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Facial Plast Surg 2020; 36(04): 337-350
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714117
Original Article

The “Segmental SMAS Model”: A Didactic Concept of Face and Neck Lift Anatomy

Holger G. Gassner
1   Finesse Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Regensburg, Germany
2   Faculty of Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
,
Ashish A. Magdum 
1   Finesse Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Regensburg, Germany
,
Darinka Hanga
3   Bezirkskrankenhaus Lienz, Lienz, Austria
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Abstract

Profound understanding of the surgical anatomy of the face and neck is the key to successful face lift surgery. The “Segmental SMAS Model” presented herein is the result of a decade-long effort in teaching fellows a logical and coherent anatomic model of face lift anatomy. The superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) consists of segments with distinct surgical characteristics. These are determined by the presence of a deep gliding plane and/or adhesion through fibrous insertions. In this article, we define SMAS segments that are profoundly heterogeneous in their behavior and have surgical implications on the maneuvers required for a deep plane face lift. The present model introduces several novel interpretations of the surgical anatomy of the face and neck lift procedure and hopes to convey a better understanding of face lift anatomy to training surgeons.

Keywords

face lift - Segmental SMAS Model - SMAS segments - subzygomatic triangle - subzygomatic SMAS segment


Publication History

Article published online:
31 August 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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