A facelift can do much more than simply tighten loose skin, which is where techniques like deep plane and SMAS facelifts come into the conversation. While both work with the deeper tissues of the face, they do so differently. Knowing how they compare can help you better understand your options and what each technique is designed to accomplish.
At West Houston Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, Dr. Alfonso Barrera and Dr. Eric Ruff combine extensive training and experience in plastic surgery to help you explore facelift options suited to your goals.
What Is a SMAS Facelift?
SMAS stands for the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a supportive layer of tissue beneath the skin. During a SMAS facelift, this layer is lifted, tightened, or repositioned to improve visible facial sagging.
Because the procedure works beneath the skin, it can improve concerns such as jowls, a less defined jawline, and lower-face laxity while reducing the need to rely solely on skin tension.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift involves surgical dissection beneath the SMAS layer. The surgeon releases certain retaining ligaments so the deeper facial tissues can be repositioned together.
This technique can address facial descent involving the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jowls, and jawline. Because deeper structures provide the lift, the skin can be redraped with less tension.
Deep Plane Facelift vs. SMAS Facelift: What Is the Main Difference?
Here’s a quick comparison of how SMAS and deep plane facelifts differ in the way they address deeper facial tissues:
|
Feature |
SMAS Facelift |
Deep Plane Facelift |
|
Tissue Layer |
Works directly with the SMAS layer beneath the skin |
Works beneath the SMAS layer |
|
Technique |
Tightens or repositions the SMAS |
Releases key facial ligaments and repositions deeper tissues |
|
Primary Goal |
Improve facial sagging by supporting deeper tissues |
Reposition deeper facial tissues with less reliance on skin tension |
|
Choosing a Technique |
Depends on your facial anatomy, degree of laxity, health, goals, and surgeon’s experience |
Depends on your facial anatomy, degree of laxity, health, goals, and surgeon’s experience |
Find the Right Facelift Option in Houston, TX
You do not have to decide between a deep plane facelift and SMAS facelift before your consultation. Dr. Barrera and Dr. Ruff can evaluate your facial structure, discuss the changes bothering you, and explain which surgical plan makes sense for you.
To discuss facelift surgery at West Houston Plastic Surgery, call (713) 468-5200 to schedule a consultation.
