What is difference between cutting ligament and releasing ligament in deep plane face lift?

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  Cutting and releasing the ligaments during deep plane facelift mean exactly the same thing.  The ligaments that attach the skin and soft tissues of the face to the underling skeleton are released ("cut" or "divided"), allowing the SMAS to be mobilized, elevated, and secured in a more youthful position.  I would advise that you concern yourself less with the technical aspects of how your surgeon performs the surgery.  There are many technical nuances that distinguishes various facelift techniques, and every surgeon employs the techniques that work best in their hands.  The most important things for a patient to consider are the experience and expertise of the surgeon, the results that they achieve as demonstrated by a review of their before and after pictures, and the satisfaction of their patients as demonstrated in patient reviews.  I would encourage you to seek a consultation with a board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience and expertise in facial rejuvenation and allow them to assess your individual anatomy, concerns and goals, in order to determine the best treatment plan for you.  I wish you the best in achieving your aesthetic goals.

Great question and super detailed of you to inquire about this- as you can see from all the responses below, its the same thing. My suggestion is to review your doctors before and afters and don't hold him or her to the specific step by step details of the procedure as there are sometimes unforeseen factors that we encounter during surgery, that  require us to alter our techniques, in order to achieve the best and safest outcomes for our patients. Good luck!

Thank you for the great question. This is quite technical, so kudos to you for doing your homework! There are a few places in the face and neck where "retaining ligaments" exist. These are essentially areas where there are connective tissue fibers between the dermis and the underlying bone or skeletal muscle. A true deep-plane facelift will "release" the retaining ligaments in the cheek region, and many surgeons who are trained in this technique will also do so at the chin (mandible) and lateral neck (cervical). The term "release" implies that they are dissected and divided; this is mostly done bluntly, with spreading of a facelift scissor; however, for dense patches, a blade may be required. So, to answer your question, it is really both; seems like a miscommunication or just a semantics problem with the staff member who spoke to you. Best of luck and take care!

"Releasing" or "cutting" the retaining ligaments in the face allows the face to be suspended with deep stitches to accomplish the "lift". This action releases the tethering forces in the deep tissue layers to allow the surgeon to reposition the facial tissues. With regard to the terminology, there is no difference between cutting and releasing these retaining ligaments. 
Phillip Dauwe, M.D.

Thank you for your question.  A deep plane facelift is a wonderful procedure that leaves you with a natural, refreshed appearance that "turns back the clock".  An integral part of this procedure is separating the deep plane from the underlying tissues, which is secured with a ligament.  Yes, this ligament must be cut or "released".  I would count these two words synonomous.  When this ligament is released/cut, the deep plane tissues can be elevated (along with the overlying skin) into a more youthful position. While it is certainly important to have clarification on this question, I would also be sure to consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in the deep plane facelift technique.  Look at before and after photographs, as well, of multiple patients. Good luck, and congratulations on considering a deep plane facelift!I hope that this helps,-David Gilpin 

Thank you very much for this question. The term “release” is used synonymously as the term “cut”. This term  does not describe which instrument is being used but it actually means the same thing. Have a wonderful rest of the day and greetings from the beautiful island of Jamaica.

Hello and thank you for your question. The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  I would recommend speaking directly with a surgeon, as this should help alleviate confusion over terminology.  Tissue/ligament can be released so the SMAS can be mobilized.  If good technique is used,
this can be done with minimal scarring and can result in a natural look, not
over-done look, with rejuvenation of your face.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most important aspect
is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

A deep plane facelift involves a composite elevation of skin and SMAS and calls for a "release" of selective facial structures which we describe as ligaments.  This can involve stretching or sharply cutting these areas of soft tissue to allow for mobility of the cheek and jowl area.  The primary area is the zygomaticofacial ligamnents, which are very firm and usually need to be cut in order to obtain this mobility.  That having been said, the far more important issue for the patient should be the quality of the results obtained than details of surgical technique. 

creamy77.   I appreciate your confusion, it appears that the surgeon’s assistant was confused, cutting and releasing the ligament is the same thing.  True deep plane facelifts are rarely needed and studies do not confirm their superiority regarding longevity. Recovery and swelling last longer with deep plane facelifts, and many plastic surgeons perform hybrid procedures instead.  I prefer to modify each facelift technique to fit each patient’s needs.  Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

This difference is one of semantics.  I would discuss further with your surgeon.  The key to a long lasting and natural appearing facelift is full mobilization of the deeper tissues which allows true repositioning  (and not just dragging with sutures) with even tension.  Some tissues are more immobile than others and lesser procedures will not last as long and run the risk of an operated on look because of uneven tension.