The proven pillar of modern facial surgery.
In a SMAS facelift the <em>superficial musculo-aponeurotic system</em> — the layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin — is lifted and fixed anew. The skin above is adapted without strong tension.
The layer that carries the face.
The SMAS — short for superficial musculo-aponeurotic system — is a continuous layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin. It gives the face its shape and its tone. Over the years this system loses firmness, the tissue descends — and the typical signs of facial ageing appear.
In a SMAS facelift this layer is selectively mobilised and fixed in its original position. Skin tightening follows only afterwards — and without strong pulling forces. This prevents the feared “operated” look that older pure skin-lifting methods often produced.
What the SMAS technique achieves
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Stable results
Correction at the connective tissue level lasts longer than pure skin tightening.
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Lower skin tension
Because the load is carried by the SMAS, the skin can be adapted in a relaxed way — scars heal more finely.
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Preservation of expression
The facial musculature is not affected — you keep your individual expression entirely.
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Proven for decades
The SMAS technique has been established since the 1970s and validated scientifically many times over.
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Versatile in combination
Can be combined with a neck lift, eyelid lift and fat grafting in one operation.
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Suitable patients
Particularly good for moderate tissue laxity with good skin quality.
„A good method is the one that suits your anatomy. Not the one that happens to be in fashion.“
The difference between the methods.
While the classic SMAS lift lifts and refixes the layer, the deep plane facelift goes one step further: it additionally releases the retaining ligaments — the natural anchoring structures — and moves the entire tissue package back into its original position. The result is often more natural and longer lasting, but the procedure is also more demanding.
Which method is better for you we decide together — based on your anatomy, your expectations and photographs from your youth.
The course of a facelift
From clicking the appointment button to lifelong care — six stages in which you always know what to expect and when.
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01
Booking your appointment
24/7 online or by phone
Every facelift begins with booking your consultation. You can arrange your appointment around the clock through our online booking system, or by phone during our opening hours Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm on +43 1 358 28 77.
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02
The consultation
60 – 90 minutes of personal conversation
In our detailed consultation we get to know each other personally. We seek to understand your wishes, analyse the age-related changes in your face and develop an operation plan created individually for you. We explain the surgery, how it proceeds and the period afterwards — including the possible risks and all open questions.
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03
Pre-operative discussion
final plan & all behavioural measures
As soon as you decide to go ahead, our reception team arranges a suitable surgery date. A second appointment with Assoc. Prof. Dr Rafic Kuzbari is scheduled automatically — the pre-operative discussion. You are informed about all measures to be observed before and after the operation, and every detail is discussed once more in peace.
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04
The operation
our own theatre, a well-rehearsed team
We ask you to arrive punctually at the Kuzbari Centre on the day of surgery. Your surgeon will mark your face with a surgical pen while you are seated and go through the steps once more — many patients find this reassuring. During the operation your surgeon is supported by our experienced theatre team; we use state-of-the-art medical technology and high-quality instruments. Bespoke work, never mass production.
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05
The first weeks afterwards
close support until you are presentable again
After the operation you recover in peace on our ward — cared for around the clock by our attentive nursing team. Your meals are prepared by the neighbouring Park Hyatt Vienna. On discharge — usually after two nights — you receive valuable advice for your first days at home as well as pain medication for the first few days. We remain reachable for urgent questions.
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06
Lifelong care
even years after the operation
Our support does not end with the last check-up. We remain your point of contact for everything to do with your result — even years after the procedure. That is the Kuzbari Experience.
SMAS facelift — key facts
| Duration of surgery | depending on complexity until we have reached the goal |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthetic as a rule |
| Inpatient stay | usually 2 nights |
| Presentable again | after 2–3 weeks |
| Final result | after 6 months |
| Duration of effect | 7–10 years |
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Assoc. Prof. Dr Rafic Kuzbari
Specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Over 30 years of experience, internationally recognised expert in deep plane and revision facelifts.
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Dr Shawqi Arafat
Specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Specialist in aesthetic facial surgery with a particular focus on neck lifts, fat grafting and preserving natural expression.
