrive at least one hour before the time of your procedure. The nursing staff at the hospital will monitor your blood pressure and other relevant essentials. You will then meet your anaesthetist and surgeon for a final markup.
The actual operation involves carefully sculpting and repositioning underlying tissue and fat within the face to create a more youthful contour around the eyes, chin, neckline, and jawline area. The result is smoother skin texture while preserving natural facial expressions throughout different movements. The incisions are then closed using sutures. This will leave small scars hidden along areas such as the hairline or scalp, which can fade over time depending on how well they are cared for.
We typically perform this procedure under general anaesthesia. It lasts 2.5h to 3.5h.
Post-Operative Care
Aftercare following a facelift is essential to ensure we achieve optimal results.
Following your surgery, you will be transferred to the hospital’s recovery room, where the nursing staff will ensure that your recovery is smooth. You should stay there for two to four hours, depending on the surgery. Once the nursing team are happy that you are in a fit state to go home, you will leave the hospital accompanied by a friend or a family member. You should also arrange for someone to stay with you overnight for the first night following your operation. Generally, post-operative pain is minimal, but you will be given pain killers in case you need them.
Once you have been discharged from the hospital, our nursing team will be available 24/7 to ensure your post-operative journey is comfortable and pain-free and to field any questions you may have.
Your surgeon will see you a number of times in the weeks following your operation to monitor the facial skin and scars and to support you:
Bruising and swelling can last up to one month following this surgery.
Post-Operative Instructions
Our medical team will provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your current health status and treatment received, including when it is appropriate for you to resume normal activities such as exercise, wearing makeup, and strenuous movements. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications or risks associated with the procedure.
Protecting your face from sun exposure is especially important, as it can cause scarring, discolouration, and other unwanted side effects. Wear sunscreen when outdoors and use hats or umbrellas if possible. It would be best to avoid strenuous activities involving facial movements, such as exercise and sports, until cleared by our medical team at Kensington Medical.
By following the instructions of our medical team and taking precautions to protect your face, you can ensure that you achieve the best results from facelift surgery. Following a healthy lifestyle with sufficient rest, nutrition, and hydration is essential for healing and maintaining long-term effects. It is strongly recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption before and during the recovery period.
Mr David Gateley
Mr Amir Sadri
Mr Paul Tulley
What are the risks associated with a SMAS facelift?
The SMAS facelift, like any surgical procedure, does have risks. During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will discuss them with you along with any concerns you may have.
The most common potential complication of a facelift is hematoma, which usually requires prompt drainage.
Common side effects of a SMAS facelift include bruising, swelling, numbness, and discomfort, which usually resolve within a few weeks.
The general complications associated with any operation include:
The rare complications of a SMAS facelift include
What is the recovery time from a SMAS facelift?
You can go home on the day of a SMAS facelift. The recovery time follwing a SMAS facelift is around two to three weeks, after which time you can return to normal activities. We advise that you can start exercising after the healing is complete.
What scarring can be expected from a SMAS facelift?
Scars from a SMAS facelift are permanent, but the surgical procedure hides them within the hairline and in the normal creases of the skin. They will fade with time.
How soon will I see results / are they permanent?
As with most surgery, there will be some post-operative swelling, which will subside after about three weeks to one month. Results should be visible then and will look best from 6 months onward. The ageing process continues even with surgery. However, facelift results tend to be long-lasting.
How much does a SMAS facelift cost?
At Kensington Medical, an advanced SMAS facelift costs from £10,500. The best option is to get in touch and book a face to face consultation with our expert SMAS face lift surgeons.
They will advise on what facelift is right for you and will give you full details on the SMAS lifting price. They will discuss face lift timelines, recovery times and they will show you before and after photos. You will leave having a thorough understanding of what’s involved and how long it will take to looking as good as you feel.
The cost of a facelift procedure can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon’s expertise, anaesthetist and hospital fees, and any additional facial rejuvenation procedures you may choose to combine. After your consultation, you will receive a detailed quotation outlining all associated costs, including pre-operative and post-operative care. Many clinics offer financing options to help make facelift surgery more accessible and manageable for patients. It is important to discuss all aspects of cost and available payment plans with your facial plastic surgeon or clinic representative to find the best solution for your needs and budget. By investing in a high-quality facelift procedure, you can achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results and enjoy renewed confidence in your appearance.
How should I prepare for this treatment?
Your plastic surgeon will give you specific advice on how to prepare for your treatment. This will be based on your pre-operative medical at Kensington Medical. It may include:
All the information will be provided and a 24 hour helpline is available. Your pre and post operative appointments will ensure you feel confident with the exciting journey ahead.
When will I see before and after images of a SMAS facelift?
During your consultation, your surgeon will share before and after images of previous surgeries that they have performed so that you can see the types of results you should expect.
At Kensington Medical, the journey to a fresher you can start today. The starting point of this journey is a consultation with your facelift surgeon. They will discuss the areas on your face that you are considering for cosmetic surgery. You may have another consultation to decide if there are any other procedures you may want such as an eyelift.
During the face-to-face consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss facial structure, skin and muscle laxity. Photos of you when you were younger are helpful and we encourage you to bring them to the consultation. You will see our facelift SMAS before and after pictures so that we can create a plan for achieving your goals.
If you decide to have further procedures done at once, this plan will combine all aspects into one personalised program.
To find out if you are suitable book a consultation in our Harley street, London or Wimbledon clinic. Deciding to talk to an experienced plastic surgeon is the exciting first step to feeling and looking your best.
Medically reviewed by Mr David Gateley MA, FRCS, FRCS (Plast), GMC number 2939470 on 17 December, 2025.
