Deep plane vs endoscopic face lift?

- In a deep plane face lift, the surgeon lifts and repositions both the skin and the underlying facial muscles, known as the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System). This technique allows for significant lifting of the mid-face area, including saggy cheeks, by addressing the deeper structures of the face. The results of a deep plane face lift can be long-lasting and provide natural-looking improvements.

- An endoscopic mid-face lift is a less invasive procedure that primarily targets the mid-face area, particularly the cheeks. This technique uses small incisions and an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to lift and reposition the tissues in the mid-face area. It is particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate sagging in the cheeks.

**Which is better for saggy cheeks?**:
The most appropriate procedure for saggy cheeks depends on various factors, including the severity of sagging, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's expertise. In general, if a patient has significant sagging in the mid-face area, a deep plane face lift may be more suitable as it addresses both the skin and deeper tissues. However, if the sagging is less pronounced, an endoscopic mid-face lift could be a viable option.


I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Thank you for your question. This is often a matter of some confusion in terms of understanding the impact on the midface between the deep plane facelift technique and the endoscopic midface lift.

In the original description, a midface lift does not involve lateral skin removal but can involve the removal of lower eyelid skin. The difference lies essentially in the depth at which the changes are made. The tissue that glides is usually further away from the surface of the bone, and in that sense, the changes of a deep plane facelift can sometimes be more powerful than what can be transmitted to the surface by an endoscopic technique operating on the surface of the bone.

More importantly, to help you make a decision about what is best for you, I suggest that you lie down completely flat and examine the appearance of your face in a mirror. You will notice a displacement of the volume from the lower part of the face along the jawline and increased volume around the midface. You will also notice a displacement in the lateral brow and corner of the eye. These changes correspond relatively well to what can be achieved with a deep plane facelift intervention.

The midface lift on its own is not likely to produce changes going as far down into the lower face. Unfortunately, the facelift also leaves longer scars than the midface lift, but once the facial tissue position is lifted, it tends to generate some skin excess. This is one of the limitations of the midface lift, as it does not cater to the change in characteristics of skin elasticity, as by design, it is not meant to tighten the skin.

Simply put, the endoscopic midface lift belongs in the history book of ideas that were tried but didn't add a lot of benefit. It's rarely an approach that will provide a great deal of benefit for the risk and recovery involved.
A deep plane facelift is a composite facelift, relying on release of ligamentous structures to allow for repositioning of the cheek, jawline, and neck. In my opinion, it offers the best chance of consistent, natural results in facial rejuvenation. When performed correctly by an experienced Facelift Surgeon, all of the tension is placed on the SMAS layer, allowing for scars that are very hard to see.