One of the most common questions we receive from facelift patients is, “What’s the difference between SMAS vs deep plane facelift surgery?”
This question comes up a lot because when you research facelift procedures online, you’re going to be shown details about the various types of facelift surgery, including deep plane facelift procedures and SMAS plication procedures. Below, we’ll explain how these two types of facelift surgery are the same and how they’re different.
SMAS Facelift vs Deep Plane Facelift
The first thing to know is that both SMAS facelift surgery and deep plane facelift surgery aim to rejuvenate the face and reduce signs of aging. As we age, our skin naturally gravitates downward so that eventually, most of us end up with some form of jowls at the jawline, loose skin on the neck, and lots of wrinkles on the face, as well as neck bands on the neck.
All of these things can be extremely discouraging for someone who cares about the importance of appearance. Women and men alike often look in the mirror in their late 40s and don’t recognize the face looking back at them.
So while both a SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift can provide a more youthful appearance, there are differences between the two procedures. Let’s start with the SMAS facelift surgical procedure and then move on to what is deep plane facelift surgery.
What Is a SMAS Technique Facelift?
SMAS stands for superficial muscular aponeurotic system (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). This is the layer of facial muscles and deeper tissues directly beneath the skin.
With a SMAS facelift (SMAS plication facelift), both the skin and the SMAS layer are adjusted upward for a more lifted and tightened look while still remaining natural.
What Is Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?
Deep plane facelifts are going to give a more dramatic result. Therefore, we recommend deep plane facelifts for more severe sagging and to achieve longer lasting results for the patient.
With the deep plane facelift technique, we’re going to lift the skin, the SMAS layer, and the underlying muscle altogether. In order to do this, we must make an incision into the SMAS layer so that we can go further beneath the skin and release the ligaments.
This allows us to gently pull the skin, SMAS layer, and deep muscles to a heightened position, ultimately creating a natural-looking lift for the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck. A deep plane facelift works to correct sagging cheeks, jowls, neck sagging, and other signs of aging in the skin and facial tissue.
However, it is a delicate and challenging cosmetic surgery. We must be especially careful of avoiding facial nerve damage.
Should I Get a SMAS Facelift or a Deep Plane Facelift?
Choosing between a deep plane facelift vs SMAS lift depends most of all on what you hope to achieve from surgery. If you are a younger patient who only has a bit of sagging on your cheeks and perhaps the formation of some jowls at your jawline, a SMAS facelift procedure may be enough to achieve the results you are after.
On the other hand, if you’re a bit older and you have more significant signs of aging, including sagging skin, excess skin, and severe skin laxity, you may benefit more from a deep plane technique.
Not only are you going to get more dramatic results from a deep plane facelift, but you’re also going to see those results last for longer. Deep plane facelift lifts are the preferred option for more plastic surgeons as they adjust the underlying facial structure (deeper layers) and not just the superficial layers of skin and SMAS.
FAQs: SMAS vs Deep Plane Facelift
Which costs more, a SMAS facelift or a deep plane facelift?
When it comes to SMAS vs deep plane facelift cost, deep plane facelift cost tends to be higher simply because it is a more involved surgery. The techniques required are more complex, and the surgery itself often requires more experience from the surgeon in order to be performed correctly.
Do facelifts leave noticeable scars?
No, facelift techniques do not typically leave noticeable scars. As long as you choose an experienced and skilled surgeon (board certified), incisions should be made carefully within the hairline and around the ears in discreet spots.
One week post-op, deep plane facelift scars will be slightly red and raised. However, these lines will naturally fade with time.
Is a facelift painful?
Pain medication can be prescribed after both deep plane and SMAS facelifts. During surgery, careful surgical techniques and anesthesia are employed to avoid any pain for the patient.
What’s the recovery time for facelift surgery?
Most patients need to take one to two weeks off work after their facelift. Complete results may not be apparent for up to six months following surgery.
What is facelift recovery like?
After your SMAS or deep plane lift, you will be slightly sore, but prescription pain medication will help to improve your comfort. You will notice swelling and bruising, both of which are normal following any type of surgery requiring incisions. Deep plane facelift recovery day by day gets better and better.
You should follow your plastic surgeon’s directions, wear your facial compression bands if required, and attend all follow-up appointments. If anything abnormal occurs or if you have any questions about your recovery experience, get in touch with your surgeon right away.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Mason
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason performs facelift surgical procedures for patients at her Las Vegas practice. If you are interested in a facelift, neck lift, or other facial plastic surgery procedure, please get in touch with us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation appointment with Dr. Mason.