Deep Plane Vs. SMAS Facelift: Find The Best Fit For Your Goals

You may already be familiar with the concept of a facelift. What many people don’t realize, however, is that plastic surgeons can choose from several different facelift techniques. Each approach varies in how it works and which areas of the face it targets.

Two of the most commonly performed techniques are the deep plane facelift and the SMAS facelift. When comparing deep plane versus SMAS procedures, one thing is clear: both are surgical facelifts designed to address facial aging, but they differ in technique and results.

SMAS facelifts are more traditional. A deep plane is just that – they are deeper and more extensive. Let’s take a closer look at the differences so you can easily compare.

A consultation is best for comparing the SMAS facelift vs. the deep-plane facelift based on your needs. Schedule a consultation with The Toronto Plastic Surgeons. We’ll be happy to discuss the benefits of a facelift for you.

The SMAS Facelift: A Time-Tested Approach

When most people think of a facelift, they’re likely referring to this procedure. It’s a procedure used for decades. It certainly offers improvements for many people. The procedure tightens and repositions the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). Here’s what that means.

What Is a SMAS Facelift?

The SMAS facelift pinpoints the natural areas of your face where aging occurs. The SMAS is a layer of muscle and tissue, along with some subcutaneous fat, attached to your skin and bones. There are four ligaments that hold it in place. As you get older, the SMAS loses elasticity and starts to droop. Over time, this causes a loss of the heart-shaped face of youth. Instead, a squared, aged face develops.

SMAS facelifts have a long history of use. They are considered the standard facelift technique for those who need help in the lower portion of the face.

How the SMAS Facelift Works: Lifting and Repositioning the Muscle Layer

The SMAS procedure lifts and tightens it. That’s done by folding it over itself without releasing the ligaments. That tightens up the skin. It pulls up the lower face and neck specifically.

This procedure targets the muscle layer located just under the skin. It’s not targeting the surface of your skin, but muscles.

Key Benefits and Outcomes of a SMAS Facelift

There are several benefits to a SMAS facelift, which is why it has been used for so long and so frequently.

• SMAS facelifts improve sagging cheeks, jawline, and the mild-to-moderate neck laxity that many people develop as they age.
• This procedure creates pretty natural results. If it’s done by a skilled surgeon, people will have a hard time knowing what took place.

There’s a much shorter recovery time than with deeper-plane treatments. There’s still a recovery process for this facelift surgery, but it’s shorter.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a SMAS Facelift?

The SMAS facelift is typically recommended for people who are in their 40s and 50s. It’s best suited for you if you have moderate signs of aging. You’ll likely benefit if you’re looking for facial rejuvenation without extensive downtime.

The Deep Plane Facelift: Comprehensive Rejuvenation at a Deeper Level

Many people need a more aggressive treatment. That’s where deep-plane lift vs. SMAS is better. A deep-plane lift is more extensive, targeting facial muscles deeper within the skin. It creates a significantly more noticeable improvement.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

This procedure is a release of the deep ligaments. It then involves repositioning the muscles to a higher position. This reduces the tension on the skin. It goes beyond what SMAS does. This procedure is gaining popularity among modern facelift surgeons. That’s because it creates more noticeable improvements.

Deeper Anatomy Targeted: Beyond the SMAS to Fascia and Ligaments

This procedure works more effectively because it involves releasing those ligaments. In SMAS, the ligaments remain in place. By releasing them, your plastic surgeon can then adjust the muscle more significantly.

This procedure lifts the midface tissues. These are the tissues that SMAS does not target very well. A deep plane facelift still improves the lower face and neck.

How the Deep Plane Facelift Works: Releasing Facial Retaining Ligaments and Repositioning Deeper Tissues

A deep plane facelift focuses on a deeper layer of the facial structure. During the procedure, your plastic surgeon carefully releases the ligaments that support the SMAS layer, allowing the underlying tissues and muscles to be repositioned more naturally.

This approach provides a more comprehensive lift and often delivers longer-lasting results than a traditional SMAS facelift, helping achieve a refreshed, natural-looking appearance.

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift: Natural-Looking Results

There are several benefits to the deep plane facelift, including:

• It creates a more significant rejuvenation of the midface. It still targets the jawline and neck, too. That creates a more significant outcome.
• Results often last longer than SMAS facelift procedures. That’s because the technique is more aggressive at altering the shape of the base.
• There’s less of a “pulled” look. A traditional facelift can make it seem like the skin is pulled out of place.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Many people can benefit from a deep plane facelift if they desire significant mid-face changes. It’s often best suited for patients who are in their 50s and 60s. If you have significant facial aging, talk to us about this procedure. You’ll still get very natural results. They will just be more dramatic.

SMAS vs Deep Plane: The Fundamental Differences

Deep-plane vs. SMAS facelift differences really come down to the surgical plane. The SMS facelift lies above the SMAS muscle layer. It then separates the skin from the muscle. That’s not what happens in a deep plane. Rather, a deep plane goes below the SMAS layer. It lifts the skin and the muscle simultaneously.

Targeted Areas of Rejuvenation: Mid-Face, Jawline, and Neck

Both procedures target the jawline and neck area. That’s the lower portion of the face. Both do a good job in this area in particular. If you need help with the midface, such as your cheeks, the deeper-plane procedure is a better option. The deep-plane facelift lifts more of the midface and cheeks. This is an important SMAS vs deep plane facelift consideration.

Your surgeon will discuss the benefits of each procedure with you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you want to target specifically.

Longevity of Results: Which Lasts Longer?

It’s an important question. Most of the time, a deep-plane facelift yields more durable, longer-lasting results. That’s only the case when you are using a skilled surgeon to complete the work.

How long does a facelift last? Typically, a traditional facelift lasts between 7 and 10 years. How long does a deep plane facelift last? You can expect it to last for 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer.

Incisions: Strategic Placement for Both Procedures

One of the major benefits of deep-plane and SMAS facelift procedures is that a skilled physician can significantly hide any scars. Surgeons place the incisions discreetly for both procedures. This typically runs along the hairline and then extends down behind the ear. That makes it very hard to notice what’s occurred. Most people will not notice until you tell them. The goal is to make the scars as hidden as possible.

Comparing Recovery Times for SMAS and Deep Plane Facelifts

Consider the differences in recovery times between SMAS facelifts and deep-plane facelifts. Both procedures are invasive and require time to heal. SMAS tends to have a shorter recovery time with less swelling. Deep plane takes longer to heal. However, deep plane’s results are far more comprehensive. That often means you’ll appreciate the results fully.

For SMAS recovery, expect to need about a week off resting. You’ll have bruising and swelling in the treatment area. Many people experience skin redness as inflammation occurs. You’ll experience some discomfort that is manageable with rest and compression garments. The worst of it will happen in the first week. During that time, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity. You’ll need about 6 weeks to recover.

For deep-plane recovery, expect swelling to last several weeks. You may need 6 to 9 weeks of limited activity overall, with the first 7 to 10 days being the most intense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deep plane last longer than SMAS?

Yes, deep plane is a longer-lasting treatment. That’s because it’s more extensive. You can expect up to 15 years of good results with a deep plane and around 10 years with an SMAS facelift.

At what age is the best time for a deep plane neck lift?

Deep plane treatments are best for those with advanced facial aging. That’s typically those in their 50s and 60s.

How many years does a deep plane facelift last?

Done by a skilled professional, expect 10 to 15 years of good results. For some, it could be longer.

What is the difference between SMAS and deep plane?

The biggest difference is in the severing of the ligaments. A deep plane approach goes lower, moving more tissue and muscle than an SMAS procedure.

Is a deep plane facelift better than SMAS?

It’s not always better. If you don’t need help in mid-face and your target treatment area is your neck, you may not need a deep plane. It’s important to think about the big picture. SMAS vs. deep-plane facelift cost, procedure depth, and your specific facial improvement needs are all factors.

Discover the Best Facelift Options for Your Needs with Toronto Plastic Surgeons

Both facelift procedures can be an excellent way to rejuvenate your skin and look younger. Both procedures, performed by skilled surgeons, are very effective. Which is best for you depends on your specific needs.

Learn more about the procedures we offer and how our clinic can help you. Schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss SMAS vs. deep-plane facelifts.