Why are there several facelift methods?
Patients who start looking into facial surgery often come across different names for the operations: SMAS lift, Deep Plane and endoscopic facelift. It may seem that one technique is better than another. In practice this is not the case. Each operation has its own indications, and the choice depends on the anatomical features of the face, the extent of the age-related changes and the goals of treatment.
What is a SMAS lift?
SMAS is the deep musculoaponeurotic layer of the face. During a surgical SMAS lift the surgeon works not only with the skin but also with this layer, which makes it possible to correct tissue descent, jowls and an indistinct facial contour more physiologically. It is important to distinguish a surgical SMAS lift from a device-based SMAS lifting - these are different methods with different capabilities.
What is Deep Plane?
Deep Plane Facelift is a modern technique in which the surgeon works with the deeper anatomical structures of the face as a single complex. In some patients it makes it possible to achieve a natural repositioning of the tissues without excessive tension on the skin. However, this technique is not suitable for everyone and requires individual selection.
What is an endoscopic facelift?
An endoscopic lift is performed through small incisions using endoscopic technique. It is more often used to correct the upper and middle thirds of the face - the forehead, the brows and the mid-face. With pronounced changes in the lower third of the face and the neck, an endoscopic lift alone may not be enough.
How do the techniques differ?
The main difference lies not in the name of the operation, but in the depth at which the tissues are handled, in the indications and in the area of correction. There is therefore no universally best technique.
How does the surgeon choose the method?
During the consultation the plastic surgeon assesses the condition of the skin, the degree of tissue descent, the extent of the age-related changes, the structural features of the face and neck, and also the patient's wishes. Only after this is the most suitable method of surgical correction determined.
Frequently asked questions
Can you choose the method of surgery yourself? No. This decision is made after an in-person examination.
Which is better - SMAS or Deep Plane? Both techniques are effective when they are used for the right indications.
Can the methods be combined? Yes. If necessary, a facelift can be combined with neck surgery, blepharoplasty and other procedures.
Conclusion
Modern plastic surgery offers several facelift methods, and each of them has its own advantages and indications. The surgeon's main task is to select the technique that will give the most natural and harmonious result for the particular patient.
A consultation at Plastera Clinica
If you want to find out which technique suits you, get in touch with Plastera Clinica. After an in-person consultation the plastic surgeon will assess the features of your face, explain the differences between the modern techniques in detail and help you choose the best treatment option.
The indications, stages and cost of the operation are on the service page facelift and facial contour.