The SMAS Layer and Ultherapy
What is SMAS?
Sub-Muscular Aponeurotic System is quite a mouthful, so most doctors call it “The SMAS” for short. It’s a thin layer of strong connective tissue on the face that loosens and descends as we age.
“Wrinkles on the skin aren’t the only factor involved in the aging of the face. Muscle and connective tissue play an important part in how we look at certain ages as well,” says Dr. George Liakeas, Smooth Synergy Medical Director. “The SMAS is probably the most important support structure for the face. It surrounds and connects to both deeper tissue and the muscles that are responsible for facial expression.”
With age, the SMAS membrane begins to lose it’s elasticity, which can lead to a cascading effect on the face — sagging cheeks along the jaw bone, fleshy jowls, droopy brows, a double chin, more noticeable nasolabial folds.
Until recently, doctors had few tools to combat these classic signs of aging. A SMAS Facelift was an option, but many people did not consider it worth the risks and downtime that are associated with plastic surgery.
“Our clients lead active, vibrant lifestyles,” says Nicole Contos, Smooth Synergy Owner. “They want to look good, but many come into our spa wanting to avoid the downsides that come with surgery. They aren’t willing to endure significant recovery time or gamble with their health by going under the knife. That’s why we are we pleased to offer a non-surgical alternative to a facelift that offers similar benefits for the face.”
What is Ultherapy?
Called Ultherapy, it’s a safe, non-invasive treatment that uses Ultrasound technology to reach below the surface of the skin to target the same SMAS layer as a facelift. Collagen growth is stimulated at this hard-to-reach structural level of the face. Ultherapy results are similar to those achieved by plastic surgery including: tightening sagging skin on the face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, erasing extra skin on the chin, defining cheekbones and lifting brows.
“Ultherapy offers the best of both worlds — the anti-aging benefit that comes from reaching the SMAS layer without the risk of surgery,” says Contos. “All of our clients are satisfied with the results.”
Click here to find more information about the technology behind Ultherapy or how Ultherapy works for the face, neck and décolleté. Or come to meet with a skincare specialist for a free consultation.
