Deep Plane Facelift vs SMAS Facelift

If you are researching facelift surgery (rhytidectomy/meloplasty), you will come across terms such as deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift and high SMAS facelift. It can be difficult to understand the differences and figuring out which technique might be best for you.

Dr Jeremy Richardson, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, has facelift consultations available at Queens Parade Specialists in Fitzroy North. During consultation Dr Richardson takes the time to understand your unique facial anatomy, explain your options clearly and recommend a plan based on you.

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What is the difference?

A Deep Plane Facelift and a SMAS Facelift are different surgical techniques used to address changes in skin laxity and sagging in the mid‑face, jawline and neck.

The difference is mainly in which facial layers are being treated, how the tissues are repositioned and what suits your facial anatomy.

Determining the right technique for you should be planned by a specialist based on your face structure, skin quality, ageing changes, health history and what you are hoping to address.

About SMAS facelifts

SMAS stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system. It is a firm layer of fibromuscular tissue beneath the skin that helps support the soft tissues of the face and neck.

A SMAS facelift works with this layer by moving or tightening it and then using sutures to fold or plicate it to a more lifted position. The skin is then repositioned over the deeper support layer, rather than relying on only pulling the skin tighter.

There are different SMAS techniques, including SMAS plication, SMASectomy, SMAS flap and high SMAS facelift. Each manages the support layer in a slightly different way.

A SMAS facelift may be considered for changes around the lower face, jawline and neck, with shorter recovery and surgery time compared with deeper techniques.

What is a deep plane facelift?

A deep plane facelift works in a deeper layer of the face. Instead of lifting the skin and SMAS separately, the surgeon works beneath the SMAS and releases selected retaining ligaments. This allows deeper facial soft tissues to be mobilised and repositioned as a more connected layer (single composite flap).

This technique requires detailed knowledge of facial anatomy, including nerves, blood supply, retaining ligaments, fat pads and soft tissue layers and relies less on pulling the skin tight.

Deep plane facelift surgery may provide more pronounced and prolonged effects for patients with ageing changes and laxity through the mid-face, lower face and jowl area.

A general comparison of Deep plane vs SMAS facelift

Depth of tissue repositioning                                   

SMAS facelift
A SMAS facelift works on and above the SMAS layer, tightening with sutures.

Deep plane facelift
A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS. Releases retaining ligaments so deeper facial tissues can be repositioned as a connected layer.

Target areas                                                            

SMAS facelift
SMAS techniques can improve jawline definition and mild to moderate sagging.

Deep plane facelift
Deep plane techniques may more directly address mid-face descent, jowling or deeper soft tissue movement and nasolabial folds by repositioning deeper tissues instead of just tightening.

Appearance and skin tension                                   

SMAS facelift
Some SMAS methods that rely heavily on skin tightening can risk a “pulled” look in certain cases if not carefully executed.

Deep plane facelift
A deep plane facelift reduces reliance on skin tension because deeper tissues are repositioned, which is one reason it is commonly discussed in relation to natural-looking facial movement, though results may vary between patients.

Longevity                                                                

SMAS facelift
The longevity of a SMAS facelift has been reported as lasting around 5-7 years on average, though results may vary. Ageing continues after surgery and is influenced by skin quality, genetics, sun exposure, smoking and general health.

Deep plane facelift
Deep plane facelift results are reported to last approximately 10-15 years. This may vary between patients as skin quality, anatomy, lifestyle and the degree of facial ageing all play a role.

Recovery and complexity                                        

SMAS facelift
SMAS techniques may involve shorter operative time and recovery, and are familiar to many facial plastic surgeons. A SMAS facelift requires about 2 to 3 weeks of social downtime for swelling and bruising to clear. Initial healing takes about 6 weeks, though full refinement and final tissue settling usually take 3 to 6 months.

Deep plane facelift
Deep plane facelift surgery is a more technically demanding method involving deeper dissection, with recovery including more activity restrictions and time. Recovery may also vary depending on the extent of surgery and if other procedures were performed at the same time.

Choosing the right facelift technique

There is no universally “best” facelift technique that is right for every patient.

The right option depends on your facial anatomy, skin quality, neck changes, degree of tissue descent or ageing changes, medical history and goals. Dr Richardson will always explain why he recommends a particular technique and what it may involve.

During consultation, if it hasn’t been covered, we encourage you to ask questions, such as:

• Which facelift technique may suit my anatomy?
• Why do you recommend this technique?
• Would my neck need to be treated as well?
• Where would my incisions sit?
• What risks apply to this procedure?
• What recovery time should I plan for?
• What follow-up care is included?

These questions can help you move from online research to a more informed discussion.

Why surgeon training and experience matters

Facelift surgery involves visible areas of the face and neck. It also involves deeper anatomy that affects movement, sensation, healing and scarring.

Dr Jeremy Richardson, MED0001204528, is a Melbourne-based Specialist Plastic Surgeon with qualifications including MBBS (Hons), BMedSc (Hons), DipSurgAnat and FRACS (Plast). He has a special interest in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, including facelift, neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty nose surgery.

Consultation can help patients in Melbourne, Fitzroy North and surrounding areas, discuss the options, risks, recovery and what may suit your facial anatomy.

Experience can be viewed, though individual results may vary, in Dr Richardson’s before and after facelift gallery.

FAQs

Is a deep plane facelift better than a SMAS facelift?
It depends on your anatomy, skin quality, health, neck changes and aesthetic goals. A SMAS or high SMAS facelift may be suitable for moderately changed skin, where a deep plane facelift may be preferred for more extensive ageing skin concerns especially around the mid-face.

What is the main difference between deep plane and SMAS facelift?
The main difference is the depth of work. A SMAS facelift works with the SMAS layer beneath the skin. A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS and releases selected retaining ligaments.

Does a deep plane facelift last longer?
Ageing continues after surgery and can be influenced by skin quality, genetics, sun exposure, smoking, health and lifestyle. Longevity varies based on the individual but in general terms, yes, a deep plane facelift reportedly lasts longer.

Is recovery longer with a deep plane facelift?
Recovery may be longer with more involved surgery, but it depends on the extent of the procedure, your health, the technique used and if other procedures are included. For more recovery information, see post operative care discharge and follow-up.

Deep plane and SMAS facelift surgery in Melbourne

Choosing a facelift technique is an important decision. Detailed discussion with Dr Jeremy Richardson, includes assessment of your facial anatomy and personalised goals, as well as help identify if deep plane, SMAS or another approach aligns with your needs.

To discuss facial cosmetic or reconstructive surgery with Dr Jeremy Richardson, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne, contact Queens Parade Specialists in Fitzroy North.

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References

Jonathan Zelken, MD. (2025). Facelift Types Explained: Mini, SMAS/Traditional, and Deep Plane Facelifts. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1KIL8jkYqM

Hatan Mortada, Najla Alkilani, Halawani, I. R., Zaid, W., Rema Sultan Alkahtani, Hazem Saqr, & Omar Fouda Neel. (2023). Evolution of Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System Facelift Techniques: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Complications and Outcomes.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2023.06.003

Raggio, B. S., & Winters, R. StatPearls Publishing. (2023). Deep plane facelift. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/

Harvey, C. Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2024). Member Blog with Dr Ellis Choy: What is a Deep Plane Facelift? https://plasticsurgery.org.au/memberblog-what-is-a-deep-plane-facelift/

Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2020). Questions for Your Surgeon. https://plasticsurgery.org.au/information-for-patients/questions-for-your-surgeon/

This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All surgery carries risk and results may vary. Consult Dr Jeremy Richardson, MED0001204528, MBBS (Hons), BMedSc (Hons), DipSurgAnat, FRACS (Plast), Specialist Plastic Surgeon, for personalised advice and tailored treatment.