What is a Surgical Facelift (SMAS Lifting)?
- A surgical facelift, or rhytidectomy, repositions selected descended facial tissues and removes excess skin. “Face tuck” is an informal search term, not a defined surgical technique. Treatment scope depends on facial anatomy, skin quality, previous procedures and individual goals.
SMAS Facelift vs. Deep Plane Face Lifting
- SMAS lifting modifies the fibromuscular supporting layer beneath the skin. Deep plane face lifting involves dissection beneath the SMAS and release of selected retaining ligaments to mobilize deeper tissues. Deep plane surgery is one approach to treating this support system, rather than a wholly unrelated operation. A technique name alone does not establish suitability or superiority.
Structural SMAS Plication & Deep Tissue Restoration
- SMAS plication folds and secures selected supporting tissue with sutures. Other techniques may reposition a SMAS flap or mobilize deeper tissue. The aim is to distribute support beneath the skin while tailoring skin removal; a natural appearance, symmetry and a particular duration cannot be guaranteed.
Risks and possible side effects
While our surgeons are highly skilled, every surgery carries potential risks, that can be minimized by following all medical recommendations. Trust your health to our professionals!
Anatomical Facelift Regions & Target Areas
Lower Face Lift & Jowl Rejuvenation
A lower face lift targets selected lower-face descent and jowls. “Jowl lift” describes a treatment goal rather than one standardized operation. When concerns extend beneath the jawline, a neck lift and platysmaplasty assessment helps determine whether neck tissues also need treatment.
Mid Face Lift & Cheek Elevation
Cheek descent and the lid-cheek transition require separate assessment from lower-face laxity. Read about midface lift and cheek elevation to understand how the treatment area can differ. Volume loss may require a different or complementary plan.
Combining Brow Lift & Forehead Elevation
A facelift does not automatically lift a low brow. brow lift and forehead elevation may be assessed separately. For concerns involving the eyelids, hollowing or eye-area skin, explore periocular rejuvenation options.
When excess upper-lid skin is also a concern, upper eyelid surgery may be assessed alongside a facelift. Combining procedures depends on individual suitability and the overall surgical scope.
Surgical Facelift vs. Non-Surgical Options (Thread Lift & HIFU)
Surgical lifting, thread placement and energy-based skin treatments address different concerns. A PDO thread lift is minimally invasive and places absorbable sutures for temporary support. HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy; laser treatments use light energy. They are not interchangeable technologies, and none should be assumed suitable without examination.
| Technique | Treatment target | Durability and limitations |
|---|---|---|
| SMAS facelift | SMAS support layer and selected excess skin | Structural surgical change; duration varies and ageing continues |
| Deep plane facelift | Tissues beneath the SMAS with selected retaining-ligament release | Structural repositioning; no fixed lifespan or guaranteed superiority |
| Lower facelift | Lower-face tissues and jowl contour | Extent and durability depend on the underlying technique and anatomy |
| PDO thread lift | Suture support within selected soft tissues | Temporary support; does not reproduce surgical tissue release and skin removal |
| Laser skin treatments | Skin quality or tightening, depending on the device | Device-specific effects; does not reposition facial tissues like surgery |
Why Thread Lifts (PDO Threads) Cannot Replace SMAS Surgery
Threads provide a different degree and method of support. They do not excise excess skin or release retaining ligaments in the way a surgical plan may require. Their less invasive nature does not mean they are risk-free. The choice depends on the cause and extent of sagging, treatment limitations and individual priorities.
Facelift Surgery Cost in Dubai
Facelift cost depends on the surgical approach, complexity, anaesthesia, facility requirements and any combined procedures. An individual examination is needed for an accurate quotation.
Facelift Before and after
Review the clinical before-and-after images shown below. Each case is individual; anatomy, treatment planning and healing response influence the result.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Surgery
1. What is an SMAS facelift?
2. How does a surgical facelift compare to PDO thread lifts?
3. Is deep plane face lifting better than an SMAS facelift?
4. Can HIFU or laser treatments replace facelift surgery?
5. How much does facelift surgery cost in Dubai?
6. Can a facelift help with acne scars or uneven skin texture?
Book Your Facelift surgery in Dubai Consultation
Discuss facelift surgery in Dubai with Dr. Kotti’s team, including your goals, suitability, treatment options and recovery.
