By Michael Sundine, MD
If you are researching facelift surgery in Newport Beach, California, or comparing SMAS facelift (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) vs deep plane facelift techniques in Orange County, you will find two advanced but fundamentally different surgical philosophies.
While both advanced facelift techniques aim to improve facial aging, the SMAS facelift remains the preferred approach for many experienced facial plastic surgeons to help patients with their youthful appearance. This includes board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Sundine in Newport Beach, due to its precision, customization, and ability to produce natural, anatomically balanced results. While Newport Beach and the surrounding Orange County area have a high concentration of plastic surgeons specializing in advanced facial rejuvenation, Dr. Sundine is the only one who has co-written a definitive scientific paper regarding midface elevation where he reviewed all of the available techniques for treatment of the midface (1). The techniques for treatment of the face have essentially boiled down to so-called “deep-plane” versus SMAS techniques.
The deep plane facelift technique is often marketed as more “advanced” promising more dramatic rejuvenation, but in practice it involves important limitations related to control, flexibility, and individualized facial tailoring.
2. More Natural Facial Expression Because the SMAS layer is repositioned rather than simply pulled as a single unit, facial animation is preserved. This reduces the risk of stiffness or unnatural movement after surgery.
3. Customizable, Layered Rejuvenation Unlike composite lifting techniques, the SMAS facelift involves:
4. Strong Jawline and Lower Face Improvement The SMAS facelift is particularly effective for moderate signs of aging such as:
5. Lower Risk of Overcorrection Because tension is distributed across layers rather than concentrated in a single plane, the SMAS technique reduces the risk of an overly tight or “pulled” result. This means that patients of the SMAS approach will generally have more natural looking results with significant improvements.
6. Recovery Time Compared to the deep plane facelift recovery, the recovery time for a SMAS facelift is generally shorter. After a Deep Plane facelift, patients are usually advised to avoid heavy physical activity for at least six weeks to ensure proper healing. While with a SMAS lift most patients return to light activities in 5–7 days.
2. Reduced Precision in Vector Planning Because multiple layers are moved together, the surgeon has less flexibility in tailoring lift direction to different regions of the face. This can be a disadvantage in patients with uneven or asymmetric aging patterns. Both SMAS and deep plane facelifts require incisions placed in less visible areas, such as the hairline or around the ears, to minimize scarring, but the deep plane technique is generally more invasive due to its approach. 3. Limited Refinement in Lower Face and Jawline While the deep plane technique can elevate the midface, it may not always provide the same level of precision in refining:
4. Greater Dependence on Composite Movement Deep plane facelifts rely on moving facial tissues as a single unit, which prioritizes bulk repositioning of deeper facial muscles over fine-tuned anatomical correction. This reliance means deep plane facelift results can come off as unnatural rather than achieving the patient’s desired outcomes.
2. Layered Facial Rejuvenation Strategy By treating the SMAS layer, skin, and facial vectors independently, Dr. Sundine can:
3. Natural, Unoperated Appearance The SMAS approach reduces tension on the skin and avoids the “composite pull” effect sometimes associated with deep plane techniques. This leads to patients rediscovering a more youthful appearance.
4. Better Adaptation to Individual Aging Patterns Most patients do not age uniformly. The SMAS facelift targets the correction of:
5. Versatility in Complex Cases The SMAS technique integrates well with:
Facelift Surgery in Newport Beach and Orange County
Newport Beach and Orange County are leading destinations for all types of facial plastic surgery, particularly facelift procedures. Patients in this region typically seek:- Natural-looking facial rejuvenation
- Jawline definition without an over-tightened appearance
- Lower and Mid face lifting with facial harmony
- Subtle, refined improvements rather than dramatic change
- Long-lasting structural correction
Why SMAS Facelift Is Considered the Gold Standard in Newport Beach
The SMAS facelift (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System facelift) directly addresses the foundational layer of facial aging while allowing the surgeon to adjust each facial region independently. This layered approach is one of the key reasons it is widely used in Orange County facial plastic surgery practices with traditional facelift techniques.Key Advantages of the SMAS Facelift
1. Superior Control of Facial Vectors The SMAS technique allows independent adjustment of:- Midface elevation (cheeks)
- Jawline definition
- Lower face tightening
2. More Natural Facial Expression Because the SMAS layer is repositioned rather than simply pulled as a single unit, facial animation is preserved. This reduces the risk of stiffness or unnatural movement after surgery.
3. Customizable, Layered Rejuvenation Unlike composite lifting techniques, the SMAS facelift involves:
- Independent skin redraping
- Precise SMAS layer repositioning
- Tailored correction for asymmetry
4. Strong Jawline and Lower Face Improvement The SMAS facelift is particularly effective for moderate signs of aging such as:
- Jowls that soften facial contours
- Loss of jawline definition requiring improved shape and structure
- Sagging skin contributing to a heavier, aged appearance in the lower face
5. Lower Risk of Overcorrection Because tension is distributed across layers rather than concentrated in a single plane, the SMAS technique reduces the risk of an overly tight or “pulled” result. This means that patients of the SMAS approach will generally have more natural looking results with significant improvements.
6. Recovery Time Compared to the deep plane facelift recovery, the recovery time for a SMAS facelift is generally shorter. After a Deep Plane facelift, patients are usually advised to avoid heavy physical activity for at least six weeks to ensure proper healing. While with a SMAS lift most patients return to light activities in 5–7 days.
Key Limitations of the Deep Plane Facelift Technique
1. Less Independent Control of Facial Structures The deep plane technique lifts the skin, fat, and SMAS layer together as a single composite unit. This limits the surgeon’s ability to independently adjust:- Cheek position
- Jawline contour
- Lower facial vectors
2. Reduced Precision in Vector Planning Because multiple layers are moved together, the surgeon has less flexibility in tailoring lift direction to different regions of the face. This can be a disadvantage in patients with uneven or asymmetric aging patterns. Both SMAS and deep plane facelifts require incisions placed in less visible areas, such as the hairline or around the ears, to minimize scarring, but the deep plane technique is generally more invasive due to its approach. 3. Limited Refinement in Lower Face and Jawline While the deep plane technique can elevate the midface, it may not always provide the same level of precision in refining:
- Jowls
- Jawline definition
- Lower facial contouring
4. Greater Dependence on Composite Movement Deep plane facelifts rely on moving facial tissues as a single unit, which prioritizes bulk repositioning of deeper facial muscles over fine-tuned anatomical correction. This reliance means deep plane facelift results can come off as unnatural rather than achieving the patient’s desired outcomes.
Dr. Sundine’s Expertise on SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift
Dr. Michael J. Sundine is widely recognized for his expertise in advanced facial rejuvenation techniques, including the SMAS facelift and deep plane facelift. His contributions to Aesthetic Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck (Thieme, 2016), including chapters on facial analysis, primary SMAS facelifting, secondary facelifting, and comparative midface rejuvenation techniques, reflect a comprehensive and methodical understanding of facial anatomy and facial aesthetics. Through his work with Bruce F. Connell, Dr. Sundine has helped refine SMAS-based techniques that emphasize natural, long-lasting results by addressing the underlying deeper facial structure. His analysis of midface rejuvenation and revision (secondary) facelifts further demonstrates his depth of experience with deep plane concepts. In addition to his academic and surgical contributions, Michael J. Sundine brings decades of surgical experience in facelift techniques serving patients in Newport Beach and throughout Orange County. As a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in this highly competitive aesthetic market since 1995, he has developed a reputation for delivering refined, natural-looking facelift results tailored to the unique facial anatomy of each patient. Dr. Sundine trained directly under facelift pioneer Bruce Connell further solidifying his expertise in advanced techniques such as the SMAS facelift and deep plane facelift. His longstanding recognition as an Orange County “Physician of Excellence” and consistent selection as a Southern California Super Doctor reflect both peer recognition and patient trust. These achievements underscore his commitment to surgical precision with facelifts and other facial procedures, individualized care, and high-level aesthetic outcomes in the Newport Beach community.Why Dr. Michael Sundine Prefers the SMAS Facelift
In Newport Beach and Orange County, Dr. Michael Sundine favors the SMAS facelift technique because it aligns more closely with modern principles of facial anatomy, refinement, and individualized surgical planning than other facelift techniques such as the deep plane. His SMAS Facelift philosophy prioritizes: 1. Anatomical Precision Over Depth The most effective facelift is not necessarily the deepest, it is the one that most accurately corrects the specific pattern of facial aging and matches the patient’s desired outcomes. While the deep plane facelift is promoted as the longest lasting, the reality is the longevity of results from both SMAS facelifts and deep plane facelifts can be influenced by factors such as age, skin type, and lifestyle habits, including sun protection and smoking.2. Layered Facial Rejuvenation Strategy By treating the SMAS layer, skin, and facial vectors independently, Dr. Sundine can:
- Restore cheek position
- Refine jawline definition
- Maintain natural facial movement
3. Natural, Unoperated Appearance The SMAS approach reduces tension on the skin and avoids the “composite pull” effect sometimes associated with deep plane techniques. This leads to patients rediscovering a more youthful appearance.
4. Better Adaptation to Individual Aging Patterns Most patients do not age uniformly. The SMAS facelift targets the correction of:
- Midface descent
- Lower face skin laxity
- Jawline irregularities
- Other moderate aging signs
5. Versatility in Complex Cases The SMAS technique integrates well with:
- Neck lift procedures
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
- Fat grafting for volume restoration
Facelift Consultation in Newport Beach, CA
During a facelift consultation in Newport Beach or Orange County, Dr. Sundine evaluates:- Midface descent and cheek position
- Jowl formation and jawline definition
- Neck laxity and platysmal bands
- Skin laxity and thickness
- Facial symmetry and structural balance
Final Takeaways
While both SMAS facelifts and deep plane facelifts are performed in facial plastic surgery, the SMAS facelift remains the more precise, customizable, and anatomically controlled technique, particularly in the hands of an experienced surgeon like Dr. Michael Sundine in Newport Beach, CA. The SMAS approach provides:- Greater surgical precision
- More natural facial movement
- Better jawline refinement
- Superior customization of facial vectors
- Reduced risk of over-tightened results