SMAS lifting: what is it and how is it performed?

Many women pay tribute to fashion and try to be attractive and toned, they strive to preserve the freshness and youthfulness of their skin as long as possible. However, no matter how a person takes care of himself, a time comes when he is confronted with the first signs of aging. Gradually, facial muscles lose their elasticity, which is why soft tissues fall down, wrinkles appear, bags under the eyes and pronounced nasolabial folds. To effectively eliminate these age-related changes, a hardware cosmetology procedure was created - SMAS lifting.

Various methods of rejuvenation from year to year do not lose their popularity. The prevalence of such procedures is due to the desire of most women to extend their youth or to return freshness to a withering face. Traditional surgical lift helps to quickly cope with age-related changes, but it has a number of significant drawbacks. Often, for this reason, customers prefer non-surgical technology. One of them includes hardware SMAS-lifting.

This procedure is a non-surgical technique, which is based on the ultrasonic effect on the subcutaneous membranes and the upper layers of the dermis. Unlike the existing hardware methods of tightening, this method allows you to influence the lower muscular aponeurotic layer (SMAS-system). At the same time, the depth of the waves is regulated by the beautician, thanks to which the thermal energy is directed to the desired subcutaneous layer.

When exposed to the skin of the face and neck, ultrasonic waves do not injure the tissue, thereby eliminating the risk of infectious complications. The principle of ultrasound is simple: when the apparatus is in operation, the subcutaneous layers are heated, therefore the natural production of collagen and elastin is activated. Due to the formation of new cells, a rejuvenation effect is observed.

Non-surgical ultrasound lifting is an innovative procedure. Compared to other methods of rejuvenation, it is characterized by a large number of advantages and positive customer reviews.

We note its main advantages:

• the ability to tighten any subcutaneous layers;
• the possibility of choosing the depth of exposure depending on the condition of the skin;
• speed and painlessness of the session;
• the possibility of correction as the entire face and neck, and some of the most problematic areas;
• no rehabilitation period after the rejuvenation session;
• obtaining a positive effect after the first procedure;
• the ability to carry out a tightening at any time of the year, regardless of skin type;
• eliminating the risk of scars, scars and other defects on the skin surface;
• "Cumulative" effect, which lasts for several months after the procedure;
• the possibility of combining with other cosmetological methods of rejuvenation (mesotherapy, biorevitalization, microdermabrasion, the introduction of fillers, injections with botox);
• safety of ultrasound waves for all organs and body systems.

Unfortunately, SMAS-lifting cannot be called an ideal salon procedure. Like all techniques, it has some drawbacks. First of all, the disadvantages include the cost. Prices in prices for this lifting are higher than for other types of braces.Some salons periodically offer promotions for ultrasonic effects, which allows you to pass a session at a reduced cost.

Another disadvantage - low efficiency for individuals over 50. The fact is that after 50 years, collagen begins to be produced in small quantities even when exposed to laser devices. The disadvantages include the risk of hematomas due to hemorrhage into soft tissues and the presence of contraindications.

SMAS lifting is indicated for men and women over the age of 40 years. However, due to the fact that deep changes in tissues can occur at an earlier age, the procedure can be carried out in 35. To determine whether to resort to ultrasonic tightening or you can do with other methods of rejuvenation, you should consult a cosmetologist.

Ultrasonic lifting will bring effect in the following groups of people:

• those who have done a hardware or surgical tightening and want to consolidate or improve the result;
• for those who want to improve the condition of the skin, but do not want to expose themselves to surgical intervention.

Among the main indications for the procedure, cosmetologists note the following:

• loose face and neck skin that has lost its tone and elasticity;
• mimic wrinkles;
• drooping upper eyelids;
• uneven skin color, the formation of age pigment spots, signs of post-acne;
• pronounced nasolabial folds;
• fuzzy facial contours;
• lowered corners of the lips;
• fine wrinkles and deep folds all over the face.

Despite the effectiveness and painlessness, SMAS lifting has some limitations.

It is contraindicated:

• pregnant and lactating women;
• Persons with a pacemaker or with implanted metal implants (dentures are allowed);
• in diseases of the nervous system (epilepsy);
• with various diseases of the endocrine system;
• people with high blood sugar levels;
• with acne;
• with poor blood clotting;
• persons with diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system;
• patients under 35 years old.

There are several types of SMAS-lifting. The most common is considered a hardware technique with exposure to ultrasound. The procedure can be performed in beauty salons, as well as in some clinics specializing in plastic surgery.

Often the following equipment is used for face and neck lifting.

1. Hifu. The device is of American manufacture. It functions by means of upper, middle and deep impulses, acting on different layers of the dermis (from 1.5 to 4.5 mm). This device is used both for the elimination of mild and strongly pronounced age-related changes, and for the tightening of sagging skin after a sudden weight loss.
2. Doublo System. Korean technology, characterized by high radiation power, high efficiency and affordable cost. Due to the cheapness of the equipment itself and “consumables”, Doublo devices are most common among Russian beauty salons.
3. Ultraformer. The device is from South Korea. The device is a new generation, with the ability to work using focused micro-and macro-ultrasound waves. The equipment is completed with a wide range of cartridges from 1.5 to 13 mm.

In addition to the hardware, there is also a surgical SMAS lifting. It is less popular than ultrasound because it has serious complications. This method is a surgical intervention. It is performed by a doctor in the clinic and lasts at least 3 hours. During the procedure, the patient is under anesthesia.

The doctor makes a deep incision with a scalpel over the ear, gently separates the subcutaneous SMAS layer and fixes it in a certain position. If necessary, the doctor can do the excision of excess tissue. The operation is completed by tightening the upper skin and fixing it. Rehabilitation after surgery is at least a month, with the patient staying in the hospital for the first few days for observation by specialists.

The procedure for ultrasonic facelift begins with the preparation. The beautician makes cleansing of the skin from make-up and natural impurities, after which it applies an anesthetic. After 20 minutes, the anesthetic drug is washed off, the face is rubbed with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine is most commonly used). After these actions, the doctor draws a marking on the skin that will be exposed to the apparatus, and applies a special gel. It is designed for better penetration of ultrasonic waves into the deeper layers and for easier sliding of the nozzle of the ultrasonic device.

When working with the device, the beautician uses two or three sensors, processing several layers of fabric at a time. The doctor puts and moves the nozzle of the ultrasonic device strictly on the markup. At the same time, all layers of the dermis are shown on the screen of the device: the skin, fatty tissue and muscle aponeurotic layer. Thanks to the information displayed on the monitor, the beautician directs the radiant flux, setting the optimum depth of wave penetration.

Under the influence of ultrasound radiation is thermal coagulation. The duration of the session takes from 0.5 to 1.5 hours (time depends on the skin of the client). During the procedure, the patient feels a slight tingling or burning sensation. With increasing pain, the power of ultrasound waves is reduced to reduce the risk of complications.

After the session, the antiseptic agent remains are removed, a moisturizing and nourishing cream is applied to the treated skin.

Due to the fact that during the procedure there is no violation of the integrity of the skin, the patient does not need time for rehabilitation. Full restoration of covers usually occur several days after the suspenders. During this period, it is important to properly care for the face or neck.

If the procedure is performed in the summer, it is necessary to use sunscreen for one month.

Also during the week, cosmetologists do not recommend:

• to use abrasive particles (scrubs) for cleaning the skin;
• wash with hot water: cool is better for this purpose;
• do exercises, sports and other types of physical activity (strictly avoid bending);
• going to baths and saunas;
• during the first days to use decorative cosmetics;
• to massage areas exposed to the apparatus;
• take drugs that affect the reduction of blood clotting;
• drink alcoholic beverages;
• sunbathe in a natural way or in a solarium;
• use a hairdryer.

The effect of the holding will be visible immediately after the session of the braces and with time it will only increase.

The result of a circular ultrasonic face lift is:

• elimination of roughness and tuberosity of the skin in the forehead;
• smoothing vertical and horizontal wrinkles;
• elimination of mimic wrinkles (“crows feet” in the eye area) and nasolabial folds;
• cheek lifting

After patient interviews, statistics were compiled, according to which in 90% of cases after SMAS-lifting a positive effect was noted. At the same time, 10% did not reveal any changes. Of all the customers who have resorted to hardware rejuvenation, only 5% are faced with "side effects."

They noted the following.

1. Weak or pronounced pain in areas of impact. In some people, they occurred on their own, in others with light pressure on the skin. In most cases, these side effects disappear within 4 weeks.
2. Decreased tissue sensitivity. In general, partial numbness disappears on its own in 5-7 days.
3. The formation of swelling of the treated areas, burning sensation and redness of the entire face or individual sections. Such effects most often occur in people with sensitive skin type.

The most serious complication is the formation of scars of a point character. They can be a serious obstacle to the subsequent procedures of rejuvenation. People who are prone to hypertrophied proliferation of connective tissue usually encounter scarring.

Ultrasound face correction is performed once. The procedure can be repeated only after 2-3 years. If you provide daily thorough skin care, repeated SMAS-rejuvenation may be required only after 5-10 years.

It is necessary to abandon this type of lifting for persons over 50 years. The fact is that at this age, the skin begins to decline poorly, because of which customers of cosmetic clinics may not notice the result. This fact is confirmed by the negative reviews of many people who turned 50.

For these people, the best space-lifting. This is a surgical intervention that is performed under general anesthesia. It consists in the tightening of the spaces (intermuscular voids filled with fatty tissue). It can eliminate the sagging of the cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds and save from other signs of aging.

Modern beauty salons and clinics specializing in plastic surgery offer many types of braces. A large number of different procedures are heavily advertised, which is why many people find it difficult to find a truly worthwhile option of rejuvenation. To help determine the decision whether to do SMAS lifting, reviews of patients who have experienced the procedure on themselves, revealed its effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages will help.

Responses to ultrasound lifting are very controversial. People who decide on a hardware impact, note strong pain when processing problem areas. This is understandable: the anesthetic gel is able to "freeze" only the upper layers of the skin, while the ultrasound acts in the depths of the dermis. Most people notice pain after the procedure, especially in the area around the eyes. Discomfort lasts for a month.

The disadvantages of this method of rejuvenation people attribute poor performance. The skin looks smoother, more resilient and toned in appearance and touch, however mimic wrinkles and shallow folds do not completely disappear. Also, SMAS lifting is not an expensive procedure.It will be very expensive, especially if you immediately affect the entire face and neck, and not on individual areas.

Among the advantages of people are the following:

• security;
• the lack of rehabilitation (because of this feature for many SMAS-lifting has become a “weekend procedure”);
• skin transformation;
• getting rid of age spots.

In order not to face the provision of low-quality services, you should avoid untested beauty salons, offering a lift at low prices. In most cases, the final result and its duration will depend on the competence and experience of the specialist, as well as on the equipment with which the lift is performed. In order not to be disappointed in the SMAS-lifting, it is advisable to take seriously the choice of salon and beautician, and not rely on the low cost of services provided.

See more on SMAS lifting in the next video.