What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
in New York City & Manhattan

*Model

by Dr. Steven Wallach

Facial aging is a natural process that happens to everyone, but for many, the desire to look refreshed, youthful, and confident motivates them to explore cosmetic surgery. Among the many facelift techniques available today, the deep plane facelift stands out as one of the most advanced and effective options. Unlike traditional facelifts, which primarily focus on tightening the skin, the deep plane approach addresses the deeper layers of the face for more natural and longer-lasting results.

In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what a deep plane facelift is, how it differs from other facelift procedures, what benefits it offers, and who may be a good candidate.

Understanding the Basics of a Facelift

Before diving into the specifics of a deep plane facelift, it’s helpful to understand what a facelift in general is designed to do. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that reduces visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Traditional facelifts typically focus on removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissues, which can reduce sagging and wrinkles.

However, one of the challenges with older techniques is that they sometimes created results that looked too tight or “pulled.” Patients wanted a refreshed look, not a drastic or artificial one. This need for more natural outcomes led to the development of advanced techniques like the deep plane facelift.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions not just the skin, but also the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and deeper facial structures. The SMAS is a network of muscles, fat, and connective tissue beneath the skin that plays a major role in facial expression and contour.

In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon carefully releases certain ligaments that tether the skin and underlying tissue, then repositions the mid-face, jowls, and neck at a deeper level. By working beneath the SMAS layer, the surgeon avoids simply pulling the skin tight and instead restores the face’s youthful structure.

This approach makes it possible to:

• Lift sagging cheeks and restore volume to the mid-face.
• Smooth deep nasolabial folds (the lines between the nose and mouth).
• Sharpen the jawline by reducing jowls.
• Address loose skin and banding in the neck.

How Is It Different from Other Facelift Techniques?

There are several facelift options, and each works on different layers of tissue:

• Traditional (skin-only) facelift: Tightens the skin without addressing deeper tissues, often resulting in less natural or shorter-lasting results.
• SMAS facelift: Repositions the SMAS layer but does not usually release all the retaining ligaments. This provides better results than a skin-only lift but may not fully rejuvenate the mid-face.
• Mini facelift: A less invasive procedure that targets mild sagging, usually with smaller incisions and shorter recovery time, but with less dramatic results.
• Deep plane facelift: Goes beneath the SMAS, releasing ligaments and lifting the mid-face, jowls, and neck together. This technique provides the most comprehensive and natural-looking rejuvenation.

Because the deep plane method addresses the root causes of sagging, it tends to deliver results that look softer, not pulled, and last longer than other facelift types.

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift has gained popularity among surgeons and patients alike because of its distinct advantages:

1. Natural-looking results – By repositioning tissues at a deeper level, the results avoid the overly tight or windblown appearance that some older facelift methods produced.
2. Longer-lasting effects – Since the deeper tissues are lifted, not just the skin, improvements often last 10 to 15 years or more.
3. Mid-face rejuvenation – This procedure is especially effective at lifting sagging cheeks and softening nasolabial folds, which many other facelift techniques struggle to address fully.
4. Improved neck and jawline – The technique also smooths the jawline and neck, offering a more youthful overall profile.
5. Comprehensive results – It can address multiple areas of concern (cheeks, jowls, neck) in one procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

A deep plane facelift isn’t for everyone. Ideal candidates typically:

• Are in their 40s to 60s (though age alone isn’t the deciding factor).
• Have noticeable sagging in the mid-face, jowls, and neck.
• Are in good overall health, with no serious medical conditions that would interfere with surgery or healing.
• Do not smoke, as smoking can increase surgical risks and slow recovery.
• Have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

A consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon is the best way to determine if this procedure is right for you.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from a deep plane facelift is more involved than from less invasive procedures, but many patients find the results well worth it. Here’s a general timeline:

• First week: Bruising, swelling, and some discomfort are normal. Most patients wear bandages and may have drains for the first day or two.
• Second week: Swelling begins to subside, and stitches are usually removed. Many patients feel comfortable returning to light activities.
• 2–4 weeks: Bruising diminishes, and results become more visible. Patients may return to work or social activities, depending on comfort level.
• 3–6 months: Final results continue to refine as tissues settle.

Following post-operative care instructions closely, such as avoiding strenuous activity and keeping the head elevated, helps ensure the best possible outcome.

Risks and Considerations

Like any surgery, a deep plane facelift carries risks. These may include infection, bleeding, scarring, or nerve injury (though nerve issues are rare and often temporary). Choosing a highly experienced surgeon who specializes in deep plane facelifts is critical to minimizing risks and achieving optimal results.

It’s also important to remember that while a deep plane facelift can turn back the clock, it cannot stop the natural aging process. Over time, some relaxation of tissues will occur, though the improvements are usually long-lasting.

Final Thoughts

A deep plane facelift is one of the most advanced facelift techniques available today. By working beneath the SMAS layer and repositioning deep facial structures, it restores youthful contours in the cheeks, jawline, and neck with natural-looking, long-lasting results. While recovery is more involved than with other facelift types, many patients feel the dramatic improvements in appearance and confidence are well worth it.

If you are considering facial rejuvenation and want results that look refreshed rather than “done,” consulting with a board-certified surgeon who performs deep plane facelifts may be the right next step.