Is a “vertical” facelift different from a deep plane/SMAS facelift?

Do t try to dissect the nuances of different face lifts. Instead find a good facelift surgeon who know how to correct the issues that are bothering you. It’s not the type of operation that is as important as is selection of the right surgeon

There are many types of facelift techniques varying in the incisions, what is done to the skin, what is done to the SMAS. The deep plane revers to being below the SMAS in the plane directly above the facial nerve. I would recommend obtaining a second opinion from an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon who actually does lots of facial surgery; also a real plastic surgeon who completed plastic surgery residency and/or plastic surgery fellowship (minimum of 3 years). (PS Amir Karam is a "facial plastic surgeon" meaning he did 5 years of ENT training and 1 year of "facial plastic surgery fellowship). I would personally perform a revisionary facelift/neck lift with facial fat grafting and/or some type of resurfacing skin procedure such as a deep chemical peel. These are all my own opinions based on the photos provided. I would recommend seeing a plastic surgeon who has great training and experience in aesthetic surgery.

The main difference is going to be experience. Lots of surgeons create catchy names to try to differentiate their offerings. A vertical facelift refers to the direction that the surgeon is trying to lift tissue, but, all good surgeons lift the tissue somewhat vertically and somewhat back at an angle for a smooth and natural face shape. Your best bet is just to find someone who does a lot of facial surgery. They'll have the experience to help.

There are many variations on face lifting techniques amongst surgeons. Study your prospective surgeon's before and after facelift photo gallery to make sure that it is extensive with lots of results that look natural. A full set of facial and neck photographs from all angles are going to be required to make a determination about how best to proceed