Unlike other anti-aging techniques used in cosmetology
, it allows you to influence not only the upper layers of the skin, but also the subcutaneous muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), which is the “framework” of the face.
A focused, targeted ultrasound pulse, penetrating into the deep layers of the skin, leads to compression of collagen and muscle fibers and provides instant lifting. In addition, high-frequency ultrasound stimulates the formation of new collagen fibers in the skin, so the effect of the SMAS lifting procedure increases over the next 3-4 months.
What is SMAS lifting?
SMAS lifting is a non-surgical technique for tightening the skin of the face and body, based on the impact of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on a certain dense connective tissue layer of the skin, called SMAS.
SMAS is a special structure located under the skin that connects the muscles to the dermis. It is this structure that forms the framework that supports the skin. Before the advent of this procedure, only plastic surgeons could act on this layer.
Focused ultrasound action causes multiple microcoagulations of the SMAS layer. This leads to powerful stimulation of regeneration processes. Ultimately, new collagen is produced, old collagen molecules are curled, and significant tissue tightening occurs.
Differences between SMAS and MAX lifting
The main difference between these seemingly similar procedures is the area of impact.
In the case of SMAS lifting, a complete and more thorough face lift occurs, while with MAX lifting, only the middle zone and, to some extent, the lower zone of the face are tightened.
Thanks to its effect on the deep layers of the skin, the smas lifting procedure gives a long-lasting effect that is noticeable immediately after the operation.
The use of MAX-lifting also gives a quick and pronounced positive result in lifting the mid-face area.
Sutures for a circular facelift are applied horizontally, which complicates the recovery process, thereby lengthening the rehabilitation period.
The incision that is made during a max lift runs from the hairline above the ear, along the front surface at the level of the tragus, and ends in the area of the earlobe. With the conventional lift method, the incision continues behind the ear, which is much more traumatic for the patient.
What areas can be corrected using SMAS lifting?
With the help of SMAS lifting, you can correct almost any area of the face and body. It is ideal for tightening the skin in the chin area, thereby correcting the “double” chin, making the oval of the face clearer, cheekbones and angles of the lower jaw more expressive; restore firmness and elasticity to the skin of the face and body; correct drooping eyebrows; smooth out wrinkles in the area around the eyes, get rid of sagging and wrinkles in the neck area, etc.
Results and features of Max lifting
- Safety and effectiveness
- Vertical seams smooth out nasolabial folds
- Correction of the cervicomental angle
- Significantly shorter recovery time than with a conventional facelift procedure
What operations can facelift operations be combined with?
To achieve the maximum rejuvenation effect, SMAS lifting is most often combined with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or platysmoplasty (neck lift).
How is the SMAS lifting procedure performed?
The first stage of the procedure is computer diagnostics of the internal structure of the skin. Using a built-in ultrasound machine, a cosmetologist determines at what depth the SMAS is located, identifies the presence of implants (chin, cheekbones, etc.) and determines their exact location, checks for the presence of non-absorbable fillers, threads and other medical products, the presence of which is a contraindication to exposure, and these areas must be avoided. This is also necessary to ensure that the impact is directed exclusively at target points.
Next, the skin is cleansed and markings are applied with a special pencil.
The procedure itself is carried out using a manipulator using a conductor gel. Depending on the depth of SMAS, the doctor will select cartridges, thereby adjusting the depth of exposure: 1.5 mm, 3 mm, 4.5 mm, etc.
Our DoubloHIFU device provides a very comfortable procedure compared to some devices from other brands. The sensations experienced resemble warmth and slight tingling.
The procedure does not require rehabilitation or additional treatment. At the end of the procedure, a skin-soothing mask and cream with SPF factor are applied.
The first hours and days after surgery
SMAS lift is performed under general anesthesia, the operation usually takes 3.5-4 hours. How it will go, how the recovery will proceed - this largely depends on the correct preparation of the patient.
It is imperative to undergo tests before the operation. This requirement cannot be neglected, since even small deviations from the norm can ultimately affect the outcome of the intervention. Also, a complete examination of the patient will reveal contraindications, establish the presence of allergies, and the individual characteristics of a person’s health. It is important for the doctor to know all this in order to competently plan the course of the operation, take measures to eliminate complications and develop a set of measures to facilitate and speed up rehabilitation.
The first hours after surgery are the most difficult. During this period, the patient needs to be prepared for discomfort, the appearance of aching pain - they are inevitable, a feeling of tension in the lower part of the face as the “frame” of the face rises and strengthens. To relieve pain in a hospital setting, the patient is given painkillers, and they are also prescribed after discharge, and the doctor clearly describes the dosage regimen, dosage and other nuances.
Immediately after the operation, the patient's face is bandaged with a tight elastic bandage. It should be worn without taking it off for the first 3-4 days. This “corset” is necessary to prevent severe swelling and bruises. It also allows you to fix tissues in a new position, protects scars and the surgical field as a whole from mechanical damage. Wearing a compression bandage is also necessary because it helps to quickly restore normal blood circulation in the tissues, and this is a very important parameter for quickly tightening the stitches without the formation of rough scars.
When the patient removes the compression bandage, slight swelling may occur. This is a completely normal phenomenon, and there is no need to be afraid of swelling. To eliminate such consequences, the doctor may prescribe, if necessary, additional procedures, for example, microcurrent, ultrasound or magnetic therapy - they relieve swelling well and stimulate tissue regeneration processes.
Photo “Before and after” of the SMAS lifting procedure.
Disadvantages of the method
Some experts believe that hardware lifting has virtually no disadvantages or side effects.
Due to the short recovery period, this facelift is called a weekend procedure by some.
In some cases, one session is really enough for a positive effect.
However, do not forget that hardware lifting does not give lifelong results. After about two years (sometimes a little later), the patient will need a second procedure.
Surgical facelift provides a longer lasting effect.
Fragility is an undoubted disadvantage of the non-surgical method of facial correction.
I would also note that there is a risk of affecting the nerve endings. In this case, their connection with the central nervous system will be disrupted.
The risk of hematomas cannot be excluded. Extensive hemorrhages into soft tissues can occur even after procedures without a scalpel. This is worth remembering when planning procedures. Especially for people whose skin quickly shows signs of any damage.
Among other things, the procedure can slightly change the contours of the oval and facial features.
Another disadvantage is the cost of the procedure. Unfortunately, even at the present stage of development of devices, it remains very high.
Contraindications for SMAS lifting
Absolute contraindications for SMAS lifting include:
— pregnancy and breastfeeding;
— violation of the integrity of the skin in the affected area;
- any infectious-inflammatory skin lesion in the affected area, acne in the active stage of inflammation;
— the presence of non-absorbable implants (including fillers and threads) in the affected area, except for dental implants;
- presence of a pacemaker;
- tendency to keloid scars;
- blood clotting disorder;
- history of paralysis and inflammation of the facial nerves (facial and trigeminal);
— oncological disease, incl. in the anamnesis.
Rehabilitation
As after any intervention by a plastic surgeon, swelling and bruising may appear on the face for several days, which disappear within 1-2 weeks. Sutures are removed 10–12 days after surgery, which depends on the speed of tissue healing in each individual patient. For 2 weeks, the patient is not recommended to visit the sauna, bathhouse, sunbathe or engage in strenuous physical exercise. After this, the person can return to work, leading a normal lifestyle.
The initial results of lifting can be assessed after 1-2 weeks, but the full effect of lifting can be assessed only after 2 months.
Contraindications
Non-surgical lifting has relatively fewer contraindications than surgical procedures. But, nevertheless, they exist. And when deciding on the procedure, you should remember that in some cases it cannot be done.
Contraindications are:
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Age over 55
- Tendency to form keloid scars
- Diabetes
- Neuropsychiatric disorders
- Epilepsy
- Scleroderma
- Infections
- Inflammatory processes
- Oncology
- Connective tissue pathologies
- Vasculitis, lupus and other systemic diseases
- Blood diseases
- Bleeding disorder
- Dermatological problems
The specialist must interview you before the procedure. During the consultation, he will collect all the necessary information to recommend you a correction method or insist on postponing it.
Remember, concealing any diseases can lead to serious complications after the procedure. Hardware methods in this case are as dangerous as surgical interventions. Don't harm yourself! Be honest with your chosen doctor. The result of the procedure and the preservation of your health depend on this!
Features of the procedure
The term SMAS was first used in 1975 by French scientists, who designated the superficial muscular aponeurotic system. They suggested that it is responsible for transmitting movement from muscles. In the future, this discovery became very important, since SMAS really preserves the elasticity and youth of the skin.
Initially, this phrase meant only surgical manipulation, because it was impossible to influence this system in any other way. Years later, the first non-invasive method appeared - hardware SMAS lifting. The technique involves focused ultrasound on soft tissue. Due to targeted heating, collagen and elastin fibers, which have stretched with age, contract and become denser, which gives a noticeable lifting effect.
Indications for the SMAS lift procedure, correction zones
Recommendations for conducting a course of hardware ultrasonic smas lifting include the following cosmetic problems:
- Age-related skin aging.
- Wrinkles, nasolabial folds.
- Drooping of the corners of the lips and eyebrows.
- Loss of skin elasticity.
- Gravitational ptosis.
The procedure gives a triple effect - subcutaneous fat cells are removed, muscles are lifted, and the skin is tightened. Hardware SMAS - lifting is indicated for the face and a whole range of areas on the body:
- deformation of facial contours;
- ptosis of the forehead and eyebrows;
- moderate excess eyelid skin, including painters;
- deepening of nasolabial folds;
- sagging and flabbiness of the submental zone.
The Ultraformer device is today considered one of the most effective devices for directional ultrasonic influence. As a result, the market is filled with cheap replicas, the performance of which is an order of magnitude lower, and there is a risk of complications.
Based on the price of smas lifting in Moscow, you can guess which device is used in the institution - original or counterfeit. The high cost of certified equipment affects the price of massage lifting services, but it guarantees excellent results and no side effects. Clinic "VitaDerm" - only original equipment and highly qualified personnel, we confidently guarantee the quality of the services offered by the clinic.
