What is the difference between a deep plane facelift and a regular facelift?

With the development of cosmetic surgery, so too advances the knowledge about which facelift surgery methods yield the most natural, long-lasting effects. If you're considering how to restore your look, you've probably heard of the deep plane facelift and the standard (traditional) facelift.

So, what is the difference between them? In this in-depth guide, the actual difference is dissected based on expert opinion, surgical history, and patient success.

What Is a Standard Facelift?

A standard facelift, also known as an SMAS facelift, targets the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer of the face, situated beneath the skin. Surgeons raise and tighten this layer, remove excess skin, and iron out wrinkles, mainly in the lower face and jaw.

Ideally suited for those with mild to moderate sag or premature signs of aging.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift? 

A deep plane facelift takes facial rejuvenation one step further. Instead of dissecting the skin off overlying tissues, this procedure lifts the SMAS layer and deeper facial fat pads and muscles together as one. It is possible to reposition the midface (cheeks), nasolabial folds, and jowls—areas not typically addressed with standard facelifts.

Key Differences Described by Experts

Expert View

According to a board-certified facial plastic surgeon near you, deep plane facelifts are frequently the gold standard for reversing aging because they:

• Give a lift from the inside out.

• Rebuild volume without fillers.

• Steer clear of an unnatural, pulled-back appearance.

"In our practice, deep plane facelifts consistently produce the most dramatic yet natural-looking results. Patients tend to appear 10–15 years younger without looking 'done'." – Dr. Anjali S., Facial Reconstructive Surgeon.

Real-Life Case Study: Rebuilding the Midface Without Fillers

A 56-year-old woman patient visited the clinic with concerns about deep, hollow nasolabial folds and drooping around the jawline. She had a standard facelift performed seven years ago, which lifted her partially, but the effects diminished gradually, particularly in the midface.

After assessing her facial anatomy and long-term expectations, she chose a deep plane facelift. The surgeon not only repositioned the skin but also the deeper facial tissues, lifting the cheek fat pads and tightening the underlying musculature.

Results:

• Her nasolabial folds were dramatically softened.

• The cheek volume was restored, without fillers or fat grafting.

• The jawline was naturally sculpted.

• At her 6-month follow-up, the results held firm, with no evidence of over-tightening or scarring.

Selecting the Ideal Procedure

In choosing between a deep plane and a standard facelift, keep in mind:

• Your age and facial skin looseness

• Aims for facial shaping

• Longevity of outcomes is desired

• Financial constraints and recovery period

• Surgeon's training in newer methods

• Consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon is imperative for a tailored approach.

Last Words: Which Facelift to Choose?

There is no cookie-cutter response. Although the deep plane facelift yields longer-lasting, more natural-looking results—particularly for the midface and jawline—the standard facelift remains a reliable option for stage-one facial aging, offering a faster recovery.

• Select the procedure that best suits your aesthetic desires, facial anatomy, and long-term outcome expectations.

Key Takeaways:

• Deep plane facelifts elevate deeper tissues for more thorough rejuvenation.

• Routine facelifts emphasise surface tightening and are less aggressive.

• Deep plane facelifts yield more natural, long-term results, particularly for patients aged 45 and older.

• Always see a board-certified expert for optimal results.

Billboard Spotlight: Why Many Patients Trust Dr. Ardesh

With over two decades of experience in facial reconstruction and aesthetics, Dr. Ardesh is renowned for his precision in advanced mini facelift techniques, particularly the deep plane method. His distinctive approach fuses surgical skill with artistic harmony to create outcomes that appear natural, beautiful, and ageless.

Patients from around the nation seek out Dr. Ardesh not just for his technical expertise but also for his empathy, thorough consultations, and personalised treatment planning. His reputation is supported by decades of reproducible results, peer-reviewed studies, and real-life transformations that transcend any fad.

"A facelift should never look like a facelift. It should look like you—only refreshed." – Dr. Ardesh.

If facial rejuvenation is something you're considering, it's time to explore your options with a reputable and skilled surgeon, such as Dr. Ardesh.