Aging is inevitable, but looking tired, saggy, or drawn doesn’t have to be. When creams and non-invasive treatments fall short, many people turn to surgical solutions—but what happens if things don’t go as planned? Deep Plane Facelift Gone Wrong? It’s a concern worth understanding before committing to surgery.
Among the most advanced and effective procedures today is the deep plane facelift technique—a technique praised for its natural-looking, long-lasting results. Unlike older facelift methods that simply pull the skin tight, this approach lifts the underlying muscles and fat pads for structural rejuvenation.
But as with any surgery, results can vary, and complications are real. Here’s every you need to know about deep plane facelift surgery, so you can decide if going under the knife is right for you.
What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
Simply put, a deep plane facelift procedure is a cosmetic surgery that lifts not just the facial skin, but the deeper layers of the face, specifically the SMAS layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) and the malar fat pad. This is the area that gives your face shape, volume, and expression.
By releasing and repositioning these deeper structures, the deep plane technique can:
- Restore youthful cheek volume and combat signs of aging
- Lift jowls and sagging in the lower face and cheek area
- Smooth deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Improve jawline definition by removing excess skin
- Rejuvenate the neck and facial features
Unlike traditional facelifts that often create a tight or windblown look, a deep plane facelift preserves facial mobility and expression, resulting in a refreshed but natural appearance.
Is A Deep Plane Facelift Right For Me?
If you’re curious to see if a deep plane facelift surgery can help restore volume and youthfulness to your face, there’s a few factors you should keep in mind.
Ideal candidates for a deep plane facelift are generally:
- In their 40s to 70s
- Experiencing moderate to severe facial sagging
- In good physical health
- Non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery
- Realistic about outcomes and recovery
A consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon is essential to determine if this technique is right for your facial structure and goals. Most plastic surgeons will evaluate your medical history and aesthetic goals before determining if this style of plane facelift is right a good fit.
Deep Plane Lift Procedure: What to Expect
The deep plane facelift surgery typically takes 3 to 5 hours under general anesthesia or deep sedation. The surgeon will make discreet a small incision around the ears and sometimes under the chin. Through these entry points, the deep layers of facial skin (or the SMAS layer) are carefully released, repositioned, and secured in a more youthful contour.
The skin is then redraped—not pulled tight—and any excess skin is trimmed. If needed, fat grafting or neck liposuction may be included to enhance results.
Healing Process & Recovery Timeline
Like any surgical procedure, it’s important to have realistic expectations about your results and recovery process. Here’s a glance at what to expect:
- Week 1: Expect swelling, bruising, tightness, and some discomfort. Most patients rest at home with limited activity.
- Week 2–3: Bruising begins to fade; sutures are removed; most patients return to social life and light work.
- 1 Month+: Swelling subsides, and results become more visible.
- 3–6 Months: Full healing, tissue settling, and final outcome achieved.
Your surgeon will provide aftercare instructions to minimize complications and support healing.
Before and After: What Results Can You Expect?
The before and after difference with a deep plane facelift is often dramatic, but not in an obvious or artificial way. Key transformations include:
- A lifted midface and cheeks
- A smoother jawline with no jowls
- Reduced deep facial folds
- Tightened skin without the “stretched” look
- An overall refreshed, youthful appearance
Results can last 10 to 15 years, especially with good skincare, sun protection, and healthy lifestyle habits, leading to natural looking results .
When Things Go Wrong: Understanding the Risks
As effective as deep plane facelifts can be, they are also technically demanding surgeries that can result in facial nerve injuries. Deep plane facelifts require dissection near facial nerves means experience and precision are critical. If performed incorrectly, a botched facelift can lead to serious issues, including:
Common Complications:
- Facial nerve damage: Can cause weakness or paralysis in the facial nerve branches (usually temporary, but occasionally permanent).
- Asymmetry: Uneven lifting or swelling that doesn’t resolve.
- Skin necrosis: Poor blood flow to facial tissue, more common in smokers.
- Excessive scarring: From improper incision placement or tension.
- Overcorrection or unnatural appearance: Due to overly aggressive lifting.
Warning Signs of a Bad Deep Plane Facelift Surgery:
- Frozen expression in the facial muscles or difficulty smiling
- One side of the face appearing tighter or higher
- Visible rippling or irregular skin texture
- Pain that worsens instead of improving
- Infection at incision sites
If you notice these signs of a bad facelift, contact your surgeon immediately or seek a second opinion from a facial plastic surgery specialist.
Deep Plane Facelift Gone Wrong? How to Avoid a Bad Deep Plane Facelift
Ultimately, your outcome depends more on your surgeon’s skill than the procedure itself. With that in mind, these are the steps you can take to protect yourself and get the results you deserve:
- Choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon (not just a general cosmetic surgeon)
- Ask to see before-and-after photos of their deep plane facelift patients
- Read real reviews and look for testimonials on natural results and minimal complications
- Discuss risks and contingency plans during your consultation
- Be honest about your medical history, medications, and habits (especially smoking)
Never go bargain-hunting for facial surgery. In aesthetic procedures, you often get what you pay for—and the price of correction can be higher than the initial surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How is a deep plane facelift different from a traditional facelift?
A traditional facelift typically lifts the skin and repositions the SMAS with sutures. A deep plane facelift releases and repositions the SMAS and underlying tissues as a single unit, allowing for more natural volume restoration and longer-lasting results.
2. Is the deep plane facelift painful?
You won’t feel anything during the surgery, as you’ll be under anesthesia. Post-op discomfort is normal but manageable with prescribed pain meds and cold compresses.
3. How long do results last?
Results typically last 10 to 15 years—longer than traditional facelifts, thanks to the deeper tissue work that helps restore volume .
4. Is there a non-surgical alternative?
While treatments like radiofrequency, microneedling, and thread lifts can help delay the need for surgery, no non-surgical option matches the lifting power of a deep plane facelift.
5. What’s the average deep plane facelift cost?
The cost ranges from $15,000 to $30,000+, depending on the surgeon’s expertise, location, and whether complementary procedures (like neck lift or fat grafting) are included.
Find A Deep Plane Facelift Near Me
The extended deep plane facelift is widely considered the most effective facial rejuvenation surgery available today—capable of turning back the clock without sacrificing your natural expression. But it’s not a magic wand. As with any medical procedure, education and surgeon selection are key to ensuring a beautiful outcome.
At La Femme Plastic Surgery Las Vegas, Dr. Rachel Mason has helped countless patients achieve the results they deserve with meticulous deep plane facelift techniques tailored to each client’s unique features. Contact our office to schedule a risk-free consultation today.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
https://www.med.unc.edu/ent/academicaesthetics/treatments/deep-plane-facelift/