SMAS Lip Grafting

For patients undergoing a SMAS facelift, SMAS lip grafting offers a uniquely integrated lip procedure — using the patient’s own SMAS-layer tissue, which is naturally accessible during the facelift, to restore volume and fullness to the lips in the same surgical session. As patients age, the lips lose their natural fullness alongside the rest of the face, becoming thinner, developing fine vertical lines, and softening at the borders. The SMAS facelift addresses the underlying structural changes in the face — and the tissue removed during the procedure can be repurposed to enhance the lips simultaneously, producing a more comprehensive and harmonious rejuvenation than either procedure alone would deliver.

SMAS lip grafting takes advantage of an opportunity unique to SMAS facelift surgery — the tissue removed during the facelift can be repurposed for natural lip volume restoration in the same operation, using the patient’s own biological material. Dr. Maurice Khosh’s three decades of SMAS-layer facelift surgery have refined exactly this kind of integrated approach. Dual board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and the youngest recipient of Columbia University Medical Center’s Maxwell Abramson Resident Teaching Award, Dr. Khosh is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a perennial Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

How SMAS Lip Grafting Works

The SMAS — superficial musculoaponeurotic system — is the structural layer of fat, fibrous tissue, and small muscle fibers that sits beneath the skin and supports the contour of the face. During a SMAS facelift, this layer is exposed, tightened, and repositioned to produce the long-lasting structural improvement that defines the procedure. As part of the surgical process, some of the SMAS tissue may be removed to optimize the facelift result. Rather than discarding this tissue, it can be carefully prepared and used as a natural graft for lip enhancement. Small, hidden incisions are made along the lip borders, and the SMAS graft is precisely placed beneath the lip skin to restore volume and fullness using the patient’s own living tissue.

Why Combine SMAS Facelift with Lip Grafting

Combining a SMAS facelift with SMAS lip grafting offers several distinct advantages compared to performing the procedures separately or pursuing lip enhancement through other means:

Patient’s Own Tissue: The graft uses the patient’s own biological material rather than synthetic filler or fat from a separate donor site
No Additional Donor-Site Incision: Unlike fat grafting (which requires harvesting from the abdomen, hips, or another body region), the lip graft tissue is already accessible during the facelift
One Recovery Period: Patients recover from both procedures simultaneously rather than enduring two separate downtimes
Long-Lasting Results: Because the grafted SMAS tissue establishes its own blood supply at the new location, the volume restoration is durable — measured in years rather than months
Harmonious Overall Result: The facelift refreshes facial structure while the lip enhancement restores facial proportions in a single coordinated procedure
Cost Efficiency: One operation, one anesthesia session, and one recovery rather than two separate surgical events

“SMAS lip grafting is one of those procedures that just makes sense when a patient is already having a SMAS facelift. The tissue is right there, accessible during the same operation; using it for lip restoration produces a result that’s biologically integrated rather than artificial. For the right patient, it’s a meaningful enhancement that comes with no additional incision or recovery beyond what the facelift requires.” — Dr. Maurice Khosh

SMAS Lip Grafting vs. Other Lip Augmentation Options

For patients deciding between lip enhancement methods, it helps to understand how SMAS lip grafting compares to other approaches:

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Temporary (6–12 months), reversible, and adjustable — but synthetic and require ongoing maintenance
Fat Grafting: Uses the patient’s own fat from a separate body site (abdomen or hips), requires a donor-site procedure, but produces long-lasting biological volume
SMAS Lip Grafting: Uses tissue already accessible during a SMAS facelift, with no additional donor-site procedure required, and produces long-lasting biological volume
Lip Implants: Synthetic biocompatible implants for permanent enhancement, with the option of removal if needed
Lip Lift: A surgical procedure that physically shortens the upper lip and everts the colored portion without adding volume

SMAS lip grafting is most appropriate for patients who are already candidates for a SMAS facelift and who want to address lip volume loss as part of the same procedure. For patients not undergoing a SMAS facelift, other options such as fat grafting or filler may be more practical.

Why Choose Dr. Khosh for SMAS Lip Grafting

Three Decades of SMAS-Layer Surgery: Refined facelift and lip grafting technique across thousands of procedures
Integrated Surgical Approach: SMAS facelift and lip grafting performed in coordinated planning rather than as separate procedures
Maxwell Abramson Teaching Award: Youngest recipient at Columbia University Medical Center
Dual Board Certification: Combined facial plastic and head and neck surgery expertise
Park Avenue Convenience: Private Upper East Side practice serving patients from across Manhattan and the tri-state area

Schedule Your SMAS Lip Grafting Consultation in NYC

If you are considering a SMAS facelift and would also like to address age-related lip volume loss, SMAS lip grafting offers an integrated approach that can deliver both improvements in a single procedure. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Khosh at his Park Avenue office in Manhattan, or call (212) 339-9988.

What Dr. Khosh's Patients Say

5.0

Based on 174 reviews

Meredith G.
Saw Dr. Khosh for a fractured nose. He reset my nose beautifully (and with little discomfort to me) and then discussed some of my sinus issues with me upon my follow up visit. Never felt like he was rushing me out and felt very confident in his abilities. I would highly recommend to anyone needing plastic or reconstructive options!

Jackie C.
Great front office, really good experience after what was a terrible accident. I was made to feel comfortable. Dr. Khosh is very good at what he does. I'm still healing but I'm confident of the results

Kaitlin M.
Dr. Khosh takes exceptional care of his patients. He has operated on me twice, each time making me feel extremely comfortable and satisfied with the results. His staff is also very kind and knowledgeable.

Diana G.
Dr. Khosh & his staff Susan & Christine are absolutely amazing! They were so supportive & helpful from beginning to end & they are just wonderful people. Thank you guys I truly appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I would recommend them to anyone & everyone!

Joann M.
After visiting and being evaluated by several doctors, I kept going back to Dr. Khosh. His tranquil spirit and professionalism were captivating. Thank you for a job well done and keeping me calm throughout the entire process. A special thanks to your staff Susan and Christine for all of their support as well. Hi highly recommend Dr. Khosh.

Leah G.
Upon hearing of the overwhelmingly positive experience a friend of mine had in choosing Dr. Khosh as her surgeon, I decided to make an appointment for my own septoplasty/rhinoplasty/turbinate reduction. Although I was slightly skeptical as the praise I had heard seemed a bit hyperbolic, all uncertainty dissipated after meeting the Doctor and his staff. My pre- and post-operative experience was excellent in terms of concerns adequately addressed prior to the surgery and mitigation of any bruising in the convalescent period. Despite my apparent predisposition to rather slower healing, a year after the surgery, my nose looks really pretty and my breathing entirely unobstructed! I highly recommend Dr. Khosh!

Courtney G.
AMAZING!!!!!! I had Dr Khosh perform lipo on my chin/neck and my result is unbelievable! Better than I could have expected! I met with a couple of surgeons and the second I met with Dr Khosh I knew he was the one I was going with. He was compassionate and explained every detail of what would take place during the surgery and what to expect during recovery. I even emailed a few times during recovery with various questions and he got right back to me asap which was really comforting! I honestly fully recommend Dr Khosh, he did an amazing job and is an amazing person.

Frieda S.
i can finally breathe!! Dr. Khosh made the entire experience a breeze, it was truly a pleasure to be under his care. I am forever thankful and highly recommend him. Not only does his work speak for himself, but he has excellent bedside manner. His kindness and patience is above and beyond. He takes the time to answer to every question you have to help you understand the process while at the same time making you feel so comfortable. From the first consultation i knew i was in good hands. I am so pleased with the result and forever thankful.