SMAS surgery is a deep facelift procedure that is used to lift sagging tissue in the face and neck areas. SMAS is an acronym for Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System which is the connective tissue that holds the skin to the underlying facial muscles. It is muscle sagging that causes the face to droop and promotes skin wrinkling. The SMAS tissue normally begins to sag as part of the normal aging process. The surgical facelift involves lifting the tissue to create a more youthful appearance. Incisions are made at the temple and around the ear where they are easier to hide with hair. Potential complications that have led to lawsuits include pain that does not subside and asymmetry of the face. It is a routine procedure but is still surgery with all the inherent risks of surgery.