허쉬성형외과의원

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dual-Plane Facelift?

 Have you noticed that your jawline is not as defined as it used to be, your nasolabial folds have become deeper, 

or your cheeks seem to have sagged over time when you look in the mirror?

Many people assume these changes are simply caused by a loss of skin elasticity.

In reality, facial sagging often results not only from changes in the skin, but also from aging of the supporting tissues beneath the skin, 

including the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System).

As a result, dual-plane facelifts, which address multiple layers involved in facial aging, have attracted increasing attention.

So, who is an ideal candidate for a dual-plane facelift?

Today, HERSHE Plastic Surgery explains the characteristics of a dual-plane facelift, who may benefit from it, 

the improvements that may be expected, and why individualized evaluation is so important.

Why Does the Face Sag?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Facial aging involves much more than the skin alone.

The face consists of several important anatomical layers:

Skin

Subcutaneous fat

SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System)

Retaining ligaments

Facial muscles

As we age, skin elasticity decreases, the supporting strength of the SMAS layer and retaining ligaments weakens, and facial fat gradually descends.

These combined changes may lead to concerns such as:

A less defined jawline

Sagging deep cheeks (midface)

Deepening nasolabial folds

More noticeable lines around the mouth

A wider facial appearance

An older or more tired-looking appearance

What Is a Dual-Plane Facelift?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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A dual-plane facelift is a facelift technique that considers both the skin and the deeper SMAS layer, rather than tightening only the skin.

Because facial sagging usually involves multiple anatomical layers, it is important to evaluate each person's facial anatomy 

and identify the underlying causes before planning treatment.

Rather than simply making the skin tighter, the goal is to restore natural facial balance and contours.

Who May Be a Good Candidate for a Dual-Plane Facelift?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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You may consider consulting with a qualified surgeon if you have any of the following concerns.

1. Your Jawline Has Become Less Defined

One of the earliest signs of facial aging is the loss of jawline definition.

As the jawline softens, the face may appear wider, and a double chin may become more noticeable.

2. Your Nasolabial Folds Are Becoming Deeper

Nasolabial folds are often associated not only with wrinkles but also with sagging cheeks.

Depending on the underlying cause, a lifting procedure may be considered as part of the treatment plan.

3. You Are Concerned About Sagging Deep Cheeks

As the cheek tissues descend, facial contours may appear less defined, creating an older-looking appearance.

4. You Feel That Non-Surgical Lifting Treatments Are No Longer Enough

If treatments such as thread lifting, ultrasound lifting (HIFU), or radiofrequency lifting have not provided sufficient improvement, 

a surgical option may be worth discussing with your surgeon.

5. You Want Natural-Looking Results

If you wish to improve facial sagging while preserving your natural facial contours—rather than creating 

an overly tight appearance—a personalized facelift plan may be appropriate.

​What Improvements May Be Expected from a Dual-Plane Facelift?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Results vary depending on each individual's skin condition and degree of aging, but many patients hope to achieve the following improvements.

1. A More Defined Jawline

By addressing descended facial tissues, the jawline may appear more refined and well-defined.

2. Improved Facial Contours

The procedure may help restore smoother, more balanced facial contours.

3. Softer Nasolabial Folds

As sagging cheeks are repositioned, the appearance of nasolabial folds may also improve.

4. Improvement Around the Corners of the Mouth

Some patients experience improvement in sagging around the mouth and marionette lines.

5. A More Youthful and Natural Appearance

The goal is to achieve facial rejuvenation while maintaining natural balance and harmony.

How Is a Dual-Plane Facelift Different from a Conventional Facelift?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Many people assume that "dual-plane" refers to a completely different type of facelift.

However, what matters most is not the name of the procedure, but how the facial tissues are evaluated and lifted.

At HERSHE Plastic Surgery, we comprehensively evaluate factors such as:

The degree of skin laxity

The condition of the SMAS layer

The tension of the retaining ligaments

Changes in fat distribution

Facial proportions and symmetry

Each individual's unique aging pattern

Rather than simply tightening the skin, a customized approach that considers multiple anatomical layers is essential.

The goal of a facelift is not simply to tighten the skin.

Achieving satisfying results begins with accurately identifying the underlying causes of 

facial sagging and planning treatment based on both the skin and the deeper supporting tissues.

At HERSHE Plastic Surgery, our dual-plane facelift approach goes beyond simply lifting sagging tissues. 

We create personalized surgical plans that emphasize overall facial harmony, balanced contours, and naturally refreshed results.​​​