Understanding the Different Types of Facelifts: Deep Plane, SMAS, and More

A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens and repositions the facial tissues to restore a more youthful-looking appearance. Several facelift variations exist, and each can address different concerns and areas of the face. While these innovations offer patients effective solutions, researching which technique is best for one’s goals can be a daunting task. This guide intends to explain some of the main facelift techniques available, allowing you to make informed decisions about your rejuvenation journey!

Dr. Gordon Andan is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon at New York Surgical Arts dedicated to helping patients enhance their inner beauty. As a leader in his industry, he has trained under some of the top cosmetic surgeons in the country and frequently stays up to date with the latest technologies and techniques available.

To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Andan at either of our offices, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call (516) 746-0155.

About the Different Types of Facelifts

Understanding the different types of facelifts is essential for anyone considering this facial rejuvenation procedure. Facelifts adjust, elevate, and reposition the facial skin and underlying muscles to restore a younger-looking facial appearance. As people age, they lose the collagen and elastin in their skin that keep it firm, elastic, and smooth. This can lead to the development of facial aging, such as wrinkles, creases, lines, festoons, jowling, and more. Depending on the signs of aging present and their degree, patients may see optimal results through one facelift method or another. Dr. Andan will evaluate your face and skin to determine which facelift will best address your unique concerns.

Traditional Facelift

The traditional facelift consists of lifting the facial skin to expose the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a layer of underlying facial tissue that supports the skin and facilitates facial expressions. The SMAS layer is tightened to meet the patient’s desired goals before redraping, and excess skin is removed. ⁽¹⁾

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift tightens the skin, SMAS layer, underlying facial fat pads, and deeper fascia to create longer-lasting, stable results. One of the main differences between the deep plane facelifts and other versions is that the SMAS layer and facial skin are moved and tightened as one singular unit in comparison to being repositioned separately. This allows Dr. Andan to effectively target concerns with a more natural-looking outcome. ⁽¹⁾

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS facelift uses a specific technique to target the SMAS layer of muscle for a more revitalized look. Unlike the deep plane facelift, this technique tightens the skin and SMAS layers separately, leading to longer-lasting results. ⁽¹⁾ The SMAS facelift is often performed to correct concerns such as midface sagging, jowling, and loss of cheek definition.

Composite Facelift

A composite facelift is a technique that lifts the skin and SMAS layers and also addresses the orbicularis oculi muscle. ⁽³⁾ This is the round muscle that surrounds the eyes and helps control the eyelids. When performing this variation, Dr. Andan will reposition and tighten the skin, SMAS, and the orbicularis oculi muscles as one unit, similar to a deep plane facelift. This helps target midface laxity, festoons, under-eye bags, or puffiness, and hollowing. By targeting the eyes, the composite facelift offers patients comprehensive results and a seamless transition between the eyes and the rest of the face.

Mini-Facelift

A mini-facelift focuses on addressing more mild to moderate signs of facial aging. This variation of the facelift exclusively addresses the face, leaving the neck untouched. The mini-facelift often requires smaller incisions and is primarily performed on younger patients only starting to experience the visual signs of aging.

Endoscopic Midface Lift

The endoscopic midface lift is another variation of the deep plane facelift. When performing this variation, Dr. Andan utilizes a tool called an endoscope, which is a small tube with a camera at the end. ⁽⁴⁾ This variation of the facelift is ideal for those with concerns in their cheeks, such as heavy-looking cheeks or sagging skin, as this facelift does not address the lower face or neck.

Candidates

Suitable facelift candidates include those experiencing age-related changes, such as sagging or drooping facial skin. Wrinkles, creases, and deep lines, as well as jowling or facial folds, can also be effectively addressed through a facelift. All candidates interested in any facelift should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for their results. Patients should also ideally be nonsmokers or willing to abstain from smoking several weeks before and after their procedure. Dr. Andan will determine each individual’s candidacy for all of our different facelifts during their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The best way to determine which facelift is best for your concerns is through a consultation at either of our offices. During this meeting, Dr. Andan will explain the differences between each of our facelift variations. He will then converse openly with each patient about their medical history, concerns, and desired results before evaluating each patient’s facial anatomy. Once enough information has been gathered, Dr. Andan will create each patient’s treatment plan, recommending the best facelift method to help them achieve their goals.

To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Andan at either our New York City or Garden City office, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call (516) 746-0155.

Preparation

Dr. Andan will provide each patient with a set of personalized instructions during their consultation to help them prepare for their procedure. Blood-thinning medications and supplements should be discontinued, and alcohol and excessive sun exposure should be avoided for several days in advance. Additionally, nicotine or tobacco use should be discontinued several weeks before and after the appointment.

Patients will need to arrange transportation home after their procedure, and we recommend picking up any necessary prescriptions ahead of time. Time off from work and other commitments should also be taken to focus on healing.

Procedure

Regardless of which facelift method is being performed, each patient’s procedure will begin with the cleansing and sterilization of their skin before general anesthesia is administered. Dr. Andan will then carefully make incisions in discreet, inconspicuous areas. The placement of the incisions, duration of the procedure, as well as specific procedure steps will vary depending on the type of facelift being performed. Once the desired results are achieved and the incisions are closed, patients will be left to rest as the anesthesia wears off. Our facelifts are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients will be released home shortly after their appointment.

Recovery & Results

Each patient’s recovery timeline will vary depending on several factors, such as the type of procedure performed, as well as their body’s natural responses. While recovering, it is common for patients to experience effects such as swelling or bruising in the treated areas. These effects are temporary and will gradually subside on their own, but may also be managed through the use of pain medications. Many patients can return to work within one to two weeks, but will need to avoid high-intensity exercise or physical activities for several more weeks. It is also strongly recommended to avoid any excessive sun exposure.

As any remaining residual swelling dissipates, the results of each patient’s facelift will become more apparent. Patients will experience and enjoy a more youthful-looking appearance as a result.

Cost of a Facelift in New York City

The price of a facelift can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of facelift performed and the amount of customization involved. Dr. Andan will discuss the price of your procedure once your treatment plan is established. Additionally, New York Surgical Arts offers various financing plans to make your facelift more accessible. Our patient coordinators will be happy to discuss each available option with any interested patients.

To learn more about the cost of your facelift, please schedule a consultation by calling (516) 746-0155 or contacting us online.

FAQ

References

1. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
2. Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
3. Ramsey Choucair, Hamra S. Nuances of the Composite Face-lift Technique. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2009;23(04):247-256. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1242183
4. Shtraks JP, Fundakowski C, Yu D, et al. Investigation of the Longevity of the Endoscopic Midface Lift. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. 2019;21(6):535-541. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamafacial.2019.1015