Achieve a more defined look with a SMAS facelift in Gulf Shores—a deeply transformative procedure that lifts sagging cheeks, smooths deep folds, and tightens the jawline. Performed by Carrie L. Morris, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified surgeon, this advanced technique sculpts with precision, restoring harmony to your natural facial features. You deserve refined, lasting confidence.
Reveal your most harmonious facial contours
A SMAS facelift is an advanced surgical technique that targets the deeper layers of facial structure—specifically the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS)—to achieve longer-lasting, more natural-looking results. Unlike a traditional facelift that only tightens skin, this approach lifts and repositions underlying tissue for more sculpted, harmonious contours. It’s especially effective for improving jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and sagging in the mid-to-lower face. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, Dr. Morris uses this technique to refine and restore your appearance with artistry, precision, and results that truly resonate.
Actual Patient
SMAS facelift treats:
- Sagging skin in the midface and lower face
- Deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Jowls along the jawline
- Loss of facial volume and definition
- Drooping cheeks and facial heaviness
- Loose or lax skin on the neck
- Overall facial aging and loss of contour
Traditional facelift vs. SMAS facelift
Traditional facelift
A traditional facelift primarily focuses on tightening the skin by removing excess and pulling it taut for a smoother appearance. While it can temporarily reduce surface-level sagging and wrinkles, it doesn’t address the deeper structural causes of aging. Results may appear less natural over time, and because only the skin is lifted, the effects often don’t last as long.
SMAS facelift
A SMAS facelift goes beyond the surface by repositioning the deeper layer of tissue beneath the skin. This technique creates more natural, sculpted results that last significantly longer than a traditional facelift. By addressing both skin and foundational support, the SMAS facelift is ideal for treating moderate to advanced signs of aging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
How the SMAS facelift is done
The SMAS facelift begins with incisions—typically starting at the temples, continuing around the front of the ears, and extending into the lower scalp. Dr. Morris carefully dissects beneath the skin to expose the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a fibromuscular layer that supports the midface and lower face. Using advanced techniques, she elevates, repositions, and secures this layer to restore youthful facial structure while minimizing skin tension.
Once the SMAS has been lifted—often with deep sutures placed along vectors of natural tension—Dr. Morris redrapes the overlying skin, trims any excess, and closes the incisions for optimal healing and minimal visible scarring. This dual-layer approach provides a long-lasting improvement in jowling, deep nasolabial folds, and midface descent. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Benefits of a SMAS facelift:
- Targets deeper facial structures for longer-lasting results
- Creates more natural-looking facial contours
- Improves sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck
- Reduces deep nasolabial folds and jowls
- Minimizes skin tension to prevent a “pulled” appearance
- Allows for precise, artistic reshaping by the surgeon
- Provides significant rejuvenation with discreet scarring
Actual Patient
Am I a good candidate for a SMAS facelift?
If you’re noticing sagging in your cheeks, jowls, or neck and want more lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation, you may be an excellent candidate for a SMAS facelift in Gulf Shores, AL. The ideal patients are generally in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcome. Most people who benefit from this procedure are in their 40s to 70s and have moderate to advanced facial aging that non-surgical treatments can’t fully address.
SMAS facelift FAQs
What is recovery like after a SMAS facelift?
You can expect some swelling, bruising, and tightness in the first one to two weeks after surgery. Most patients return to light activities within 10-14 days and can resume full activities—including exercise—after about four to six weeks. Dr. Morris provides a detailed aftercare plan and will follow your recovery closely to ensure proper healing. The full results become visible within two to three months as swelling resolves and your new facial contours settle naturally.
Will my results look natural?
Yes—when performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Morris, an SMAS facelift delivers refined, age-defying results without the overdone or “pulled” appearance associated with older techniques. Because the SMAS layer is lifted separately from the skin, there’s less tension on the surface, which leads to smoother, more organic contours. Dr. Morris combines technical precision with an artistic eye to ensure that your features remain uniquely you—just more sculpted, refreshed, and confident.
How long do the results last?
The results of an SMAS facelift are typically long-lasting, often maintaining their improvements for 10 to 15 years. Aging continues naturally, but because the deeper layers are repositioned—not just the skin—you’ll continue to look more youthful than if you hadn’t had surgery. To prolong your results, Dr. Morris may recommend maintenance treatments such as medical-grade skincare, laser resurfacing, or injectables tailored to your needs.
Can I combine an SMAS facelift with other procedures?
Absolutely. Many patients enhance their results by combining an SMAS facelift with complementary procedures like eyelid surgery, brow lift, or laser skin resurfacing. These combinations can be done safely in the same surgical session and are often more cost-effective with a single recovery period. Dr. Morris will work with you to develop a personalized surgical plan that addresses your full face and delivers harmonious, balanced results.
Why Choose Us for Your SMAS Facelift in Gulf Shores?
Dr. Carrie L. Morris is a triple board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with nearly two decades of experience and a trailblazing reputation for precision, innovation, and natural results. She blends surgical mastery with a sculptor’s eye, customizing each SMAS facelift in Gulf Shores to reflect the unique anatomy and goals of each patient. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, you’re not just another patient—you’re a partner in your own transformation. Schedule your private consultation today and explore your facelift options to refine yourself.
