SMAS vs Deep Plane Facelift: Which Approach Gets to the Root of Facial Aging?

Is your reflection starting to tell a different story than you feel inside? Do you notice sagging, wrinkles, and a loss of youthful volume that can’t be sufficiently solved with creams, lasers, or injectables? While many factors contribute to facial aging, addressing the underlying cause is the key to achieving truly transformative results. That’s where it’s helpful to differentiate between what a SMAS vs deep plane facelift can potentially offer.

When more profound structural changes take their toll on your youthful appearance, a deep plane facelift is usually necessary. Let’s explore this advanced technique below.

Beyond Wrinkles: What Really Causes Facial Aging?

While wrinkles reveal the telltale signs of aging, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. The aging process involves changes in multiple layers of the face. Over time, we experience:

• Collagen and Elastin Loss: A decline in the structure and elasticity of the skin leads to wrinkles and sagging
• Fat Volume Loss: The diminishing of fat pads contributes to a hollow, gaunt appearance
• Muscle and Ligament Laxity: The muscles and ligaments that support our facial tissues weaken and stretch, causing sagging and drooping
• Bone Remodeling: The underlying bony structure of the face changes with age, leading to a loss of support and definition

These root causes contribute to deeper structural changes in your appearance—and they call for an approach that goes beyond simply tightening the skin.

Deep Plane or Full Facelift: Understanding the Key Differences

While both SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and deep plane facelifts address the deeper layers of the face, they differ in the extent of tissue release. The SMAS facelift, or full facelift, tightens and repositions the SMAS layer. In contrast, the deep plane facelift goes further with more extensive release of the retaining ligaments and repositioning of deeper tissues. As a result, the deep plane facelift is often more effective for addressing significant midface descent and cheek volume loss.

What are some other key differences? Let’s break them down:

• The SMAS facelift primarily focuses on the jawline, lower face, and neck, while the deep plane facelift also enhances the cheeks, midface, and nasolabial folds
• A deep plane facelift has a longer recovery than a SMAS facelift
• A deep plane facelift typically costs more than a full or mini facelift due to its complexity

The SMAS facelift is usually preferred for individuals experiencing mild to moderate sagging in the lower face and neck. If your concerns include pronounced drooping, severe creases, deep wrinkles, and jowling—you guessed it—you’re more likely to benefit from a deep plane facelift.

Beyond Skin Deep: Releasing and Repositioning Deeper Facial Structures

Beyond simply lifting the skin, a deep plane facelift carefully releases the retaining ligaments that hold the facial tissues in place and repositions the deeper layers, including the SMAS, fat pads, and muscles. This allows us to:

• Restore volume to the midface for a more vibrant appearance
• Soften nasolabial folds and lines for a more refreshed look
• Define the jawline for a more youthful, sculpted profile

The beauty of this multi-faceted approach is that it avoids a “pulled” or “windswept” appearance and creates more natural and harmonious results.

SMAS or Deep Plane Facelift: Which Is the Better Choice?

Our experts will recommend the best option based on your unique needs and goals. However, keep in mind that a deep plane facelift may be the better option if:

• You’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond and have more advanced aging symptoms
• You’re specifically frustrated by sagging in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jowls
• Your skin has lost significant elasticity, and a standard SMAS facelift just isn’t going to “cut it”
• You want longer-lasting results (about 10 to 15 years for a deep plane facelift vs. 7 to 10 years for a full facelift)

A good way to put each approach into perspective is that a SMAS facelift provides more superficial correction than a deep plane facelift, which provides a dramatic, comprehensive transformation.

Ready To Explore Your Options?

If your concerns go beyond wrinkles and you’re ready to address the underlying causes of facial aging head-on, we’re prepared to help. Request a consultation online to assess your candidacy for a deep plane vs SMAS facelift, and let’s embark on your transformation together! You can also call us at (858) 452-1981 to schedule an appointment.