Facelift Surgery Edinburgh & Scotland

Whilst often perceived primarily as cosmetic, facelift and neck lift procedures address several functional and psychological concerns supported by clinical research.

Studies in the British Journal of Dermatology and the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery have documented that facial ageing can significantly impact functional aspects of daily life. Loss of muscle tone and tissue laxity in the lower face and neck can affect facial expressions, communication, and in some cases, even create discomfort or functional limitations when severe.

The psychological benefits are equally well-documented. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology has demonstrated measurable improvements in quality of life, social confidence, and reduced anxiety following appropriate facial rejuvenation. A notable study from the University of Pennsylvania found that patients who underwent facelift procedures were perceived as more successful, healthy, and trustworthy in professional settings, which can have tangible effects on career opportunities and social interactions.

At Quaba, we understand that the decision to pursue facial rejuvenation typically stems from both physical and emotional considerations, and our approach respects the complex interplay between appearance, function, and psychological wellbeing.

As facelift techniques continue to evolve, patients often enquire about the differences between SMAS and deep plane approaches. Both techniques are effective, but they differ significantly in their surgical approach, recovery, and applications.

SMAS Facelift: Proven Results with Refined Recovery

The SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) facelift remains our most frequently performed procedure due to its excellent balance of results and recovery. This technique:

• Addresses the strong fibrous layer that covers the facial muscles
• Creates tension in the deeper tissue layers rather than simply pulling skin tight
• Provides natural-looking rejuvenation of the lower face and neck
• Allows for precise customisation based on individual aging patterns
• Offers a more controlled and predictable recovery process

At Quaba Plastic Surgery, we achieve excellent midface rejuvenation by combining SMAS facelifts with strategic fat transfer techniques. This combination approach allows us to restore lost volume while also addressing tissue descent, providing comprehensive facial rejuvenation without the need for more aggressive surgical dissection.

Deep Plane Facelift: More Extensive Intervention for Specific Cases

The deep plane technique involves a more aggressive surgical approach that may be particularly beneficial in certain cases:

• Releases and repositions facial tissues as a complete unit beneath the SMAS layer
• Involves more extensive dissection into deeper facial compartments
• Often requires additional surgical expertise due to proximity to facial nerves
• Generally includes more aggressive removal of deeper fat deposits and structures
• Typically creates more significant initial swelling and potentially longer recovery

This approach may be particularly beneficial for:

• Patients with significant lower face and neck laxity
• Cases where deeper structures and fat deposits need to be addressed
• Individuals with pronounced jowling that hasn’t responded well to previous procedures
• Patients seeking potentially longer-lasting correction of certain facial aging patterns

Our Tailored Approach

At Quaba Plastic Surgery, we believe the optimal technique depends entirely on your individual facial anatomy, aging pattern, and specific concerns. During your consultation, we conduct a thorough assessment to determine which approach—or combination of approaches—will provide the most natural and long-lasting results for your unique situation.

For many patients, our customised SMAS facelift with complementary fat transfer provides exceptional results with a more refined recovery process. However, we offer deep plane techniques when their specific benefits align with a patient’s needs and goals.