Dr. Summers began development of the SMART Facelift in 1996. Now, over 20 years later, he has treated over 1,000 patients.

As the leading expert in this minimally invasive procedure, he continues to refine the procedure. Many of his patients are enjoying results lasting more than 10 years.

The SMART Facelift procedure is a suture suspension technique that lifts the Skin, Muscle, and Adipose while Reducing Tension on the skin.

The procedure name (“SMART”) is an acronym and differentiates the procedure from other types of suspension facelift procedures. Because the procedure reduces skin tension, patients enjoy natural results and never need to worry about a “windswept” appearance.

The Procedure

Unlike typical facelift techniques, the SMART Facelift does not remove any skin, so it is not a good procedure for individuals with a lot of skin laxity. Typically, patients are in their mid-thirties to mid-sixties with some cheek folds (nasolabial folds) and minor jowling. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in about one hour and the results are seen immediately.
Because all patients age at different rates, it is impossible to predict how long the results will last in any particular patient. However, based on Dr. Summers long-term experience, most of his patients enjoy results of mid-face elevation for 5 – 10 years, with many patients having results that last even longer.

Risk

Some bruising is possible, but other side effects associated with facelift surgery (swelling, numbness, muscle weakness, scars) are very unusual or completely unexpected. If there is any dimpling of the skin, it typically resolves spontaneously. Minor facial asymmetry is possible but unlikely to occur because of the procedure.

RECOVERY NOTES

Most patients look great within a day or two following their SMART Facelift procedure. There are a couple of things you should do to make sure your recovery is quick and that you get the best possible results.

After Your SMART Facelift

Following the procedure, patients can reduce their risk of bruising and swelling if they keep their head elevated, keep cool compresses over the cheeks, and avoid straining or strenuous activities. To help stabilize the healing process, the cheeks should protected from tension for about one month. For example, facial massages are to be avoided and patients should take care when washing their face or shaving not to stretch their cheeks and jowls downward.

It is recommended that a head strap be worn during the initial healing phase to help maintain the newly elevated cheek position. After a few weeks, significant healing will have occurred, ensuring that your results will last for years.

Ancillary Procedures

Additional procedures may be performed simultaneously with the SMART Facelift. For example, an upper eyelid lift, a lower eyelid lift, structural fat grafting, facial or neck micro-liposuction, and laser resurfacing may all be performed under local anesthesia in appropriately selected patients.
Patients with moderately lax skin should consider non-surgical skin tightening and collagen replenishment prior to the SMART Facelift. In some cases, it is advisable to have these procedures after the facelift.