The Complete Facelift Guide
Facelift Techniques Compared
Deep Plane vs SMAS vs Mini vs Thread
Facelift Case Studies
Real Patients of Dr. Lynam
Facelift · Front View
Face & Neck Lift · Before and After
Individual results vary.
The Quick Comparison
| Technique | What it treats | Best for | Downtime | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep plane | Releases retaining ligaments; repositions SMAS and skin as one unit | Moderate to advanced aging; midface, jowls, and neck | About 2 weeks to look social | Longest of the surgical options |
| SMAS (traditional) | Tightens the SMAS, then re-drapes skin | Jowls, lower face | Similar to deep plane | Long-lasting, slightly less midface reach |
| Mini / short-scar | Limited lift of the lower face and jawline | Early jowling, younger patients | Shorter | Shorter-lived; limited scope |
| Thread lift | Sutures under the skin; no deep repositioning | Very mild laxity; a temporary option | Minimal | Temporary (often about 1 year) |
Skin-Only vs Deep-Layer: The Real Dividing Line
The single most important question isn’t the brand name of the lift. It’s which layer it treats. A lift that pulls skin is tight for a while and then loosens, because skin stretches. A lift that repositions the deep structure (the SMAS and retaining ligaments) lasts, because that’s the layer that actually sagged. Our anatomy page explains those layers, and the history page shows how the field got here.
The deep plane technique releases the retaining ligaments and moves the SMAS and skin together, so tension sits on the deep layer, not the surface. That’s what lets it reach the midface and neck a SMAS or mini lift can’t fully address, look natural with no stretched skin, and last longer than skin-dependent techniques. It’s more demanding to perform, which is why the surgeon’s training matters. See why patients choose Dr. Lynam.
The Technique Serves the Plan, Not the Other Way Around
No single technique is right for every face. Deep plane is the foundation of most of Dr. Lynam’s facelift plans, but the right procedure, and the right combination of neck, brow, eyes, and skin work, is decided by reading your face, not by picking a name off a list. That reading process is covered on How Your Face Ages.
Facelift Videos
A Facelift Patient's Story
Another Patient's Facelift Experience
Choosing Dr. Lynam for Your Facelift
Inside Richmond Surgical Arts
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