Facelift Types and Techniques

A facelift is not a one-size-fits all procedure. There are multiple techniques, including advanced deep-plane approaches, that can be tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.

Advanced Deep-Plane Facelifts by Expert Surgeons

As double board-certified surgeons in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Head and Neck Surgery, our training is deeply rooted in the complex anatomy of the face and neck. This expertise allows us to work confidently and safely within the deep plane layer, reposition deeper facial structures, and when appropriate, modify salivary glands, all while carefully protecting the facial nerve. With this level of specialization, you can feel secure choosing Cheng Plastic Surgery for a truly customized and anatomically precise facelift.

Dr. Elbert and Dr. Jacqueline offer several facelift techniques depending on the areas needing improvement. The Preservation Deep-Plane Facelift and Preservation Deep-Plane Neck Lift represent the most advanced evolution in facial rejuvenation, focusing on restoring a naturally youthful appearance by lifting the deeper facial and neck layers as one continuous unit. Operating beneath the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) and platysma, this technique preserves the natural ligament connections between the skin and underlying fat. This preservation maintains strong blood supply, prevents an over-tightened or “pulled” appearance, and provides a long-lasting, authentically refreshed result.

While the deep-plane approach is rapidly becoming recognized as a gold standard, it is not the ideal solution for every patient or concern. Achieving the best outcome always depends on selecting the technique that best matches your individual anatomy and aging pattern. We invite you to explore the facelift options below, each designed to address specific needs and ensure your results are natural, balanced, and uniquely tailored to you.

What are the Different Facelift Surgery Techniques?

Preservation Deep-Plane Facelift

The Preservation Deep-Plane Facelift is a modern, highly-refined approach to facial rejuvenation that creates smoother, more balanced contours of the face and neck while emphasizing both safety and efficient healing. Rather than altering your features, this technique works in harmony with your natural anatomy by lifting the deeper muscle and connective tissue layers known as the deep-plane and by preserving the key ligaments that support and define the face. This allows the lift to recapture the definition, lift, and volume of your younger years while enhancing overall facial harmony, giving you a refreshed version of your natural, youthful appearance.

In many patients, rejuvenation of the neck also includes deep-neck refinement. This may involve sculpting and, when appropriate, removing a small portion of the salivary glands to create a cleaner, sharper jawline and a more elegant neck contour. Because all of this work is done at the deeper anatomical level with meticulous preservation of essential structures, the result is a smoother transition from face to neck without tension or an overdone look.

By minimizing surgical trauma compared to traditional facelift methods, the Preservation Deep-Plane approach often leads to less swelling and bruising, contributing to a recovery that is typically faster, more comfortable, and safer overall.

Deep-Plane Facelift

The Deep-Plane Facelift is considered one of the most advanced and effective techniques in facial rejuvenation. Instead of tightening only the skin or the superficial layers, the deep-plane approach lifts and repositions the deeper muscle-and-connective-tissue structures that make up the SMAS. By releasing and elevating these foundational layers, the deep-plane technique restores youthful contour to the cheeks, jawline, and neck while avoiding the overly-tight or “pulled” look associated with older methods. This allows for a natural, long-lasting result with minimal tension placed on the skin.

Unlike the Preservation Deep-Plane Facelift and Necklift, which aim to keep the natural connection between the skin and the fatty subcutaneous layer intact, the deep-plane facelift involves additional dissection between these layers. This extra dissection may be needed in specific instances, but may also lead to slightly longer healing times. While preservation techniques focus on minimizing trauma to speed recovery, the deep-plane facelift focuses on achieving maximum repositioning and long-term structural improvement.

At Cheng Plastic Surgery, every deep-plane facelift is tailored to your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals. Our individualized approach ensures results that look refreshed, balanced, and authentically you.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS Facelift focuses on tightening the superficial muscle-and-connective-tissue layer that lies just beneath the skin. As one of the earlier facelift techniques, it remains a reliable option for patients seeking moderate rejuvenation without a more extensive procedure. Because it does not release or reposition the deeper structural layers, the SMAS facelift typically produces more subtle improvements in facial definition and contour. While effective, it is generally considered less comprehensive than deep-plane techniques, meaning the results may appear less natural and may not last as long as those achieved with more advanced methods.

Mini Facelift

The Mini Facelift is a less invasive option specifically designed to address moderate signs of aging, primarily focusing on the lower portion of the face and jawline. Because the procedure targets specific, limited areas, it often requires shorter recovery time, less discomfort, and reduced cost compared to more comprehensive lifts. The procedure utilizes shorter incisions, which are typically placed inconspicuously within the hairline and around the ear.

S-Lift Facelift

The S-Lift is a type of mini facelift designed to treat mild sagging in the lower third of the face and neck. The procedure is named for the S-shaped incision used to lift the skin away from the underlying tissues and muscles.

Mid Facelift

The mid facelift, often referred to as a cheek lift, focuses specifically on the middle third of the face. This procedure targets the area located between the eyes and the mouth, aiming to produce cosmetic improvements in this central region. Incisions are typically placed discreetly above the ears or, in some cases, inside the mouth.

Customized Facelift: Your Unique Path to Natural, Refreshed Results

Your facial structure, aging pattern, and aesthetic goals are uniquely your own, which is why every facelift we perform at Cheng Plastic Surgery is fully customized. As double-board-certified surgeons in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Head and Neck Surgery, we bring advanced, anatomy-driven expertise to create beautifully smooth, natural contours of the face and neck. Our approach not only restores the youthful qualities you once had—it enhances them, helping you look like a refreshed, refined, and even better version of your younger self.

Take the first step with a private consultation, where we will determine the surgical approach that will deliver the most harmonious and attractive results for you.