Deep Plane Facelift vs. SMAS Facelift: Which is Right for You in Beverly Hills?
Aging can affect our facial contours in many ways, from sagging skin and deep creases to jowling and drooping cheeks. If you’ve been considering facial rejuvenation, you may have heard of two surgical options that deliver transformative results: the SMAS facelift and the deep plane facelift. At Privé Beverly Hills, Dr. Catherine Chang, MD, FACS—quadruple Ivy-League educated and a renowned craniofacial specialist—offers advanced, bespoke facelift procedures designed to restore youthful, natural-looking beauty.
So how do you know which facelift technique is right for you? This guide explains the key differences between the SMAS facelift and the deep plane facelift, and how Dr. Chang uses each to produce stunning, individualized results.
Understanding the SMAS Facelift
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is a layer of facial tissue located between the skin and deeper facial structures. It connects to both the skin and muscle layers, making it a crucial anchor point for effective facial lifting.
A SMAS facelift tightens this layer, lifting sagging cheeks, smoothing the jawline, and rejuvenating the neck. Dr. Chang typically uses a vertical vector of lift with the SMAS technique, which counters gravity and avoids the overly tight or “windblown” look that traditional facelifts can produce.
Benefits of a SMAS Facelift:
- Lifts three layers of facial tissue for a comprehensive, natural result
- Provides long-lasting improvement for the mid- and lower face
- Maintains natural facial expression and movement
- Less invasive than deeper techniques, with moderate recovery time
Dr. Chang performs six variations of the SMAS technique, customizing the approach for each patient’s facial anatomy. Whether you’re seeking a subtle refresh or more significant contouring, the SMAS facelift offers flexibility with exceptional results.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift goes further than the SMAS technique. Rather than simply lifting the SMAS layer, this procedure releases and repositions the deeper facial tissues, including the underlying muscles and fat pads. This approach is ideal for patients with significant aging in the midface—such as deep nasolabial folds, drooping cheeks, and pronounced jowls.
Unlike traditional methods that pull the skin horizontally or backward, Dr. Chang’s deep plane facelifts lift the tissues almost entirely vertically. This direction is more aligned with how gravity affects the face over time and ensures results that look effortlessly natural.
Advantages of a Deep Plane Facelift:
- Provides more dramatic and long-lasting rejuvenation
- Effectively lifts the midface and improves nasolabial folds
- Maintains the connection between skin and muscle for less trauma and a smoother recovery
- Delivers results so natural, it will be your best kept secret™
Key Differences Between Deep Plane and SMAS Facelifts
The key differences between Deep Plane and SMAS facelifts lie in the depth, results, and ideal candidates for each technique. A SMAS facelift targets the SMAS layer, offering a moderate depth of lift, while a Deep Plane facelift goes beneath the SMAS for a deeper and more comprehensive lift. Both techniques utilize a vertical lift vector, but the extent of midface rejuvenation differs—SMAS facelifts provide moderate improvement, whereas Deep Plane facelifts offer more significant enhancement in this area. In terms of appearance, SMAS facelifts deliver a high level of natural-looking results, though the Deep Plane technique is known for producing an extremely natural appearance. Longevity also varies, with SMAS facelifts being long-lasting and Deep Plane facelifts typically offering even longer-lasting results. Finally, SMAS facelifts are best suited for individuals with mild to moderate signs of aging, while Deep Plane facelifts are ideal for those with moderate to severe facial aging.
Dr. Catherine Chang’s Approach
With her deep understanding of complex facial anatomy, Dr. Chang is uniquely positioned to perform both SMAS and deep plane facelifts with unmatched precision. Her focus on vertical lifting and maintaining the structural integrity of the face ensures your results are balanced, youthful, and natural.
During your consultation, Dr. Chang will carefully evaluate your bone structure, skin quality, and aging pattern. She will then design a bespoke treatment plan that incorporates the ideal facelift technique—or combination of techniques—for your goals.
Recovery and Expectations
Despite common misconceptions, a deep plane facelift is not more traumatic or harder to recover from than a traditional SMAS lift. Because the skin and muscle remain connected, there is less disruption to the facial tissue, which often means reduced swelling and a smoother recovery experience.
Most patients return to daily activities within two weeks and continue to see their results refine over several months as healing progresses.
Which Facelift Is Right for You?
If you are experiencing:
- Sagging cheeks
- Jowling
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Wrinkles or skin laxity along the jawline and neck
Then you may be an excellent candidate for either the SMAS or deep plane facelift. The decision ultimately comes down to your anatomy, goals, and desired level of rejuvenation.
Dr. Chang’s patients trust her for her honesty, artistry, and unparalleled surgical expertise. She will walk you through every step of the process and help you choose the procedure that will deliver the most natural, beautiful version of yourself.
Schedule a Consultation in Beverly Hills
Ready to turn back the clock with a facelift that fits your face and lifestyle? Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Catherine Chang at Privé Beverly Hills today. Contact us at (310) 424-5330 or fill out the form to take the next step toward stunning, long-lasting results.