Deep Plane Anatomy for the Facelift Surgeon: A Comprehensive Three-Dimensional Journey.

Strong command of facial anatomy is paramount for all facelift surgeons. A comprehensive understanding of how aging impacts facial anatomy is equally important for effective preoperative evaluation of the patient undergoing facelift surgery. Key areas for assessment of the patient undergoing facelift surgery are addressed. This article highlights and summarizes the high-yield anatomic pearls in facelift surgery, particularly in sub-SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) dissection techniques. Emphasis is placed on the depth and transitions of the facial nerve branches and the sub-SMAS potential spaces and their role in deep plane facelift dissection. Key anatomic structures in the deep neck are described.