Advanced Ultrasonic Facelift Surgery with Sonicision Technology — Now Available in Quebec
Clinique Face MD is pleased to offer the ultrasonic facelift with Sonicision, an advanced surgical approach that combines deep plane facelift techniques with Sonicision ultrasonic dissection technology for comprehensive facial and neck contouring. This ultrasonic facelift procedure is the first of its kind available in Quebec.
Under the direction of Dr. Sami Moubayed, Head and Neck Surgeon practicing in Facial Plastic Surgery (ORL pratiquant en plastie faciale), our Montreal clinic provides patients with access to this specialized technique that addresses facial aging at its deepest structural level, including salivary gland contouring not typically performed in standard facelift surgery.
Schedule a consultation at Clinique Face MD to discover how the ultrasonic facelift with Sonicision can help you achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation in Montreal.
Benefits of the Ultrasonic Facelift with Sonicision
The ultrasonic facelift with Sonicision offers distinct advantages over conventional facelift techniques.
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- Comprehensive facial and neck contouring: This procedure addresses midface descent, jowling, and neck laxity as a continuous unit rather than treating each area separately.
- Salivary gland management for jawline definition: Sonicision ultrasonic dissection enables contouring of prominent submandibular glands, a source of neck fullness that standard facelifts leave unaddressed.
- Controlled tissue coagulation: Ultrasonic energy provides precise coagulation with limited thermal spread, which may reduce certain surgical risks compared to traditional electrocautery.
- Natural-looking structural results: The deep plane technique repositions tissue vertically, lifting against gravity rather than pulling laterally. The goal is a refreshed appearance, not a “windswept” one.
- Facial nerve preservation: The Sonicision’s controlled energy delivery and the deep plane’s dissection plane above the facial nerve branches work together to protect delicate nerve structures.
- Published research support: A 2025 peer-reviewed study demonstrated favorable outcomes when using Sonicision for submandibular gland management during facelift surgery.
Meet the Face MD Team
Founded by Dr. Sami Moubayed, a double board-certified head and neck surgeon practicing in facial plastic surgery with over 3,500 facial procedures performed and 100+ scientific publications, Clinique Face MD brings together a dedicated surgical team focused exclusively on facial aesthetics. Dr. Moubayed leads the ultrasonic facelift program at the clinic, where his training in head and neck surgery provides specialized expertise in salivary gland anatomy and facial nerve pathways — structures critical to safe ultrasonic contouring. Our surgeons combine advanced techniques with an individualized approach to deliver natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
What Is the Ultrasonic Deep Plane Facelift?
The ultrasonic deep plane facelift combines two surgical approaches to deliver comprehensive facial rejuvenation. This procedure pairs the structural depth of deep plane technique with the precision of Sonicision ultrasonic dissection, enabling contouring that goes beyond what conventional facelift procedures can achieve.
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Deep Plane Facelift Surgery
The deep plane facelift is a well-established rhytidectomy technique that works beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to reposition the foundational tissues responsible for facial support. Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily tighten the skin, this approach releases key retaining ligaments and lifts the SMAS along with the platysma muscle in the neck as a unified composite flap.
This means the surgeon is addressing the root causes of facial aging (descended fat pads, loosened ligaments, and muscle laxity) rather than simply pulling on surface tissue.
Sonicision Ultrasonic Dissection Technology
The Sonicision is a cordless ultrasonic dissection device that uses piezoelectric technology for precise soft tissue coagulation and dissection. It converts electrical energy into ultrasonic vibration at approximately 55,500 cycles per second, creating controlled heat at the instrument tip through friction.
What makes this technology relevant to facelift surgery is its selectivity. The ultrasonic energy differentiates between tissue types, allowing controlled coagulation of soft tissues while limiting thermal spread to surrounding structures — a meaningful advanta
Important: Individual results vary based on each patient's anatomy, skin quality, degree of aging, and other factors. A consultation is necessary to determine if this procedure is appropriate for your situation.
Understanding the Deep Plane Ultrasonic Facelift Technique
The deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS, a fibromuscular layer that connects facial muscles to the skin. Traditional techniques tighten this layer through plication or imbrication, working above or at the SMAS level. While effective, these approaches are limited in how much structural repositioning they can achieve.
The deep plane approach enters the space beneath the SMAS, above the facial nerve branches. From this plane, the surgeon releases the zygomatic, masseteric, and mandibular ligaments that tether facial tissues, then elevates the skin, fat, and SMAS together as a single composite flap. This allows vertical repositioning of descended structures rather than horizontal pulling, which is why deep plane results tend to look natural rather than tight.
The platysma muscle is managed as part of the same continuous dissection, so the face and neck are addressed as one unit. For a detailed look at the deep plane technique, visit our deep plane facelift page.
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Deep Plane vs. Traditional SMAS Facelift Techniques
Characteristic | Traditional SMAS Facelift | Deep Plane Ultrasonic Facelift |
Plane of dissection | Above or at SMAS level | Beneath the SMAS |
Tissue mobilized | Skin separate from SMAS | Skin and SMAS together |
Ligament release | Limited or none | Comprehensive |
Vector of lift | Often lateral | Vertical and lateral |
Midface effect | Limited | May improve midface position |
Neck integration | Often separate procedure | Continuous with facial dissection |
Salivary gland contouring | Not typically performed | Available with Sonicision technology |
Both techniques can produce satisfactory outcomes when performed by appropriately trained surgeons. The choice depends on individual patient factors and surgical assessment.
The Role of Salivary Glands in Ultrasonic Facelift Surgery
Why Salivary Gland Management Matters
One aspect of facial anatomy that significantly impacts aesthetic outcomes (yet is often overlooked in conventional facelift surgery) involves the salivary glands. The submandibular glands sit beneath the jaw, while the parotid glands are located in front of and below the ears. Both can affect the contour of the jawline and neck.
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When these structures aren’t addressed during a facelift, patients may retain fullness that limits jawline definition and the cervicomental angle (the angle between the chin and neck).
How Aging Affects the Salivary Glands
With age, the submandibular gland descends from its position beneath the mandible, creating visible fullness in the upper neck that fat removal and skin tightening alone cannot correct. The parotid gland also changes over time as functional tissue is gradually replaced by fat deposits, contributing to lower facial fullness along the jawline.
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When submental fat is removed during a neck lift without addressing a prominent submandibular gland, the gland can actually become more noticeable, creating an unnatural contour.
Why Most Surgeons Don't Offer This
Salivary gland management during facelift surgery requires specialized training. The marginal mandibular nerve runs close to the submandibular gland, and disrupting salivary tissue without proper technique can lead to sialocele (salivary leak). These factors have historically limited this work to surgeons trained specifically in head and neck anatomy.
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The ultrasonic facelift with Sonicision addresses this gap. The device’s controlled coagulation is designed for glandular tissue, reducing the risk of salivary complications while enabling the contouring that standard facelift approaches cannot provide.
Sonicision Technology in Ultrasonic Facelift Surgery
Published Research on Sonicision for Facelift Surgery
A 2025 study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum by Buckner and Shah compared partial submandibular gland resection using the Sonicision ultrasonic dissector versus standard electrocautery:
Sonicision group (n=48) vs. Electrocautery group (n=32)
Complication | Electrocautery (n=32) | Sonicision (n=48) |
Hematoma | 1 | 0 |
Seroma | 3 | 2 |
Sialocele | 3 | 0 |
Neuropraxia | 3 | 0 |
The authors concluded the technique has the potential to improve both safety and efficacy of partial submandibular gland resection, while noting that larger follow-up studies would be beneficial.
Reference: Buckner H, Shah AR. Partial Submandibular Gland Resection With Ultrasonic Dissector vs Electrocautery. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2025;7:ojaf011.
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How Sonicision Benefits the Ultrasonic Facelift
The Sonicision’s ultrasonic energy coagulates glandular tissue with limited thermal spread, which may reduce the risk of postoperative salivary leak compared to electrocautery. Unlike traditional cautery, the heat is generated through mechanical friction at the instrument tip rather than electrical current passing through tissue. This controlled delivery may help protect nearby nerve branches.
The cordless handpiece also allows precise manipulation in the tight surgical spaces around the jaw and neck where facial nerve proximity demands careful technique.
Outcomes depend on multiple factors including surgeon expertise, patient anatomy, and individual healing. These represent potential advantages based on the technology’s mechanism and published research.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Ultrasonic Facelift?
The ultrasonic deep plane facelift may be appropriate for patients noticing moderate to advanced signs of facial aging. Common concerns this procedure addresses include:
Midface and lower face:
- Descent of the cheek fat pads and deepening nasolabial folds
- Jowl formation and loss of jawline definition
- Marionette lines and pre-jowl hollowing
Neck:
- Loose or excess neck skin
- Platysmal banding (visible vertical muscle bands)
- Submental fullness and blunted cervicomental angle
- Prominent submandibular glands creating contour irregularity
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Candidacy Factors
A consultation is required to determine whether the ultrasonic facelift is right for you. Key factors include overall health status, skin quality and elasticity, the degree and pattern of your facial aging, realistic expectations, and individual anatomy including salivary gland prominence.
The procedure is most commonly performed on patients in their 50s and 60s, though candidates can range from the late 40s to the 70s and beyond depending on health and goals. Age alone does not determine candidacy.
Schedule a consultation to discuss whether the ultrasonic facelift with Sonicision is the right choice for your goals. CTA: Book Now
The Ultrasonic Facelift Procedure: Surgical Details
Preoperative Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Moubayed includes facial analysis, medical history review, goal discussion, anatomical evaluation of salivary gland prominence and neck anatomy, a detailed explanation of the procedure and its risks, and transparent fee information based on your individualized treatment plan.
Anesthesia and Setting
The ultrasonic facelift is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The procedure typically takes 4 to 6 hours depending on the extent of correction and whether additional procedures are combined.
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Ultrasonic Facelift Surgical Steps
- Incision Placement Incisions follow the temporal hairline, the natural crease in front of the ear, around the earlobe, behind the ear, and into the occipital hairline. They are designed to sit in natural creases and hair-bearing areas where they are less visible.
- Deep Plane Dissection The surgeon enters beneath the SMAS layer, releases the zygomatic, masseteric, and mandibular ligaments, and elevates the SMAS-platysma as a continuous composite flap while dissecting carefully above the facial nerve branches.
- Platysma Management The platysma muscle is elevated, repositioned, and plicated at the midline if banding is present, creating a unified neck contour.
- Salivary Gland Contouring with Sonicision When indicated by individual anatomy, the submandibular gland is exposed and its superficial portion contoured using the Sonicision ultrasonic dissector. The marginal mandibular nerve is identified and protected throughout. Not all patients require this step.
- Tissue Repositioning The composite flap is repositioned vertically, securing the SMAS-platysma to stable deep structures. The midface, jowl, and neck are corrected as one continuous unit.
- Skin Redraping and Closure Skin is redraped over the repositioned structures, excess is removed without tension, and precise suturing minimizes scarring. Drains are placed if indicated.
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Recovery After Ultrasonic Facelift Surgery
Recovery varies between individuals. The following is a general guide:
Timeframe | What to Expect |
Days 1-3 | Rest with head elevated; moderate swelling and bruising; discomfort managed with medication |
Days 4-7 | Drains removed if placed; first follow-up appointment |
Week 2 | Sutures removed; bruising begins resolving |
Weeks 2-4 | Most patients return to non-strenuous work and social activities |
Months 1-3 | Deeper swelling resolves; sensation gradually returns |
Months 3-12 | Incisions mature and fade; final contours become apparent |
Swelling is most pronounced the first week and improves gradually over 3 to 6 months. Bruising typically resolves within 2 to 3 weeks. Temporary numbness around the ears and cheeks is normal and usually returns over weeks to months. Incision lines continue to fade for up to a year.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, the ultrasonic facelift carries risks that are discussed thoroughly during your consultation.
General Surgical Risks
- Bleeding and hematoma: may require drainage
- Infection: rare; treated with antibiotics or intervention
- Poor wound healing: may result in widened scars
- Anesthesia-related risks: discussed with the anesthesia team
Procedure-Specific Risks
- Nerve injury: temporary weakness or numbness is not uncommon; permanent injury is rare but possible
- Asymmetry: some degree exists naturally and may persist
- Skin irregularities: contour irregularities or redundancy may occur
- Hair loss: temporary or permanent near incision sites
- Earlobe distortion: changes to shape or position
- Unsatisfactory result: outcomes may differ from expectations
- Revision surgery: additional procedures may be needed
Risks Related to Salivary Gland Contouring
- Sialocele: saliva accumulation; may resolve on its own or require treatment
- Salivary fistula: abnormal drainage; rare with proper technique
- Marginal mandibular nerve injury: may cause temporary or permanent lower lip weakness
The Sonicision is intended to reduce certain of these risks as suggested by published research, but does not eliminate them.
Expected Outcomes of the Ultrasonic Facelift
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The procedure aims to achieve natural-appearing rejuvenation with improved cheek, jawline, and neck contours, restored structural support from repositioned tissues, a sharper cervicomental angle, and a more defined jawline including management of salivary gland prominence when indicated.
Results vary significantly between individuals. No surgical procedure stops aging — your face will continue to age naturally, though from a more rejuvenated baseline. Photographs of other patients are examples only and do not guarantee similar outcomes. Longevity depends on genetics, lifestyle, sun exposure, and skin care.
Before and After Photography Disclaimer
Before and after photographs shown are of actual patients who consented to the use of their images for educational purposes. These photographs illustrate the type of results that may be achieved and are not a guarantee of results for any individual patient. Results vary significantly based on individual anatomy, skin quality, healing response, and other factors. All photographs are the property of Clinique Face MD and have not been altered in a manner that misrepresents outcomes.
Ultrasonic Facelift Cost in Montreal
The cost of an ultrasonic facelift with Sonicision varies based on the extent of correction required, whether salivary gland contouring is indicated, anesthesia and facility fees, and any complementary procedures performed in the same session (such as blepharoplasty or fat transfer).
A personalized estimate is provided during consultation. For general pricing information, visit our prices page.
Combining Procedures with Your Ultrasonic Facelift
Many patients combine their ultrasonic facelift with complementary procedures to address multiple concerns in a single recovery period.
Upper and lower eyelid surgery address excess skin, hooding, and under-eye bags, creating cohesive rejuvenation from the eyes through the neck.
Elevates descended brows and softens forehead wrinkles, complementing the midface and lower face correction of the ultrasonic facelift.
Restores volume to hollowed temples, cheeks, or under-eye areas, working alongside the structural repositioning of the deep plane technique.
Improves skin texture, tone, and fine lines at the surface level, targeting a different layer of aging than the ultrasonic facelift addresses beneath.
Enhances chin projection and profile balance for patients whose concerns involve both soft tissue laxity and skeletal proportion.
Safety considerations may limit what can be combined in a single session. These decisions are made during consultation based on your individual assessment and goals.
Schedule Your Ultrasonic Facelift Consultation in Montreal
Dr. Moubayed and the surgical team at Clinique Face MD combine head and neck surgical expertise with personalized care to deliver natural, long-lasting facial and neck rejuvenation through the ultrasonic facelift with Sonicision.
During your consultation, the team will assess your facial anatomy and aging patterns, discuss your goals, explain the procedure including the use of Sonicision for salivary gland contouring, review risks and realistic expectations, and provide fee information specific to your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ultrasonic Facelift
What makes the ultrasonic facelift different from a regular facelift?
Two things. First, it uses the deep plane technique, which works beneath the SMAS to reposition deeper facial structures rather than just tightening skin. Second, it incorporates Sonicision ultrasonic technology for salivary gland contouring that standard facelifts don’t include. Together, these allow more comprehensive facial and neck contouring.
Is salivary gland management safe?
When performed by a surgeon trained in head and neck anatomy, yes. Published research on Sonicision ultrasonic dissection has shown favorable outcomes compared to electrocautery. That said, risks exist with any surgical technique and are discussed thoroughly during consultation.
Will contouring the submandibular glands affect saliva production?
The submandibular glands are one of three pairs. When partial contouring is performed, the remaining glands — including the parotid and sublingual glands — continue functioning normally. Partial reduction typically does not cause noticeable changes in saliva production.
How long do ultrasonic facelift results last?
Results vary by individual. Deep plane results are generally considered long-lasting because the technique addresses underlying structural changes rather than surface tension. Longevity depends on genetics, skin quality, sun exposure, and lifestyle. Realistic expectations are discussed during your consultation.
What is recovery like compared to a traditional facelift?
The timeline is similar to other comprehensive facelift techniques. Some patients report less visible bruising because more of the swelling sits beneath the SMAS layer, but this varies. Most patients return to social activities within two to four weeks.
Is this procedure covered by RAMQ?
Cosmetic procedures are not covered by RAMQ (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec). Complete pricing is provided during consultation based on your individualized treatment plan.
Clinique Face MD Westmount, QC
Dr. Sami Moubayed, MD, FRCSC, ABFPRS Head and Neck Surgeon practicing in Facial Plastic Surgery
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Every patient is unique, and outcomes depend on individual factors. A consultation is required to determine if any procedure is appropriate for your situation, to understand the risks involved, and to establish realistic expectations.
References
Buckner H, Shah AR. Partial Submandibular Gland Resection With Ultrasonic Dissector vs Electrocautery. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2025;7:ojaf011. doi:10.1093/asjof/ojaf011