Facial Surgery
Full Face and Neck Lift (Cervicofacial Lift)
A full cervicofacial lift — also called a rhytidectomy or complete SMAS facelift with cervical component — is the reference surgical procedure for moderate-to-advanced facial aging of the lower face and neck. The procedure acts on two distinct anatomical layers: the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) is dissected, repositioned and sutured in a vertical or oblique direction; and skin is re-draped over the repositioned SMAS without tension. Scientific literature on SMAS-based cervicofacial lifts reports an average result duration of 8 to 12 years.
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What Is a Full Cervicofacial Lift?
A full cervicofacial lift — also called a rhytidectomy or complete SMAS facelift with cervical component — is the reference surgical procedure for moderate-to-advanced facial aging of the lower face and neck. The procedure acts on two distinct anatomical layers: the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) is dissected, repositioned and sutured in a vertical or oblique direction; and skin is re-draped over the repositioned SMAS without tension. Scientific literature on SMAS-based cervicofacial lifts reports an average result duration of 8 to 12 years.
Key Benefits
- Correction of moderate-to-advanced lower face and neck sagging
- Redefined jawline and facial oval
- Complete neck treatment: platysma bands, sub-mental fat, skin laxity
- Natural-looking results lasting 8–12 years via SMAS-plasty
- 10–15 year rejuvenation without the stretched or operated look
Ideal Candidates for a Full Cervicofacial Lift
Ideal Candidates
- Moderate-to-advanced sagging of the lower face and neck (typically 48–68 years)
- Visible jowls that obscure the mandibular line
- Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines unresponsive to injectable treatments
- Platysmal banding (turkey neck) and excess cervical skin
- Moderate-to-significant sub-mental fat excess
- Patients with prior mini-lift needing a more comprehensive result
Contraindications
- Active smoking (minimum 6-week cessation — significantly increases skin necrosis risk)
- Uncontrolled arterial hypertension
- Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
- Clotting disorders or anticoagulant therapy
- Severe keloid scarring history
- Unrealistic expectations not aligned with anatomically achievable outcomes
Dr. Nahed Fathi Ahmed's Approach — SMAS-plasty
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
1
Incision planning
Incisions are positioned in natural camouflage zones — the temporal hairline, pre-auricular crease, retroauricular sulcus and nuchal hairline.
2
Subcutaneous flap elevation
A controlled undermining of the skin flap is performed — sufficient to allow re-draping, but restrained so that tension is borne by the SMAS, not the skin.
3
SMAS treatment
The SMAS is dissected, elevated and sutured in an upward-oblique vector, restoring the youthful facial geometry — defined mandibular angle, elevated malar prominence, smooth jawline.
4
Cervical treatment
Sub-mental liposuction removes excess cervical fat. Platysma plication corrects anterior banding. Cervical skin re-draping addresses skin laxity below the jawline.
5
Skin re-draping and closure
Minimal skin is excised — only the natural redundancy created by SMAS elevation. Multi-layer closure produces a fine, inconspicuous scar.
Cervicofacial Lift Recovery Timeline
Recovery timeline
Day 1–5
Significant swelling, bruising, tightness, mild pain. Semi-recumbent rest (head elevated), prescribed analgesics, dressings.
Day 6–14
Progressive deflation, yellow bruising, residual tenderness. Skin suture removal at day 7–10; light activities resume.
Day 15–30
Socially presentable; deep oedema still resolving. Return to work day 14–21; make-up permitted after healing.
Month 1–3
Result refining; mild skin tightness sensation. Avoid direct sun exposure; SPF 50 daily.
Month 3–6
Final result visible; scars fading to near-invisible. Photographic review consultation.
Post-operative care
- Semi-recumbent rest (head elevated) for first days
- Prescribed analgesics as directed
- Scar care after suture removal at day 7–10
- SPF 50 daily from month 1
- Light make-up from around day 10 to conceal bruising
Important restrictions
- No direct sun exposure for first 3 months
- No intense exercise before month 2
- Anticoagulants and NSAIDs discontinued 10 days prior to surgery
Results of the Cervicofacial Lift
Results timeline
The face is presentable within 3 to 4 weeks; the final result affirms over 3 to 6 months.
Longevity
A well-performed SMAS cervicofacial lift produces results that typically last 8 to 12 years. The procedure resets appearance to approximately 10 to 15 years prior.
What to expect
- Natural rejuvenation of 10–15 years
- Redefined facial oval and clear jawline
- Complete neck treatment: platysma, fat, skin
- Stable results for 8–12 years
- Social return between days 14 and 21
See our results
Discover our patients' transformations
Pricing for the Cervicofacial Lift in Agadir
Starting from
45 000 MAD
This price includes
- All surgical fees
- Anaesthesia
- Clinic accommodation (1–2 nights)
- Post-operative follow-up consultations
- Scar care included in protocol
Prices shown are estimates and may vary depending on the complexity of your case. A personalized quote will be provided during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The full cervicofacial lift operates on the SMAS — the superficial musculo-aponeurotic layer. The Deep Plane Facelift goes deeper, releasing the retaining ligaments and repositioning the deep facial fat compartments, making it preferred for patients with advanced volumetric descent or pronounced malar ptosis.
The MACS Lift uses purse-string sutures through smaller incisions with a faster recovery (10–14 days). It suits early-to-moderate facial sagging in 40–55 year olds. The full cervicofacial lift yields more durable results (8–12 years vs 5–7 years) and is better suited for moderate-to-advanced aging.
No, when performed correctly. Dr. Fathi's SMAS-plasty approach places tension on the deep structural layer, allowing the skin to lie naturally and producing a result described as looking like themselves — a fresher, 10-to-15-year-younger version.
Yes. Common same-session combinations include: Blepharoplasty (upper and/or lower eyelids), complementary sub-mental liposuction, facial lipofilling, and CO2 laser resurfacing. Dr. Fathi will assess feasibility during consultation.
A well-performed SMAS cervicofacial lift produces results that typically last 8 to 12 years. The procedure resets appearance to approximately 10 to 15 years prior. Non-surgical maintenance can extend the surgical result.
Temporary numbness around the ears and cheeks is normal and typically resolves within a few weeks to months. Permanent nerve injury is rare when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon with thorough anatomical knowledge.
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