The 4 Types of Facelifts: Why SMAS Offers the Best Balance of Longevity, Safety and Cost

Facelift procedures come in various forms, each offering different levels of rejuvenation based on the technique used. At R&R Beauty Aesthetic, we specialize in SMAS facelifts, known for delivering natural, long-lasting results with a well-balanced recovery time. In this article, we’ll explain the four main facelift techniques and why SMAS facelifts are a preferred choice.

Anatomy of layers of the face. 1) Skin; 2) Subcutaneous; 3) SMAS; 4) Retaining Ligaments; 5) Periosteum

The Four Primary Facelift Techniques

1. Skin-Only Facelift

Indications: Mild skin laxity with minimal structural sagging.
Expected Results: Typically lasts 1–3 years.
Surgical Approach: This technique involves lifting and tightening only the skin without altering the underlying facial structures. It is a relatively cheaper and superficial procedure with a shorter recovery period, but does not provide long-term correction of deeper tissue laxity.
Limitations: Since it does not address the deeper support structures of the face, the results are temporary, and excessive skin tension may create an unnatural appearance.

2. SMAS Facelift

Indications: Moderate sagging of the midface, jowls, and lower face.
Expected Results: Typically lasts 7–10 years.
Surgical Approach: The SMAS facelift targets the fibrous layer beneath the skin (the SMAS layer), which provides facial support. By lifting and repositioning this layer, surgeons can restore youthful contours while maintaining a natural appearance.
Advantages: Compared to a skin-only facelift, an SMAS facelift delivers longer-lasting, more natural results without excessive tension on the skin, reducing the risk of visible scarring or an unnatural appearance. Recovery is typically shorter than with more invasive techniques.

3. Deep Plane Facelift

Indications: Advanced facial aging with significant laxity in the midface, nasolabial folds, and jawline.
Expected Results: Typically lasts 10–15 years.
Surgical Approach: Unlike the SMAS facelift, the deep plane technique lifts both the skin and SMAS as a single unit and releases key retaining ligaments to reposition deeper facial structures more extensively
Advantages: While this technique offers a significant transformation, it requires more surgical expertise leading to higher cost, has a longer recovery time, and carries a higher risk of complications. For many patients, the SMAS facelift provides comparable results with fewer risks.

4. Subperiosteal Facelift

Indications: Patients with volume loss and midface descent, particularly in the cheek and forehead regions.
Expected Results: Typically lasts 10–15 years.
Surgical Approach: This is the deepest facelift technique, in which the surgeon lifts facial tissues from the periosteum (the thin membrane covering the bones). This approach is particularly effective for elevating the midface and cheek area but is not commonly used for lower face rejuvenation.
Limitations: Due to the depth of dissection, swelling and recovery time are significantly longer, making this a less common choice.

Why Is The SMAS Facelift More Expensive Than A Skin-Only Facelift?

Deeper Tissue Repositioning – Unlike a skin-only facelift, which simply tightens the skin, an SMAS facelift lifts and repositions the underlying muscle layer (SMAS). This requires greater precision and skill.
Longer-Lasting Results – SMAS facelifts typically last 7–10 years, while a skin-only facelift may last just 1–3 years. The longer durability makes it a more complex but effective procedure.
Specialized Surgical Expertise – The SMAS layer is delicate, and repositioning it without causing tension or an unnatural look requires an experienced plastic surgeon. Surgeons with extensive facelift expertise typically charge higher fees.
Surgical Time and Complexity – An SMAS facelift takes longer to perform than a skin-only facelift. More time in the operating room contributes to higher surgical and facility costs.
Improved Aesthetic Outcome – By addressing both skin laxity and deeper facial structures, SMAS facelifts provide more natural, youthful results. The additional refinement justifies the higher cost.

Why Choose R&R Beauty Aesthetic for Your SMAS Facelift?

At R&R Beauty Aesthetic, we are committed to providing the highest quality results with a SMAS facelift. We prioritize:

✔ Safety: All procedures are performed in a general hospital under strict medical protocols.

✔ Expertise: Our surgeons are highly trained and experienced in SMAS facelift techniques.

✔ Comprehensive Aftercare: We offer tailored post-operative care, including private nurse care services and Dermalux Tri-Wave MD LED light therapy at our aesthetic clinic, to ensure a smooth and quicker recovery.

Conclusion: Why SMAS Facelifts Are the Ideal Choice

At R&R Beauty Aesthetic, we specialize in SMAS facelifts because they provide the best balance between longevity, safety, and natural-looking results. While deep plane facelifts may be suitable for certain patients, SMAS facelifts effectively restore facial definition while minimizing risks and recovery time. This technique remains one of the most trusted options in modern facial rejuvenation, delivering results that are both transformative and natural-looking.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.