Deep Plane Facelift vs. SMAS Facelift: Which Technique Fits Your Face?

If you’re weighing the deep plane facelift against the SMAS facelift, you’re on the right track. Facelift surgery isn’t something to choose just because it’s popular. At Los Angeles Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, we focus on finding the technique that fits your unique features, aging process, and desired outcome.

What Is an SMAS Facelift?

SMAS stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a layer of tissue just under the skin. In a SMAS facelift, the surgeon lifts or tightens this layer to help reduce signs of aging in the lower face and neck.

A SMAS facelift can help with jowls, a softer jawline, marionette lines, sagging in the midface, and loose skin in the upper neck. For the right person, this method can give natural-looking results without just tightening the skin.

What Makes a Deep Plane Facelift Different?

A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS layer. Instead of lifting the skin and deeper support structures separately, this technique can reposition deeper facial tissues as a more connected unit. Medical literature describes deep plane surgery as a technique that works below the SMAS and may release retaining ligaments to improve deeper soft-tissue descent.

This technique can be helpful for people with more pronounced jowls, deeper sagging in the midface, or more obvious aging in the lower face. It also reduces the need to pull the skin tightly, which is why many patients are interested in it.

Is Deep Plane Better Than SMAS?

The deep plane facelift is generating a lot of buzz, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone. The SMAS facelift is still a modern and effective option. Both methods can give great results when matched to the right person.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing deep plane and SMAS facelifts found high patient satisfaction with both approaches. It also reported different complication rates between the techniques, which reinforces why patient selection and surgeon experience matter.

How Does a Surgeon Choose the Right Facelift Technique?

At Los Angeles Plastic Surgery, Dr. John M. Anastasatos looks at more than just loose skin. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, he takes into account your cheeks, jawline, neck, skin quality, volume loss, any previous procedures, and your recovery plans before suggesting a facelift method.

Some people are better suited for an SMAS facelift. Others might benefit more from a deep plane facelift, a neck lift, fat transfer, or a personalized facial rejuvenation plan.

FAQ: Deep Plane Facelift vs. SMAS Facelift

Does a deep plane facelift look more natural than an SMAS facelift?

It can look natural when it fits the patient’s anatomy because deeper tissues are repositioned instead of relying mainly on skin tension. Natural-looking results depend on surgical planning, facial structure, and technique.

Is a SMAS facelift still a good option?

Yes. A SMAS facelift may still be appropriate when jowls, jawline changes, and mild to moderate tissue descent can be improved through the SMAS layer.

How do I know which facelift technique I need?

You need an in-person evaluation. A board-certified plastic surgeon can assess your cheeks, jowls, neck, skin quality, and goals before recommending the right facelift plan.

Schedule a Facelift Consultation in Beverly Hills

If you’re considering facelift surgery in Beverly Hills, schedule a consultation with Los Angeles Plastic Surgery. Dr. John M. Anastasatos can help you understand which facelift technique may fit your anatomy, goals, and recovery plans.