When it comes to achieving a more rejuvenated appearance, not all facelift surgery is created equal. While traditional facelifts tighten the skin, deep plane facelifts go several layers further—literally. Deep plane facelift surgery is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure that eliminates imperfections deeply from beneath the facial skin, and the procedure is rapidly growing in popularity for its ability to deliver more natural results that actually last.
Of course, like any plastic surgery, there are some factors that can help you determine if a deep plane facelift is right for you. Let’s take a closer look and how the deep plane technique works, who is the ideal candidate for this procedure, and what to expect from your deep plane facelift before and after.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift procedure is a facelift technique that repositions the deeper facial tissues—specifically the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and facial fat pads—instead of just pulling the skin tight. This method lifts the midface, hanging neck, drooping cheeks, and nasolabial folds with greater precision and natural movement.
Sometimes referred to as a SMAS facelift, this approach goes beyond just addressing skin laxity. A deep plane facelift corrects the root cause of facial aging by releasing and repositioning the four ligaments that tether deeper tissues in place. This results in smoother contours and a more youthful facial appearance without the “pulled” or “windswept” look.
How Does It Work?
Since a deep plane facelift targets deeper muscles and connective tissue, the procedure is slightly different from traditional skin rejuvenation. Here’s what you can expect from your surgical procedure:
1. Consultation
First, you’ll meet with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and determine if you’re a good candidate. It’s important to work with a facial plastic surgery expert who has experience with deep plane face procedures, so you can ensure you get the results you deserve.
2. Surgery
When it comes to your facelift, the surgeon makes incisions typically hidden around the ears and hairline. Then, they access the deeper facial muscle layers beneath the SMAS and release certain ligaments to allow the tissues to reposition smoothly.
Rather than stretching or trimming excess skin like a superficial facelift, the surgeon lifts the entire facial structure, including muscles and fat pads, to restore facial features with youthful volume and contours.
3. Recovery
On average, initial recovery downtime is around 2–3 weeks, with residual swelling lasting up to 6 weeks. Most patients resume normal social activities within a month. If you choose to have other procedures performed at the same time as your deep plane, like an eyelid surgery or lip lift, the healing process might be slightly longer.
Who Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right For?
While the deep plane facelift delivers exceptional, natural-looking results, it’s not a one-size-fits-all procedure. This procedure permanently repositions the structure of the face and neck, which is why it’s important to have realistic expectations and discuss potential accommodations related to your procedure with your plastic surgeon.
That being said, a deep plane facelift is a great choice for patients like:
Individuals in their 40s to 60s: This is the age range where deeper tissue sagging and midface volume loss become more pronounced, leading to sagging jowls and other unwanted features in the face and neck.
People with moderate to advanced facial aging: If you’re suffering from things like visible jowls, deep nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks, or hollowing under the eyes, this procedure is a great way to turn back the hands of time.
Patients looking for long-lasting results: For many patients, a deep plan facelift offers 10–15 years of rejuvenation, so you won’t need to keep coming back to the surgeon for additional facial procedures again and again.
Those in good health: Ideal candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit before surgery, have no major medical conditions, and be cleared for general anesthesia. If you are vision impaired or suffer from other impairment issues, you’ll need to carefully review your options with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
Individuals seeking a natural look: If you want to look refreshed—not stretched—a deep plane facelift offers a subtle yet powerful enhancement. The extended deep plane facelift simply restores soft tissue to its original positioning, resulting in a youthful appearance that is authentically you.
If your concerns are primarily skin-deep (e.g., marionette lines, fine lines, early laxity), less invasive options like mini-lifts, fillers, or laser treatments might deliver the significant improvement you deserve without needing to address issues in the underlying muscles.
Pros and Cons of Deep Plane Facelifts
Pros
Natural-looking results: Because the deeper structures are repositioned, your face retains its expressiveness and avoids the “tight” look.
Long-lasting outcomes: Results can last 10–15 years, longer than a standard neck lift or brow lift.
Improves multiple areas: Effectively targets midface, jawline, and nasolabial folds in the face and neck region.
Volume preservation: By lifting fat pads, it restores volume instead of removing it, providing instant facial rejuvenation.
Combined Approach: Many skilled surgeons can also combine a deep plane facelift with other procedures like facial fat grafting, delivering powerful results in just one session.
Cons
More complex procedure: Requires a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to effectively perform the procedure without damaging the integrity of connective tissue.
Longer recovery: Recovery time may be longer than less invasive procedures that only target specific regions of the chin, jaw, and neck.
Higher cost: Due to its complexity and longevity of results, it can be more expensive than a traditional face lift.
Not for everyone: May not be necessary for younger patients or those with minimal signs of aging.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How is a deep plane facelift different from a traditional facelift?
Traditional facelifts typically pull and tighten skin and sometimes the SMAS layer. A deep plane facelift goes underneath the SMAS and platysma muscle to reposition the fat pads and deeper ligaments, resulting in more natural, youthful results.
Who is a good candidate for a deep plane facelift?
Ideal candidates are typically in their 40s to 60s with moderate to severe facial aging, including sagging in the midface, deep nasolabial folds, and jowls. Good general health is also essential.
Is the procedure painful?
The surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Postoperative discomfort is manageable with prescribed medications and typically subsides within a few days.
How long do the results last?
Deep plane facelifts are known for their longevity, with results lasting 10–15 years in many cases, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skincare routine. You can also combined the procedure with fat grafting to create fuller features that last.
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, bruising, nerve injury (although rare), or unsatisfactory results. Choosing a board-certified, experienced facial plastic surgeon minimizes these risks.
Will I have visible scars?
The incisions for the facelift procedure are strategically placed along natural skin creases and behind the ears to minimize visible scarring. With proper healing and post-op care, most scars fade significantly over time
Ready To Turn Back Time For Your Skin?
You don’t have to settle for signs of aging in the face and neck. With the help of a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Rachel Mason, you can get the youthful appearance you desire and enhance your natural features with the latest deep plane face lift techniques.
To explore your options and create a customized cosmetic surgery plan, connect with the experts at La Femme Aesthetics and Wellness, schedule today.
Sources:
https://ohns.ucsf.edu/facialplastics/what-deep-plane-facelift
https://www.med.unc.edu/ent/academicaesthetics/treatments/deep-plane-facelift/