What it means for a patient
- The SMAS is a layer of muscle and fibrous tissue in the cheek and parotid area. This paper proposed using it during face lifting.
- The authors found that working beneath this layer is safe over the parotid gland but can become dangerous in front of it.
- Ask your surgeon which layer they lift and how they limit risk in the area in front of the parotid gland.
- This is an anatomy paper. It does not report facelift results in patients.
Why this paper matters
It described the SMAS in the cheek and parotid area and proposed it as a structure for face lifting. It also marked the area in front of the parotid as the place where deep work becomes risky.
Overview
The authors studied the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS), a tissue layer in the parotid and cheek areas. They used anatomical dissections, X-rays and tissue slides. They then considered how this layer could be used in facial palsy surgery and in facelifts.
Findings
- The SMAS was studied in the parotid and cheek areas by dissection, radiographs and histological sections.
- The SMAS may be useful in corrective surgery for facial palsy.
- The SMAS may be useful in facelifts if a retrofascial approach, working beneath the layer, is used.
- This approach is safe in the parotid area.
- It can become dangerous in the area in front of the parotid gland.
- The abstract reports no patient numbers or rates.
Terms
- SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system): a layer of muscle and fibrous tissue under the facial skin and fat.
- Parotid gland: the large saliva gland in front of the ear.
- Retrofascial approach: surgery done beneath the SMAS layer.
- Facial palsy: weakness or paralysis of the face muscles.
- Histological section: a thin slice of tissue viewed under a microscope.
- Aponeurosis: a flat sheet of tough tissue that connects muscle.