Solutions for An Ageing face - SMAS vs Deep Plane Facelift

Posted on December 16, 2023by Mr Mark Gittos - Plastic Surgeon FRACS(Plas)

SMAS vs Deep Plane Facelift: Which is the Best Anti-Ageing Solution for Your Face?

Ageing is inevitable, and it takes a toll on our face, making us look older than we feel. Our skin loses its elasticity, and wrinkles start appearing on the face. While there are many anti-ageing solutions available in the market, facelifts are the most popular and effective way to restore a more youthful appearance. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which facelift is right for you. Two popular types of facelifts are the SMAS and Deep Plane facelift. In this article, we will explore the SMAS and Deep Plane facelifts, including their benefits, drawbacks, and which one may be the best anti-ageing solution for your face.

Mr Mark Gittos is a renowned plastic surgeon with an international reputation for excellence in performing face, breast, and body procedures for patients in London, UK, and New Zealand. Mr Gittos is a specialist in various types of facelift procedures, including SMAS and deep plane facelift.

Download Mr Mark Gittos’ Guide to Facial Rejuvenation Surgery – Surgical and Non-Surgical Anti-Ageing

Understanding the Anatomy of the Face

Before we discuss the details of the SMAS and Deep Plane facelifts, it’s essential to understand the anatomy of the face. The face has several layers of tissue, including skin, fat, muscle, and bone. The skin is the outermost layer, and it provides a protective barrier to the underlying tissues. Beneath the skin is a layer of fat, which provides insulation and support to the skin. The facial muscles are located beneath the fat layer, and they help us make facial expressions. Finally, the bones of the face provide the structure and shape of the face.

SMAS Facelift: How It Works and Benefits

SMAS stands for Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System. The SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that targets the SMAS layer, which is a thin layer of muscle and tissue beneath the skin. During the SMAS facelift, your surgeon makes incisions in the skin and lifts the SMAS layer. Your surgeon then tightens the SMAS layer, which in turn tightens the skin and reduces wrinkles. The SMAS facelift is a popular choice for those who want a more youthful appearance, as it can provide a significant improvement in the appearance of the face.

One of the main benefits of the SMAS facelift is that it is a relatively straightforward procedure and can be performed on younger patients. The patient can go home on the same day and recover quickly. Another benefit of the SMAS facelift is that it can provide long-lasting results, with some patients seeing improvements for up to ten years.

Deep Plane Facelift: How It Works and Benefits

The Deep Plane facelift is a more extensive surgical procedure than the SMAS facelift. The Deep Plane facelift targets the deeper layers of tissue, including the muscles and ligaments that support the face. During the Deep Plane facelift, your surgeon makes incisions in the skin and lifts the deeper layers of tissue. Your surgeon then tightens the muscles and ligaments, which in turn tightens the skin and reduces wrinkles.

One of the main benefits of the Deep Plane facelift is that it can provide a more significant improvement in the appearance of the face than the SMAS facelift. This is because the Deep Plane facelift targets the deeper layers of tissue, which are responsible for supporting the face’s structure. Another benefit of the Deep Plane facelift is that it can provide long-lasting results, with some patients seeing improvements for up to fifteen years.

Comparison between SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift

Both the SMAS and Deep Plane facelifts aim to tighten and lift sagging skin, but they differ in their approach. The SMAS facelift targets the SMAS layer, which is a thin layer of muscle and tissue beneath the skin. The Deep Plane facelift targets the deeper layers of tissue, including the muscles and ligaments that support the face.

The SMAS facelift is a less invasive procedure than the Deep Plane facelift. The Deep Plane facelift is a more extensive surgical procedure and requires general anaesthesia. The SMAS facelift has a shorter recovery time than the Deep Plane facelift, with most patients returning to work within a week or two. The Deep Plane facelift has a longer recovery time, with most patients taking two to three weeks off work.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift

When it comes to choosing between the SMAS and Deep Plane facelift, there are several factors to consider. The first factor to consider is the severity of the ageing signs. If you have mild to moderate signs of ageing, the SMAS facelift may be the best option for you. If you have more severe signs of ageing, the Deep Plane facelift may be the best option.

The second factor to consider is your recovery time. If you want a shorter recovery time, the SMAS facelift may be the best option. If you are willing to take more time off work for a more significant improvement in your appearance, the Deep Plane facelift may be the best option.

Risks and Complications of SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift

Like any surgical procedure, the SMAS and Deep Plane facelifts is associated with some risks and complications. Some of the risks and complications of the SMAS and Deep Plane facelifts include bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve damage, and asymmetry.

The risk of complications is higher with the Deep Plane facelift than with the SMAS facelift, as it is a more extensive surgical procedure. However, choosing an experienced surgeon can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Recovery Time and Results of SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift

The recovery time for the SMAS and Deep Plane facelift varies depending on the extent of the surgery and the healing process. Most patients can return to work within a week after the SMAS facelift, while patients may need two to three weeks off work after the Deep Plane facelift.

The results of the SMAS and Deep Plane facelifts are long-lasting, with some patients seeing improvements for up to ten years after the SMAS facelift and up to fifteen years after the Deep Plane facelift.

Cost Comparison of SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift

The cost of SMAS and deep plane facelift procedures in the UK can vary significantly based on several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise, geographical location, and the extent of the procedure. On average, a SMAS facelift can range between £6,000 to £10,000, while a deep plane facelift tends to be slightly more expensive due to its complexity, with costs typically falling between £8,000 to £12,000.

It is important to note that these price ranges are approximate and can differ depending on individual circumstances. When considering a facelift, it is crucial to prioritise the surgeon’s experience, qualifications, and reputation over the cost of the procedure, as the quality of the outcome is paramount. Additionally, prospective patients should factor in any additional expenses such as anaesthesia fees, facility fees, and post-operative care when comparing costs to ensure they make an informed decision.

Which Anti-Ageing Solution is Right for You?

Choosing between the SMAS and Deep Plane facelifts ultimately depends on your individual characteristics and preferences. If you have mild to moderate signs of ageing and prefer a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time, the SMAS facelift may be the best option for you. If you have more severe signs of ageing and are willing to take more time off work for a more significant improvement in your appearance, the Deep Plane facelift may be the best option.

With the right surgeon and the right anti-ageing solution, you can achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance that can boost your confidence.

FAQs about SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift

How long do deep plane facelifts last?

The durability of deep plane facelift results can vary depending on individual factors such as genetics, age, lifestyle, and health condition. Generally speaking, deep plane facelifts are known to provide long-lasting outcomes, with results often lasting between 10 to 15 years. This advanced technique targets the deeper facial structures and releases ligaments to reposition sagging tissues more effectively, resulting in a more natural and youthful appearance. Despite the extended longevity of deep plane facelifts compared to other facelift techniques, it is important to remember that the ageing process will continue. To preserve and prolong the results, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle, protect their skin from sun damage, and adhere to post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon. In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers, Botox, or laser therapy may be recommended to enhance and maintain facelift outcomes.

What age is best for deep plane facelift?

The ideal age for a deep plane facelift can vary from person to person. Most often, candidates for this procedure are in their mid-40s to early 60s, when the signs of ageing become more pronounced, and the skin still retains a degree of elasticity. At this stage, a deep plane facelift can effectively address sagging skin, deep lines, and loss of facial volume, providing a rejuvenated appearance. However, it is essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can assess each patient’s unique situation and determine the most suitable course of action to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.

What makes a SMAS facelift unique?

A SMAS facelift is unique due to its targeted approach to facial rejuvenation that addresses the deeper layers of the face, rather than just the superficial skin. This procedure specifically targets the SMAS layer, which is a strong fibrous network that connects the facial muscles and skin. By lifting and repositioning this layer, a SMAS facelift provides a more natural and long-lasting result compared to traditional facelift techniques. This advanced procedure not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin but also restores the underlying facial structure, leading to a more youthful and harmonious facial appearance. The SMAS facelift technique is often preferred by both surgeons and patients for its ability to produce enhanced, natural-looking results with a lower risk of an overly tight or “windswept” appearance.

How long does a high SMAS facelift last?

Typically, the results of a high SMAS facelift can last between 8 to 12 years, providing a more youthful and revitalised appearance. This advanced technique, which targets the deeper layers of the facial structure, offers more durable and natural-looking outcomes compared to traditional facelift methods. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the ageing process will continue, and individual results may vary. To maintain the best possible results, patients should practice a healthy lifestyle, protect their skin from sun damage, and follow their surgeon’s post-operative care recommendations.

Does a SMAS facelift include the neck?

A SMAS facelift primarily focuses on the rejuvenation of the mid and lower face, addressing the deeper layers of facial tissue to provide natural and long-lasting results. While the procedure is not specifically designed to treat the neck, it can have a positive impact on the appearance of the neck due to the lifting and repositioning of the SMAS layer. However, for patients with more pronounced neck ageing concerns, such as significant skin laxity, muscle banding, or excess fat, a separate neck lift may be recommended. Combining a SMAS facelift with a neck lift can provide a comprehensive rejuvenation of the entire facial and neck region.

Medical References about SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift

About Mr Mark Gittos FRACS (Plast) – London Plastic Surgeons

Practice locations in London & Essex, UK and Auckland, New Zealand.

Mr Mark Gittos offers high quality, natural-looking cosmetic surgery results and is highly experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4000 Surgeries in the last 26 years.

With world-wide expertise Mr Gittos is an expert in breast, face and body surgery for men & women.

Mr Mark Gittos is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgeon and operates a practice in London UK and Auckland New Zealand. His practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical procedures, each designed to help restore, improve or change a physical characteristic or problem. The first step in every case is to talk through your personal requirements and explore all the options, before deciding on the most effective solution.

Naturally, before any treatment is begun, we will explain clearly the advantages and risk factors; so that you have the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you. Visit the practice to find out more.

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Solutions for An Ageing face – SMAS vs Deep Plane Facelift