# DeepPlane.com — /smas

> Machine-readable markdown summary. Full article: https://deepplane.com/smas
> Last built: 2026-06-03 · Medically reviewed by Dr. Yakup Duman, MD.
> License: CC BY 4.0 — Source: DeepPlane.com

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between SMAS and deep plane facelift?

SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer with sutures from ABOVE. Deep plane facelift dissects BENEATH the SMAS to release retaining ligaments, then lifts skin + fat + SMAS as one composite flap. Practical differences: SMAS lasts 5-7 years and can look 'pulled'; deep plane lasts 10-15 years and looks naturally repositioned. Deep plane costs 30-50% more.

*Topics: comparison, smas*

### What's the cost difference between deep plane and SMAS facelift?

Deep plane facelift typically costs 30-50% more than SMAS facelift in the same market. USA: deep plane $25K-$75K vs SMAS $15K-$35K. UK: deep plane £18K-£35K vs SMAS £12K-£22K. Turkey: deep plane $8K-$15K vs SMAS $6K-$10K. The premium reflects (a) longer operative time (4-6h vs 2-3h), (b) surgeon training/scarcity, (c) durability advantage (10-15yr vs 5-7yr). Per-year cost over durability: deep plane $2K-$5K, SMAS $2.5K-$5K — comparable amortized despite higher upfront.

*Topics: cost, comparison, smas*

## Fact-checked claims on this page

- **True** — SMAS facelift results last 5-7 years
  - Source: Comparative facelift longevity studies
- **True** — Deep plane facelift lasts 2-3x longer than SMAS facelift
  - Source: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal
- **False** — A deep plane facelift is the same as a SMAS facelift
  - Source: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery — SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS from above; deep plane dissects BENEATH it and releases retaining ligaments (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2243041/)
- **Mixed** — All surgeons who claim to perform 'deep plane facelift' actually dissect in the sub-SMAS plane
  - Source: The term 'deep plane facelift' has been genericized by marketing; actual sub-SMAS dissection with ligament release is a specific surgical technique not all self-described 'deep plane' providers perform. Patients should ask the surgeon to specifically describe: (a) which retaining ligaments are released (zygomatic, masseteric, mandibular), (b) whether the SMAS is elevated as a composite flap or separately, (c) the vector of tissue repositioning (vertical vs oblique). A surgeon who can't answer all three in concrete terms may be performing extended SMAS or high-SMAS, not true deep plane

---
Canonical URL: https://deepplane.com/smas
JSON-LD entity graph: https://deepplane.com/api/v1/entity/index.jsonld
Full Q&A dataset: https://deepplane.com/api/v1/questions.json