Not all facelifts are created equal. In fact, one of the most common sources of confusion for patients considering facial rejuvenation is understanding the different types of facelift techniques, and which approach is truly worth the investment.
At Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, I help patients from across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi understand why technique matters, and why the deep plane facelift, particularly my customized PreservaLift™, consistently delivers the most natural, long-lasting results.
This guide will walk you through the most common types of facelifts, and help you understand why the deep plane technique is considered the gold standard by modern facial plastic surgeons.
Common Types of Facelifts
1. Skin-Only Facelift
- What it does: Tightens skin without repositioning deeper tissue
- Who it’s for: No one.
- Limitations: Results fade quickly and look pulled or unnatural
This approach was common in earlier generations but is now largely outdated. It often creates surface tension without addressing the true cause of facial aging: descent of the deeper facial structures.
2. SMAS Facelift
- What it does: Lifts and repositions the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a key support layer under the skin
- Who it’s for: Patients with moderate aging in the mid and lower face
- Limitations: While more advanced than skin-only lifts, it doesn’t fully release the retaining ligaments that cause deeper facial sagging
Many surgeons offer the SMAS lift as a “modern facelift,” but it’s often limited in scope compared to more advanced techniques.
3. Deep Plane Facelift
- What it does: Lifts and repositions the SMAS and deeper facial fat pads as one unit, releasing facial ligaments for a natural, tension-free result
- Who it’s for: Ideal for patients with moderate to advanced aging who want natural results that last
- Benefits:
- More vertical and anatomic lift
- Restores youthful volume in the midface
- No tightness or windblown appearance
- Longer-lasting results (10–15 years or more)
- Smoother healing due to reduced skin trauma
The deep plane approach is the most technically demanding, but also the most transformative. It’s the foundation of my surgical philosophy at Raggio MD.
Various Facelift techniques, including SMAS and Deep plane variations.
What Makes the Deep Plane Facelift Superior?
A deep plane facelift is not just about what it does, it’s how it does it.
Unlike other techniques that pull or stretch tissue across the face, the deep plane lift releases and repositions the deeper support structures along their natural vectors. This approach:
- Lifts the face from beneath, avoiding surface tension
- Restores youthful cheek volume without implants or fat
- Maintains natural movement and expression
- Produces scar placement that heals discreetly
Patients from New Orleans, Atlanta, Mobile, and the Florida Panhandle travel to Raggio MD for this advanced level of surgical precision.
The powerfully rejuvenating effect of the deep plane face and neck lift.
Introducing the PreservaLift™: My Signature Deep Plane Technique
The PreservaLift™ is my proprietary evolution of the deep plane facelift. Built on years of experience and anatomical refinement, it includes:
- A 70-degree vertical lift vector to reverse gravitational descent
- Tissue-preserving dissection to maintain vascular supply
- PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) for enhanced healing and reduced bruising
- Deep IV sedation, avoiding general anesthesia
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients who want the fastest, smoothest recovery possible
- Deep structural Necklift enhancements
- Autologous stem-cell rich structural fat and nanofat
The result is a natural, undetectable transformation that lasts, delivered in a safe, boutique setting designed for comfort and discretion.
The PreservaLift™ at Raggio MD: A preservation extended release deep-plane facelift and structural necklift approach that “preserves” the skin (green) by entering the deep plane at a point (yellow) more lateral to the traditional deep-plane incision route (blue). Key features include carefully placed incisions (red), “extended” deep-plane dissection below the jawline (yellow), a release of key facial ligaments (black X), targeted deep structural neck work (red circle), and a vertical vector of lift (purple arrow) for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation. Autologous fat grafting is also a key component of this technique, though not pictured here.
Which Facelift Is Right for You?
Every patient ages differently. The right procedure depends on your:
- Facial anatomy and skin quality
- Degree of volume loss or descent
- Personal goals
- Health and surgical readiness
In your consultation, we’ll review your photos with the potential for morphed imaging and discuss aesthetic goals together to create a plan that reflects both your current appearance and your long-term vision.
Why Choose Raggio MD for Advanced Facial Rejuvenation
I’ve trained extensively at LSU, Tulane, and the University of Toronto in facial plastic surgery, and I’ve published peer-reviewed research on the deep plane facelift (read it here).
My focus is 100% facial rejuvenation—no body surgery, no cookie-cutter approaches. Whether you’re coming from Mountain Brook, Hoover, Huntsville, Columbus GA, or Jackson MS, you’ll receive thoughtful, artistic care that reflects the highest standard in modern facelift surgery.
What’s the Recovery Like?
Patients typically return to light activities in 10–14 days, with “social recovery” by 3 weeks. The use of PRF, nerve blocks, and in-house therapies shortens downtime and improves comfort. Final results continue to refine for 3–6 months.
If you’re exploring facelift surgery and want the most modern, natural-looking, and long-lasting approach available, we invite you to learn more.
Call Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery in Birmingham at 659-272-0092 or Request Your Private Consultation Online.
