There are different planes of dissection (depth at which the flaps are elevated) and different techniques to address the superficial facial muscles (“SMAS” layer) to restore volume in the midface region during a facelift. One of the most commonly performed techniques is a SMAS plication, which involves stitching the muscles which have lost tone and descended over time to a higher position within the malar (cheek) region. Finally, a SMAS plication does not involve incising the facial muscles and carries a lower risk of injury to the underlying facial nerve and its branches.