| Deep plane | SMAS |
|---|
| Plane of dissection [1] |
Beneath the SMAS — skin and SMAS lifted as one composite flap |
At or above the SMAS — plication or imbrication |
| Retaining ligament release [1] |
Released for full tissue mobilization |
Not released — SMAS tightened in place with sutures |
| Longevity of results |
10–15 years |
5–7 years |
| Overall complication rate (incl. minor, transient) [4] |
17.2% |
10.3% |
| Patient satisfaction (pooled) [4] |
94.4% |
87.8% |
| Operating time |
4–6 hours (general anesthesia) |
2–3 hours |
| Social recovery |
2–3 weeks |
1–2 weeks |
| Typical US cost |
$35,000–$75,000 |
$10,000–$25,000 |
| Revision considerations |
Can revise a prior SMAS lift; revision typically takes 5–7 hours due to scar tissue |
Can be converted to deep plane later — surgeons often recommend waiting 6–12 months |
[n] = numbered evidence in the Medical References on the source page.