05
Feb
Deep Plane Facelift and Conventional Facelift: Key Differences to Discuss During Consultation
Facelift surgery is not a single procedure performed in the same way for every patient. Different techniques may be considered depending on a person’s anatomy, medical history, skin quality, tissue position, previous surgery, and the matters they wish to discuss with their practitioner.
A deep plane facelift and a conventional SMAS facelift are two surgical approaches used in facial surgery. The suitability of either approach can only be assessed after a consultation and examination. This article explains some general anatomical and planning differences between these approaches. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
What is a conventional SMAS facelift?
A conventional facelift commonly involves surgical work around the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, often referred to as the SMAS layer. The SMAS is a layer of tissue beneath the skin that is considered during many facelift procedures.
The exact surgical plan may vary between patients. Factors that may influence planning include the position of facial tissues, skin quality, previous procedures, scarring, general health, smoking status, medications, and the patient’s individual anatomy.
What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift is another surgical approach that involves dissection in a deeper anatomical plane. In this technique, the surgeon works beneath the SMAS layer and releases selected retaining ligaments so that deeper facial tissues can be repositioned.
This does not mean the procedure is suitable for every patient. It also does not mean that the outcome, recovery, scar visibility, or complication risk can be predicted from the technique alone. The appropriate surgical approach depends on individual assessment.
How do the two approaches differ?
The main difference is the anatomical plane in which the surgery is performed.
In a conventional SMAS facelift, surgical treatment generally focuses on the SMAS layer and the overlying skin. In a deep plane facelift, the dissection is performed beneath the SMAS layer and may involve release of deeper retaining structures.
Both approaches are surgical procedures. Both require careful patient selection, operative planning, anaesthesia, wound care, and recovery time. A consultation is required to discuss whether facelift surgery is appropriate, whether a particular technique may be considered, and what alternatives may be available.
What factors may influence surgical planning?
Surgical planning may include assessment of:
- facial anatomy and tissue position
- skin quality and elasticity
- previous facial surgery or scarring
- medical history and medication use
- smoking or vaping history
- healing factors
- anaesthetic considerations
- recovery needs and available support after surgery
- the patient’s reasons for seeking information about surgery
A practitioner should also discuss non-surgical alternatives, the option of not proceeding with surgery, and procedure-specific risks.
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What should patients know about recovery?
Recovery after facelift surgery varies between individuals. Swelling, bruising, tightness, discomfort, altered sensation, and temporary changes around incision sites can occur. The time needed to return to work, exercise, and usual activities depends on the extent of surgery, individual healing, and the treating practitioner’s post-operative advice.
Some patients may require longer recovery than expected. Follow-up appointments are important so that healing can be reviewed and any concerns can be assessed.
Patients should not rely on general recovery timelines alone. Personalised recovery advice should be provided during consultation and after surgery.
What are the risks of facelift surgery?
All surgery carries risks. Risks of facelift surgery may include, but are not limited to:
- bleeding or haematoma
- infection
- scarring
- delayed wound healing
- pain or discomfort
- bruising and swelling
- altered sensation or numbness
- facial nerve injury
- asymmetry
- hairline or skin changes near incision sites
- skin loss or wound breakdown
- anaesthetic complications
- dissatisfaction with the outcome
- need for revision surgery
The likelihood and significance of these risks varies between patients. A consultation is required to discuss personal risk factors and whether surgery is suitable.
What should patients know about scars?
Facelift surgery involves incisions, and scars are an expected part of surgery. Scar appearance varies between individuals and may be affected by skin type, genetics, wound healing, smoking, infection, tension on the wound, and post-operative care.
Incision placement and closure technique are part of surgical planning, but no practitioner can guarantee how a scar will heal or how visible it will be over time.
Consultation and further information
A consultation with Dr Adam Honeybrook can be used to discuss facelift surgery, available surgical options, risks, recovery, alternatives, and whether surgery is suitable for your circumstances.
Dr Adam Honeybrook is a registered medical practitioner with specialist registration in Surgery – Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Registration number: MED0001602935.
To contact the practice, call:
- New patients: 07 3485 0596
- Existing patients: 07 3488 8118
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Dr. Adam Honeybrook
Dr Adam Honeybrook (MED0001602935) is a registered medical practitioner with specialist registration in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He holds Board Certification in the United States in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Dr Honeybrook has undertaken additional training in facial procedures and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland.
Dr Honeybrook obtained his medical degree from the University of New South Wales, Sydney. He completed basic surgical training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, and passed the United States Medical Licensing Examinations. His training included experience at Vanderbilt University Hospital and Duke University Hospital.
Dr Honeybrook completed a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania under the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). He later undertook another fellowship in Louisiana and served as an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology.
In 2020, Dr Honeybrook returned to Australia and currently works as a consultant surgeon at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr Honeybrook has contributed to peer-reviewed research and presents at national and international conferences on various surgical techniques.
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