You’ve seen the buzz around the deep plane facelift—but is it truly better than a SMAS facelift, or is that just smart marketing? In this episode of Plastic Surgery T&A (Talk & Advice), Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr. breaks down the difference between these two facelift approaches in a clear, practical way.

Dr. Steph explains what the SMAS layer is, how each technique works, and why both deep plane and SMAS facelifts can deliver excellent results in the right hands. More importantly, he shares why the best facelift is not about chasing a trendy name—it is about choosing the technique that fits your anatomy, skin quality, degree of aging, neck laxity, and midface descent.

He also discusses common misconceptions, red flags to watch for during your research, and why surgical judgment matters more than branding. If you’ve been wondering whether deep plane automatically means better, this episode will help you cut through the noise and think more clearly about what really leads to a beautiful, natural result.

CTA: Follow Plastic Surgery T&A (Talk & Advice) for honest, practical conversations about plastic surgery, aging, and aesthetic decision-making. If this episode helped you better understand facelift options, leave a review, share it with someone researching facial rejuvenation, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr., contact ESJ Aesthetics.

Here is a slightly shorter version too, in case you want something tighter for Apple Podcasts:

Is deep plane facelift really better than SMAS—or just better marketed? In this episode of Plastic Surgery T&A (Talk & Advice), Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr. explains the real differences between these two facelift techniques and why the best choice depends less on hype and more on anatomy, aging pattern, and surgical judgment. If you’re researching facelift options and want a clearer, more honest perspective, this episode is for you.

Follow, review, and share Plastic Surgery T&A (Talk & Advice), and contact ESJ Aesthetics to explore your facial rejuvenation options.

Losing weight but looking older in the face? In this episode of Plastic Surgery T&A (Talk & Advice), Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr. explains the truth about “Ozempic face”—why rapid weight loss can hollow the cheeks, deepen folds, soften the jawline, and create a prematurely aged appearance. He breaks down the science behind facial volume loss, who is most at risk, how to help prevent it, and the treatment options available—from fillers and skin tightening to fat grafting and facelift surgery. If you’re using GLP-1 medications, actively losing weight, or wondering why your face changed before the rest of your body, this episode is for you.

Follow Plastic Surgery T&A (Talk & Advice), leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating a weight-loss journey who wants to look healthier—not older. Start your journey with Dr. Stephenson Now

In this episode of Plastic Surgery T&A (Talk & Advice), Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr., board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta, Georgia, breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of tummy tuck surgery: muscle repair.

Dr. Steph explains what diastasis recti really is, how it differs from a true hernia, and whether a tummy tuck can improve abdominal weakness, contour, posture, and core support. He also discusses what muscle plication involves, why permanent sutures are often used, and what patients can realistically expect after surgery.

This episode also covers:

• the difference between muscle separation and a hernia
• when a small hernia may be repaired during tummy tuck surgery
• why large or complex hernias may need to be treated separately by general surgery
• how visceral fat can affect abdominal contour even after repair
• why recovery, progressive core strengthening, drains, compression, and good healing habits matter so much after surgery

Dr. Steph also tackles common myths, including whether a tummy tuck is a weight-loss procedure, whether physical therapy or guided recovery matters, and whether every hernia requires mesh.

If you have ever wondered whether a tummy tuck can “fix the muscles,” improve a bulge, or address a hernia, this episode offers a clear, practical explanation to help you better understand your options.

Follow Plastic Surgery T&A (Talk & Advice) for more honest, practical insights into aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. If this episode helped you better understand tummy tuck muscle repair, diastasis, or hernias, please leave a review and share it with someone who could benefit. To discuss your own goals and get a personalized surgical plan, contact ESJ Aesthetics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr.