What Are the Advantages of Deep Plane Facelift vs. SMAS Lift?

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Getting a facelift can be a transformative experience that elevates the appearance of your chin, cheeks, jaw, and neck. It’s truly incredible how one procedure can shave years off your appearance, and with innovations in the science behind the facelift, results are becoming more impressive and natural. 

There are two leading options for patients looking for a facelift procedure: the SMAS lift and the deep plane facelift. 

Below, we will discuss both procedures before exploring why Dr. Ackerman prefers the deep plane facelift as the more advanced and effective option.

What Is the SMAS Lift? 

SMAS refers to the muscle structure manipulated in this type of facelift: the superficial musculoaponeurotic system. This layer of fibrous tissues and muscles starts below the ear and extends down to the neck. 

During this procedure, the SMAS muscles are separated from the skin and surgically elevated, creating a more natural lift than traditional facelift techniques. The SMAS is an improvement from original facelift methods — which focused primarily on lifting the skin and tended to neglect the underlying tissue. 

Still, Dr. Ackerman is a strong advocate of Deep Plane Facelift, his preferred method of facelift. He has perfected his technique, making this advanced facelift method safe with predictable results. In addition to standardizing the surgical maneuvers, Dr. Ackerman has also designed surgical instruments that facilitate performance of this type of facelift. 

What Is the Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift is the most advanced method, building upon and improving the SMAS and traditional procedures. When performed by an expert in this technique, the patients look many years younger, yet appear completely natural. The results also last longer than a typical SMAS lift. 

As the name suggests, the deep plane facelift goes beyond the skin and SMAS muscles, dissecting deep tissues of the cheek and elevating the entire area. Unlike prior methods, the deep plane facelift incorporates the cheek and neck, resulting in a more cohesive, natural result.

What Are the Benefits of the Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift can correct sagging skin, jowls, deep creases, wrinkles in the face and neck, and an overall lack of facial definition — all with natural, stunning results. 

The deep plane facelift also balances the cheeks and neck. Traditional methods did not engage the deep cheek muscles or the neck. Also, this technique corrects the so-called “mid-cheek” and nasolabial folds, areas that are not adequately addressed with a standard SMAS lift. 

This results in a lack of cohesion, which can look unnatural or have a stretched quality. With the deep plane facelift, both the cheeks and neck are enhanced along with the mid-face region.

Patients who receive a deep plane facelift from a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ackerman can expect powerful, lasting results. 

Since the deep plane facelift incorporates more areas of the facial musculature and neck than prior procedures, patients experience balanced facial proportions and smoother, younger-looking skin with results that last much longer than traditional facelift techniques. 

How Dr. Ackerman Can Elevate Your Look

Renowned facial surgery specialized and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Boris M. Ackerman has perfected the deep plane facelift, innovating the procedure and producing gorgeous results. 

Take a look at his impressive before and after photo gallery of facelift procedures and see how the results speak for themselves. 

Additionally, Dr. Ackerman developed a revolutionary way to hone deep plane facelift techniques with the Ackerman Facelift Retractor, which enhances safety and improves the dissection process.

Interested in Deep Plane Facelifts in Newport Beach, CA?

Dr. Ackerman is knowledgeable and passionate about improving his patients’ self-confidence with the deep plane facelift. Give us a call today at (949) 536-9047 to learn more.