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SMAS facelift yields high patient satisfaction, younger appearance

Patients who underwent a facelift with superficial musculoaponeurotic system technique reported high satisfaction and an improvement in their quality of life, according to researchers evaluating responses with the FACE-Q instrument.

The study included 105 patients who underwent the procedure using a high, extended-superficial musculoaponeurotic (SMAS) system with submental platysma approximation technique. Fifty-three patients completed the FACE-Q questionnaire by e-mail.

Out of a score of 100, the mean score for satisfaction with facial appearance was 80.7 demonstrating high satisfaction.

The patients also saw an improvement in quality of life. The mean score for social confidence was 90.4. The mean score for psychological well was 92.8 and for early life impact of the procedure, the mean score was 92.2

The satisfaction with decision mean score was 90.5, indicating felt extremely satisfied with their decision to undergo face lifting.

Patients reported looking 6.9 years younger than their true age.

Patients were most satisfied with the improved appearance of their nasolabial folds, cheeks and lower face/jawline, while the neck and area under the chin received smaller scores.

The researchers said they were surprised to hear that patients were most satisfied with the appearance of the nasolabial folds, which they believe is not significantly improved by the technique. They suggest this may represent the phenomenon in which patients perceive appearances differently than the surgeon. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.