January 23, 2026 | Facelift
4 minute read
The most successful facelift outcomes occur when the surgical approach is customized to each patient’s anatomy, degree of aging, and aesthetic goals. This guide outlines several facelift techniques to help you better understand your options and how they may apply to your individual needs.
What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?
Dr. Sean Delaney is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in face and neck rejuvenation. He is skilled in various types of facelifts, enabling him to provide his patients with individualized care and natural results. His facelift techniques include:
SMAS Facelift
Also known as a SMAS plication, this technique focuses on the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) of the face. This layer of tissue containing collagen and elastin fibers lies between the subcutaneous skin and the muscles and nerves of the face. By lifting and repositioning the SMAS tissue, Dr. Delaney can rejuvenate the facial appearance.
The SMAS facelift is a well-established and widely performed technique that can be an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate signs of facial aging. When appropriately selected, it provides reliable, natural-looking rejuvenation with balanced improvement in the lower face and jawline.
Extended Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift addresses the layers beneath the SMAS, vertically adjusting deeper structures rather than simply pulling up the skin to achieve a more natural result. The facelift surgery releases ligaments beneath the SMAS, allowing tissue in the face and neck to be repositioned, allowing deeper facial tissues to be repositioned vertically rather than relying on skin tension alone.
Dr. Delaney’s signature extended deep plane facelift elevates the standard deep plane facelift. During an extended deep plane facelift, Dr. Delaney performs an “extended” dissection in the deep plane towards the central face. Working even closer to the center of the face, this advanced technique targets aging concerns that have traditionally been challenging to treat, such as nasolabial folds and significant jowl formation. By repositioning the deeper tissue layers as a unified structure, this technique can restore youthful contour while maintaining soft, natural transitions across the face. Results are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying their rejuvenation for many years.
Mini Deep Plane Facelift
This variation of Dr. Delaney’s extended deep plane facelift is designed for patients whose aging concerns are primarily in the lower face and neck. The mini deep plane facelift utilizes deep plane principles while focusing treatment on the jawline and neck, without extending dissection into the midface.
A mini deep plane facelift may be well-suited for patients with mild to moderate signs of aging in the lower face and neck. Because the procedure is more focused, recovery is typically shorter, allowing many patients to return to work and daily activities sooner. Patients often experience improved jawline definition, reduced jowling, and firmer, smoother skin in the treated areas.
Which Type of Facelift Is Right for You?
With many options to choose from, it can be challenging to know which type of facelift best meets your needs and goals. Fortunately, you don’t have to make that decision alone. During your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Delaney, you will discuss your specific concerns, and Dr. Delaney will perform a comprehensive examination of your face. Examination results are loaded into his computer imaging software to give you an idea of what you can expect from your results.
Ready to Discover Your Facelift Options in Houston?
A facelift in Houston offers years of anti-aging benefits, and Dr. Delaney is committed to selecting the technique that best fits each patient’s needs while prioritizing natural results and facial balance. Check out before and after facelift photos to see how Dr. Delaney has helped other patients achieve their aesthetic goals. To learn more about our different types of facelifts, call our office at (713) 526-5665 or complete our online request form.
