Do Deep Plane facelifts last longer & have more natural results than SMAS? If so, typically how much longer?

Studies have shown no difference, but in my hands a SMAS facelift can last five to ten years with nice results.

Dear Sam Thank you for your question. As you may imagine every cosmetic procedure has a certain period to have its effect and results last. In that sense deep plane lifting has longer lasting result. Properly performed Deep Plane Facelift can take 10 up to 15 years off your appearance, but it can not stop the process of natural aging. Even with aging you will  always remain younger, than if you hadn't done your facelift at all. I hope this helps you. Best wishes

There is no evidence that SMAS flap vs deep plane results in more longevity of results or vice versa.  The SMAS flap technique allows for a more vertical vector of pull than the deep plane and is generally the more universally preferred technique. 

Using the elastic skin to support a facelift in my opinion is a poor idea. In a deep plane are composite facelift the SMAS is repaired under tension to support the lift. This allows for a tension free closure of the skin.

Dear SamStevensonThank you for your question!  The facelift result and longevity depend  on a lot of factors - to give natural results that also change with your face as you age.  With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

The terms SMAS Facelift and Deep Plane Facelift are not as relevant as the skills and experience of a facelift surgeon.  The longevity of the facelift results do not depend on the method, but more on the surgeon and the patient's individual anatomy.  An expert facelift surgeon will properly analyze each patient's individual anatomy and aging to determine best approach.  Seek out a skilled and experienced surgeon for an in person evaluation, who should be able to show  you dozens of before and after photos of his patients with similar anatomic facial appearance as yours.  In this fashion you will determine  the expected results in your particular case

The question you are asking is technically confusing.  A deep plane facelift is a technique that has several variations, whereas SMAS (which is an abbreviation for Superficial MusculoAponeurotic System) is a term used to describe an anatomical structure, and is not a technique.Most modern day facelifts techniques are based on re-positioning (tightening) the SMAS layer.  Not all deep plane techniques are the same, and I do believe some techniques are significantly better and more long lasting than others. The attached link provides more information and details.However, longer results are not only dependent on the technique.  A patient's health and other treatments and procedures can be performed at the same time or later to enhance the results of the facelift or prolong youthful contours (e.g., laser resurfacing, fat transfer, skin care products, Ultherapy).I hope this helps.

When it was first introduced, the "deep plane" term referred to the deep subcutaneous plane, above the SMAS.  Now, that term means different things to different surgeons, so clarify with your surgeon exactly what is meant.I use the extended-SMAS facelift, taught to me by the late Dr. Jack Owsley, and used by a number of master surgeons.  It works very well in my hands.Other surgeons get good results with their respective methods.  Essentially, it's often a matter of "good surgeons get good results" rather than "this technique is better than that technique".All the best,

Great question and no one can prove whether a deep plane lift is more effective.    However, with almost 25 years experience and thousands of lifts, I can tell you in my hands a deep plane face and neck lift,   I  believe  is much more effective, more natural and longer lasting.If you think about it, it makes sense. By performing the lift at a deeper level,   we can be more aggressive with our neck and jawline lifting without any tension whatsoever on the overlying skin.  Performing a deep plane lift is technically more demanding and is not for the inexperienced surgeon.I would pick your surgery by your surgeon and don't necessarily pick your surgery by the "type" of lift.I hope this makes sense. 

There is really no good answer to this question for two main reasons:1.) There are a huge amount of variations of what one might call a "SMAS facelift."2.) Getting more natural results has a huge amount to do with the overall subtle technique variations as well as the aesthetic sense of the surgeon and much less to do with the name of the facelift technique.I usually perform a deep plane facelift technique or a variation of an extended SMAS facelift, but there are some cases where the technique needs to be customized to use a different option.  I think that the deep plane technique is wonderful for giving very natural results that do last, but it is not the only option that can accomplish that goal.A big factor in longevity is how thorough the facelift is.  The "mini-lift" techniques typically have limited results and do not last nearly as long.  The other factor to consider is how much work is done to address the aging in the neck in addition to tightening the SMAS layer in the cheek.A comprehensive facelift with necklift is a much better approach for the majority of patients who are good facelift candidates.  While the procedure and recovery might be slightly longer it is worth to do things right the first time!