Early forms of facelift surgery only addressed this outer plane, which often led to uneven or unnatural results.
• The midplane: or submuscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer is the layer of tissue between the outer, dermal layer and the deeper tissues in the face and neck.
• The deep plane: the layer of tissue and muscle beneath the SMAS layer. As its name suggests, it is the deepest layer.
SMAS Technique
The SMAS technique addresses the fascial layer between the superficial layer and the deep tissues on the face and neck. It is a suitable technique to address sagging in the jowls and neck. During this procedure, the skin is separated in order to tighten the layer of muscle and remove loose skin. Unwanted fat beneath the chin may also be removed using liposuction. This technique is ideal for patients who are bothered by loose skin in the lower face, as it can rejuvenate the jawline.
Deep plane technique
The deep plane technique, also referred to as the sub-SMAS facelift, makes an incision in the SMAS and lifts it in order to work on the layer of tissue and muscle beneath it. This technique is recommended for patients with severe facial sagging or those who hope to address common concerns in the mid-face, such as the nasolabial folds and