{"id":8369,"date":"2026-06-03T13:51:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T11:51:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/institut-uniq.com\/service\/smas-techniques\/"},"modified":"2026-06-03T13:51:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T11:51:57","slug":"smas-techniques","status":"publish","type":"service","link":"https:\/\/institut-uniq.com\/en\/service\/smas-techniques\/","title":{"rendered":"SMAS techniques"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"services-page-img alignright wp-image-8203\" src=\"https:\/\/institut-uniq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Focused-care-in-the-operating-room-1-e1780891260528.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/institut-uniq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Focused-care-in-the-operating-room-1-e1780891260528.webp 1024w, https:\/\/institut-uniq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Focused-care-in-the-operating-room-1-e1780891260528-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/institut-uniq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Focused-care-in-the-operating-room-1-e1780891260528-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/institut-uniq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Focused-care-in-the-operating-room-1-e1780891260528-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"service-page-para\">\n<div class=\"\">In his view, modern facial surgery does not mean automatically applying the deepest possible dissection or the currently most popular technique to every patient. Rather, it means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Understanding anatomy<\/li>\n<li>Assessing fabric quality correctly<\/li>\n<li>to analyse natural ageing processes<\/li>\n<li>and use this to determine the most appropriate strategy for each individual.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is precisely for this reason that Dr Richter does not view traditional and modern SMAS techniques as opposites, but rather as essential components of comprehensive and responsible facial surgery.<\/p>\n<h2>What does \u2018SMAS\u2019 stand for?<\/h2>\n<p>The so-called SMAS \u2013 the \u2018Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System\u2019 \u2013 is the main connective tissue and muscular support structure of the face.<br \/>\nThis anatomical structure connects:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>facial muscles<\/li>\n<li>Fat compartments<\/li>\n<li>cheek area<\/li>\n<li>jawline<\/li>\n<li>The neck structure<\/li>\n<li>and deeper layers of the skin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As we get older, the SMAS loses its tone and stability.<\/p>\n<div id=\"read-more-content-id\" class=\"read-more-content \">\n<p>This results in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>sunken cheeks<\/li>\n<li>Loss of jawline definition<\/li>\n<li>smoother neck contours<\/li>\n<li>chubby cheeks<\/li>\n<li>deeper wrinkles<\/li>\n<li>and more pronounced facial features.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Modern facelift surgery therefore does not focus solely on the skin, but primarily on this underlying layer.<\/p>\n<h2>Why tried-and-tested SMAS techniques remain highly relevant<\/h2>\n<p>On social media today, one often gets the impression that deeper deep-plane or sub-SMAS techniques are fundamentally superior.<br \/>\nDr Richter\u2019s experience is considerably more nuanced.<br \/>\nA well-planned and precisely performed SMAS procedure can, in suitable anatomical cases, achieve results that are every bit as good as modern deep-plane techniques in terms of both function and aesthetics.<br \/>\nCurrently at:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>mild tissue laxity<\/li>\n<li>in a favourable ligamentous situation<\/li>\n<li>good skin quality<\/li>\n<li>less prominence of the midface<\/li>\n<li>and harmonious tissue elasticity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Traditional SMAS techniques often yield very natural, stable and long-lasting results.<br \/>\nFor Dr Richter, the true quality of modern facial surgery therefore lies not in the most aggressive dissection, but in choosing the right plane.<\/p>\n<h2>Why not every face requires deep preparation<\/h2>\n<p>Not every patient automatically benefits from maximum ligamentous release or particularly deep dissections.<br \/>\nOlder people, in particular, often already have significantly weakened supporting structures.<br \/>\nIn such situations, more aggressive preparation may:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>cause unnecessary distress<\/li>\n<li>Increase swelling<\/li>\n<li>Prolong the healing process<\/li>\n<li>and potentially increase risks without necessarily leading to better results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is where, in Dr Richter\u2019s view, tried-and-tested SMAS techniques often demonstrate their particular strengths.<br \/>\nThey can be gentler on the tissue whilst delivering very harmonious and natural results.<br \/>\nFor him, experience therefore also means knowing:<br \/>\nWhen less dissection is the better choice.<\/p>\n<h2>Different SMAS techniques<\/h2>\n<p>Over the past few decades, numerous SMAS techniques have been developed.<br \/>\nThese include, amongst others:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>SMAS-Plication<\/li>\n<li>SMAS resection<\/li>\n<li>SMAS flap techniques<\/li>\n<li>High-SMAS<\/li>\n<li>as well as various hybrid methods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These methods differ:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>in the depth of field<\/li>\n<li>in the mobilisation of the tissue<\/li>\n<li>in the treatment of ligamentous structures<\/li>\n<li>and the inclusion of the midface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>None of these techniques is inherently \u2018the best\u2019.<br \/>\nThe key factor is always:<br \/>\nWhat is the patient\u2019s anatomy, and which form of ageing is predominant?<\/p>\n<h2>SMAS-Plication<\/h2>\n<p>In SMAS plication, the SMAS is folded and stabilised without the need for extensive deep dissection.<br \/>\nThis procedure can produce very elegant and natural results, particularly in younger patients or in cases of moderate tissue laxity.<br \/>\nDr Richter particularly values the technique for its controlled and tissue-sparing properties.<br \/>\nUsed correctly, it can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Distribute the load evenly<\/li>\n<li>relieve the skin<\/li>\n<li>Reduce swelling<\/li>\n<li>and at the same time create very natural contours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>SMAS resection<\/h2>\n<p>In SMAS excision, a specific portion of the SMAS is removed and the remaining structure is repositioned.<br \/>\nThis makes it possible to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Define contours more precisely<\/li>\n<li>Distribute the voltage more evenly<\/li>\n<li>and stabilise the lower face and jawline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Here too, Dr Richter\u2019s view is that:<br \/>\nIt is not maximum resection that produces the best results, but the right balance between tightening, volume and natural tissue distribution.<\/p>\n<h2>SMAS flap techniques<\/h2>\n<p>In the SMAS flap procedure, the SMAS is mobilised and repositioned as a separate layer.<br \/>\nThis allows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the skin is significantly relieved<\/li>\n<li>The load is distributed more evenly<\/li>\n<li>and the lower face can be repositioned more harmoniously.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Many modern deep-plane and high-SMAS techniques are ultimately based on further developments of precisely these classic principles.<br \/>\nThis is precisely why Dr Richter does not view classic SMAS techniques as being at odds with modern procedures, but rather as their anatomical foundation.<\/p>\n<h2>The role of ligaments<\/h2>\n<p>A key component of modern facial surgery is what are known as the retaining ligaments \u2013 the ligaments that support the face.<br \/>\nYou play a key role in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the position of the cheek<\/li>\n<li>the stability of the midface<\/li>\n<li>the jawline<\/li>\n<li>and the transitions between the different areas of the face.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As we age, these structures lose their elasticity.<br \/>\nAt the same time, however, it is important to note that:<br \/>\nNot every patient requires the same aggressive ligamentous treatment.<br \/>\nIt is precisely here that Dr Richter sees the importance of experience.<br \/>\nTo recognise:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>when deeper preparation is advisable<\/li>\n<li>when a standard SMAS procedure is entirely sufficient<\/li>\n<li>and when additional mobilisation tends to cause unnecessary trauma.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The face as a functional and aesthetic unit<\/h2>\n<p>In Dr Richter\u2019s view, a good facelift never targets just one specific area.<br \/>\nThat is why he always analyses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Forehead and eyebrows<\/li>\n<li>eyelids<\/li>\n<li>Midface<\/li>\n<li>Neckline<\/li>\n<li>Lips and mouth area<\/li>\n<li>Skin quality<\/li>\n<li>Volume loss<\/li>\n<li>as well as the jawline and chin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is often the combination of small, complementary measures that creates a natural look:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lipofilling<\/li>\n<li>renewable processes<\/li>\n<li>Skin improvement<\/li>\n<li>Neck treatments<\/li>\n<li>Midface stabilisation<\/li>\n<li>or eyelid and eyebrow surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is not extreme change that creates harmony, but the right balance between structure, volume and expression.<\/p>\n<h2>Skin quality and regeneration<\/h2>\n<p>A facelift alone cannot replace good skin quality.<br \/>\nThat is why Dr Richter is increasingly combining modern facial surgery with regenerative approaches such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Microfat<\/li>\n<li>Nanofat<\/li>\n<li>autologous fat transfer procedure<\/li>\n<li>and natural skin improvement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These procedures can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>improve skin texture<\/li>\n<li>Promote regeneration<\/li>\n<li>Improve tissue quality<\/li>\n<li>and make the results look more natural in the long term.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is precisely in this area that Dr Wiedner complements the joint approach by placing particular emphasis on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>pre-operative skin preparation<\/li>\n<li>renewable energy concepts<\/li>\n<li>post-operative aftercare<\/li>\n<li>and long-term tissue stability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Why experience is more important than trends<\/h2>\n<p>Dr Richter does not believe in one-size-fits-all facelift solutions.<br \/>\nFor him, experience does not mean using the most aggressive techniques possible or following the latest trends.<br \/>\nExperience means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>to have a firm grasp of all aspects of facial surgery<\/li>\n<li>to be able to apply classical and modern techniques in a nuanced way<\/li>\n<li>Assessing risks realistically<\/li>\n<li>and to find the right solution for every face.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For him, the most demanding aspect of modern facial surgery is not the most spectacular technique, but the ability to use the right technique to achieve a natural, harmonious and long-lasting result.<\/p>\n<h2>His personal approach<\/h2>\n<p>Dr Richter does not view modern facelift surgery as a competition between individual surgical techniques.<br \/>\nHis aim is never to bring about the greatest possible change.<br \/>\nHis aim is:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>natural harmony<\/li>\n<li>Restoring balance<\/li>\n<li>smoother transitions<\/li>\n<li>smooth facial contours<\/li>\n<li>and consistently strong results over the long term.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A successful result should not look artificial.<br \/>\nIt should look as though the face has regained its serenity, clarity and natural firmness.<br \/>\nIt is precisely in this that Dr Richter sees the true art of modern facial surgery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In his view, modern facial surgery does not mean automatically applying the deepest possible dissection or the currently most popular technique to every patient. Rather, it means: Understanding anatomy Assessing fabric quality correctly to analyse natural ageing processes and use this to determine the most appropriate strategy for each individual. It is precisely for this [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":8201,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categories":[56,35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8369","service","type-service","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-face","category-surgery-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>SMAS techniques - Institut Uniq<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"SMAS techniques enable deep-acting facelifts with natural-looking results. 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