Face

SMAS Facelift vs Deep Plane Facelift

Key Takeaways

  • The SMAS facelift targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to address skin laxity in the lower face and jawline, without altering deeper facial structures.
  • The deep plane facelift involves repositioning skin, fat, and muscle together beneath the SMAS layer, addressing the mid-face, cheeks, and nasolabial folds.
  • Key differences between the SMAS and deep plane facelifts include the surgical depth, target areas, and whether key facial ligaments are released.
  • Suitability for each facelift type depends on individual facial anatomy and treatment goals, requiring a personalized consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
  • Recovery from both procedures involves swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, with initial healing typically occurring over two to three weeks.

Facelift surgery is a complex and highly specialised area of plastic surgery, with different techniques tailored to address specific anatomical layers of the face. Two established surgical techniques are the SMAS facelift and the deep plane facelift. Both procedures involve repositioning underlying tissues rather than just the skin, but they differ in surgical approach, scope, and depth. 

What is a SMAS Facelift?

A full SMAS facelift targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS)—a fibrous layer of muscle and tissue just beneath the skin – by repositioning this layer to support tissue structure in the lower face and jawline. This approach focuses on addressing skin laxity along what is commonly referred to as the jowls and chin without disturbing deeper facial structures. The technique is routinely used for concerns in the lower third of the face.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is performed beneath the SMAS layer. In this procedure, the skin, fat, and muscle are repositioned together as a single unit. The technique involves releasing certain ligaments beneath the SMAS layer, allowing the surgeon to reposition tissues at a deeper level, extending into the mid-face. It is commonly applied to areas such as the cheeks and nasolabial folds. The deep plane technique involves repositioning tissues beneath the SMAS layer and can be appropriate when changes extend across multiple facial areas.

Key Differences: SMAS vs Deep Plane

While both techniques aim to reposition underlying facial tissues, they differ in depth, scope, and the areas they most effectively treat.

Surgical Plane

  • SMAS Facelift: Operates in a more superficial layer, lifting the SMAS without altering deeper ligaments.
  • Deep Plane Facelift: Works beneath the SMAS, releasing deeper attachments to allow for more extensive repositioning.

Structural focus area of the Lift

  • SMAS Facelift: Primarily focuses on repositioning tissues in the lower third of the face.
  • Deep Plane Facelift: Extends to the mid-face, addressing cheek shape and nasolabial folds.
FeatureSMAS FaceliftDeep Plane Facelift
Surgical depthSuperficial layer (SMAS)Beneath SMAS, deeper tissues
Target areasLower face, jawlineMid-face, nasolabial folds, cheeks
Ligament releaseMinimalYes, key facial ligaments released
ComplexityStandardConsidered a technically detailed procedure

Who is a Candidate for Each Procedure?

Suitability for deep plane facelift vs SMAS depends on each person’s facial anatomy and treatment goals discussed during consultation. A SMAS facelift is often performed to address changes in the lower face and jawline, while a deep plane facelift is a procedure that aims to address mid-face tissue descent. Ultimately, a personalised consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best approach.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery experiences vary, but most patients can expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort following either procedure. Initial healing typically occurs over two to three weeks, though residual swelling may last longer. Many individuals may resume light activities within a few weeks.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like all surgeries, facelifts carry risks. These may include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, or scarring. Specific risks include nerve injury (temporary or permanent), particularly in deeper procedures, and asymmetry. A thorough discussion of these risks with a surgeon is a standard and necessary part of the consultation process.

Why Choose Dr. Mark Doyle?

Dr. Mark Doyle is a FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years’ experience in performing both SMAS and deep plane facelift techniques. He develops personalised surgical plans based on each patient’s anatomy and maintains a strong focus on safety at every stage.

Schedule Your Consultation

Facelift surgery is a regulated cosmetic procedure in Australia, requiring a referral from a GP before scheduling a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. If you are considering a SMAS or deep plane facelift in Brisbane or the surrounding areas, contact Gold Coast Plastic Surgery to arrange an appointment with Dr. Doyle.

About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon

Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.

Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.

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What to Bring to Your Plastic Surgeon Consultation

  • Bring a friend or relative for support and discussion regarding your choices
  • Take notes and read all provided information thoroughly
  • Read about what to expect in your Initial Surgery Consultation

Book Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

  • Get a Referral from your GP or specialist – this is required to book a consultation with Dr Doyle.
  • Email us or call on 07 5598 0988 to arrange your consultation appointment.
  • Pay your $300 Consultation Fee in advance to secure your consultation.

Please contact us to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.

Send an enquiry form today or phone 07 5598 0988 during Clinic Hours.

  • Dr. Mark Doyle AHPRA Registration: Dr Mark Doyle MED0001375519 Specialist Plastic Surgery – MBBS FRACS FRCS

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