What is the difference in technique between SMAS and a Deep Plane facelift? Is the cost the same? Can all Dr.s preform either?

Thanks for your question.  The SMAS refers to the fascial layer that envelopes the muscles in the face that create animation/movement.  A "deep plane" lift implies a dissection underneath the SMAS layer.  The tissue is then advance posteriorly (backward) and superiorly (upward) to reverse the typical signs of aging.  Care must be taken with deep plane lifts because the nerves that make the face move are located just deep to the facial muscles/SMAS layer.  A "SMAS" facelift typical implies either a plication (tightening) of the SMAS or a SMASectomy (cutting and removing a portion of the SMAS).    This also tightens the face to help reverse aging changes, but requires less dissection of the SMAS and therefore less risk of nerve injury.  There is no definiitive study of which I am aware that demonstrates superiority of one technique over the other.  The choice of technique is surgeon dependent and often relies on the surgeon's comfort level.  Surgeons can often get great results with many different techniques.  Spend time with board certified plastic surgeons and look at their before and after photos.  Good luck.  

Thank you for your question;   The SMAS  is  part of the deep plane technique and no all the doctors perform this technique.  The paltysma is a muscle in the neck that is part of the deep plane support in the neck.

A deep plane facelift is a type of SMAS lift, not a completely different facelift. The SMAS layer is the muscle layer of the face deep to the skin. It is well recognised that lifting the SMAS gives more natural and longer lasting facelift results. Over the years many techniques for lifting the SMAS have been tested. These include removing a section and shortening it and overlapping it. The point where the SMAS is incised and lifted also varies (low SMAS vs high SMAS lifts). A deep plane facelift involves making an incision in the SMAS and lifting it. This is the same principle as every other SMAS lift. The difference with a deep plane lift is where the SMAS is incised and the degree to which it is mobilised. It is now well established that making the SMAS incision close to the problem areas of the ageing face (close to the jaw line, eyes, mouth) gives the most natural and long lasting lift with the minimal down-time. SMAS incisions close to the ear (the classic "SMAS lift") tend to place more tension on the skin edges and also offer less of a lift around the mouth and jawline. The deep plane facelift requires a smaller skin flap than a traditional SMAS lift which means there is less facial bruising and swelling after surgery. With a faster recovery, more minimal skin flap and better results there is really no downsides to a deep plane facelift over a traditional SMAS lift. A traditional SMAS lift may be slightly quicker (and easier) to perform surgically which can reduce costs for the patient. Most plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons have learnt how to perform a SMAS facelift. The deep plane type of SMAS facelift is the newest type and not all surgeons have learnt or are comfortable performing this technique.