Facial Plastic Surgeon in Jupiter, FL
At Bafitis Plastic Surgery, located in West Palm Beach, we perform cutting-edge SMAS facelifts to help patients rewind time and regain youthful facial features. As people get older, facial skin and deeper tissue layers become less elastic. This results in sagging cheeks and jaws, as well as deep wrinkles. Unlike a traditional facelift that only tightens skin, SMAS facelifts also target underlying muscles and connective tissues. This dual action produces effects that are not only durable but also appear natural.
Our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Harold Bafitis, boasts decades of training and surgical experience. Recognized for his meticulous approach and personalized patient care, he has helped countless patients feel better about themselves through rejuvenated appearances. We want everyone who comes through our doors to leave looking as young as they feel or even better.
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A SMAS facelift, otherwise known as a Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System facelift, is a surgical procedure that treats sagging skin and the underlying connective tissue layer. In the course of this surgery, Dr. Bafitis repositions and lifts the SMAS layer, the layer that controls facial expressions and support, and tightens redundant skin. By taking both actions, he can restore youthful curves to a patient’s jawline, neck, and cheeks for a natural-looking lift that lasts.
This is not a standard deep-plane facelift. Instead of simply tightening surface tissues, this cosmetic surgery repositions deep structures of the face without causing nerve injury or scar tissue like traditional surgery does. It means a more enduring and aesthetically pleasing result. Usually done through incisions made along the hairline and behind the ears (both well-hidden areas), such surgery can help our patients look less tired or old without making them appear “done.”
The main differences among deep plane facelifts, mini facelifts, and SMAS lifts are their rejuvenating effects, the depth at which the surgery is performed, and the techniques used.
When performing a superficial musculoaponeurotic system lift (SMAS), surgeons target the layer of connective tissue located directly below the skin. By lifting both the muscle and skin in this area, they achieve results that appear youthful and refreshed and last longer.
A deep plane facelift goes deeper by lifting facial layers more extensively as a single unit. This releases important facial ligaments for repositioning tissues further. The procedure is perfect for patients with a lot of sagging in their midface and neck. It gives dramatic results that still look real.
On the other hand, a mini facelift is a suitable option for younger patients looking to address initial signs of aging in the jawline and lower face without undergoing invasive surgery. Because incisions are smaller and post-op downtime is shorter, recovery tends to be faster than with a deep plane or SMAS facelift.
While all three aim to refresh the face, the right choice depends on age, skin condition, and desired outcome.
At Bafitis Plastic Surgery, we customize every SMAS facelift to fit both the patient’s unique anatomy and how they age. Dr. Harold Bafitis employs multiple versions of the SMAS method so he can provide outcomes that appear genuine:
By making incisions around the ears and hairline, this traditional method changes the position of both the skin and the SMAS layer beneath it. Dr. Bafitis removes surplus skin whilst carefully tightening and lifting the deeper tissue. This technique is perfect for patients with advanced facial aging – especially if they have developed jowls or drooping along the jawline or in the cheeks.
This facelift surgery involves extending the dissection of the SMAS layer more deeply into the mid-face. Such an approach enables a more pronounced elevation of the cheeks. It addresses more severe nasolabial folds. It is particularly useful for those who want to enhance their mid-face and lower eyelid area.
Rather than completely detaching the SMAS layer, Dr. Bafitis opts to fold and stitch it into place during a lift. This method provides excellent outcomes, involves less cutting, and has briefer downtime. It is ideal for those with early to moderate jowling who want something subtler than standard lifts.
Dr. Bafitis employs the high SMAS lift technique on patients with a natural aging process, which is primarily focused around the eyes and upper cheeks. This method specifically addresses tissues higher up on the face to provide an effective revitalization of the cheekbones and upper face.
At the first consultation, Dr. Harold Bafitis conducts an in-depth facial assessment to decide if an SMAS facelift will help achieve the patient’s desired look. He looks at how elastic their skin is, how much fat is in their face, and how well their facial muscles work. Then, he takes some pre-op photographs using the high-tech camera. This way, he can plan treatments and record how the patient looks before having anything done to them.
Dr. Bafitis marks natural lines near ears and hairline for incisions on the operation day. Then, our certified anesthesiologist gives a patient general anesthesia or twilight sedation so they stay comfy throughout.
Next, Dr. Bafitis makes incisions along specified areas. The skin is raised to reveal a deeper layer called the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) below it. This tissue layer is then lifted and tightened to rejuvenate facial contours and correct drooping in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck. If there is surplus fat, this can be taken out or repositioned to give a better definition. Any slackened skin will also be trimmed off during this stage.
Once the SMAS is lifted and the skin repositioned to create a more youthful, tighter look, Dr. Bafitis closes the incisions using delicate sutures. Great effort is made to keep scarring to a minimum and achieve a natural effect. Depending on each patient’s individual features and whether other complementary surgeries are done, this operation generally takes from three to five hours.
At the first consultation, Dr. Harold Bafitis conducts an in-depth facial assessment to decide if an SMAS facelift will help achieve the patient’s desired look. He looks at how elastic their skin is, how much fat is in their face, and how well their facial muscles work. Then, he takes some pre-op photographs using the high-tech camera. This way, he can plan treatments and record how the patient looks before having anything done to them.
Dr. Bafitis marks natural lines near ears and hairline for incisions on the operation day. Then, our certified anesthesiologist gives a patient general anesthesia or twilight sedation so they stay comfy throughout.
Next, Dr. Bafitis makes incisions along specified areas. The skin is raised to reveal a deeper layer called the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) below it. This tissue layer is then lifted and tightened to rejuvenate facial contours and correct drooping in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck. If there is surplus fat, this can be taken out or repositioned to give a better definition. Any slackened skin will also be trimmed off during this stage.
A neck lift is a sought-after additional treatment that is frequently carried out simultaneously with an SMAS facelift. Whereas the facelift deals with raising and firming up the middle-to-lower part of the face, a neck surgery tackles several concerns of the neck area: loose skin, slack muscles, and pockets of fat beneath the chin and/or along the neck. By addressing these problems together, the patient benefits from improved overall facial balance. They get a sharper jawline, less prominent jowls, and elimination of any sagging tissue (“turkey neck”). The recovery may take longer, but the results are really worth it.
After getting an SMAS facelift, patients recover in our facility for several hours so we can watch their vital signs and make sure they wake up comfortably from anesthesia. This stage typically involves slight swelling, bruising, and tightness, all of which are normal. Pain is usually very mild and can be controlled well with the medication. Patients are able to go home on the day of the procedure. Before they leave, we provide a detailed list of things to look out for, along with information about their follow-up appointments.
During the initial one to two weeks post-surgery, it is recommended that patients rest while keeping their heads raised in order to reduce swelling. Some bruising and tightness can be expected during this period. A gentle dressing might need to be applied on the face following the operation. This will usually be removed after a few days, along with any sutures (stitches). Our surgeon commonly takes them out between seven and 10 days later. To promote optimal healing without any extra stress or complications, it’s crucial to steer clear of vigorous exercise, lifting heavy objects, and bending over too far.
The majority of swelling typically diminishes within four to six weeks. However, some subtle leftover puffiness might not completely dissipate for a couple of months. Throughout the healing process, patients will notice a transformation as their faces gradually become firmer and regain their youthful appearance, which looks entirely natural. A SMAS facelift has long-lasting effects. Many patients find they can look at least 10 years younger for a decade or longer, particularly if they look after their skin and general health.
Patients looking for a natural way to combat facial aging that will last a long time often find that a SMAS facelift fits the bill perfectly. To be suitable candidates for this surgery, they need to be healthy overall and have practical ideas about what it can accomplish. These signs suggest they might meet these criteria:
This procedure is perfect for patients who want to correct facial sagging, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, or loose skin on their jawline and neck – often caused by weight loss or aging. The SMAS facelift alters the position of underlying tissues to lift them, thus reversing these signs.
The SMAS technique targets the underlying facial tissue to restore a youthful appearance in the midface, jawline, and cheeks – boosting volume and redefining contours.
To achieve the best results, candidates must have sufficient skin elasticity. This enables their skin to adjust to its new position on the face after surgery, promoting better healing with fewer complications.
It is important for patients to be near their ideal weight because significant fluctuations in weight can affect how long-lasting and successful a facelift will be.
The risk of complications is higher if blood flow and healing are compromised through smoking. Candidates must be non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery. This is necessary for both safe recovery and an optimal aesthetic result.
This procedure is perfect for patients who want to correct facial sagging, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, or loose skin on their jawline and neck – often caused by weight loss or aging. The SMAS facelift alters the position of underlying tissues to lift them, thus reversing these signs.
The SMAS technique targets the underlying facial tissue to restore a youthful appearance in the midface, jawline, and cheeks – boosting volume and redefining contours.
To achieve the best results, candidates must have sufficient skin elasticity. This enables their skin to adjust to its new position on the face after surgery, promoting better healing with fewer complications.
It is important for patients to be near their ideal weight because significant fluctuations in weight can affect how long-lasting and successful a facelift will be.
The risk of complications is higher if blood flow and healing are compromised through smoking. Candidates must be non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery. This is necessary for both safe recovery and an optimal aesthetic result.
When performing this face lift surgery, we elevate more than just skin. We also lift the underlying muscle layer. This technique revives the cheeks’ curved fullness, sharpens the jawline, and softens neck angles. These changes create a look of natural balance and boost overall facial attractiveness.
This treatment involves adjusting the muscle structure beneath the skin while eliminating any redundant skin. As a result, deep lines around the mouth, chin, and jaw become noticeably softer, and sagging areas are reduced – leaving patients with a more youthful appearance overall.
The average cost of an SMAS facelift in Jupiter, FL, typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. The total cost comprises the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility charges, pre- and post-op appointments, and any required aftercare items. The price may differ depending on how intricate the surgery is and the amount of correction needed. Besides, it may change if additional treatments like eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or fat transfer are performed at the same time. Dr. Harold Bafitis will provide a personalized quote after a detailed consultation to assess a patient’s goals and anatomy.
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