What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

Deep plane facelifts have taken the nation by storm, with stunning results for a wide range of patients—but what does this miracle procedure entail? This blog discusses everything you need to know about deep plane facelifts: benefits, procedure steps, comparisons with traditional methods, results, and combination procedures.

Table of Contents

• Why Are Deep Plane Facelifts So Popular?
• What Are the Deep Plane Facelift Procedure Steps?
• Who Is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
• What Are Good Combination Procedures for a Deep Plane Facelift?
• Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

Why Are Deep Plane Facelifts So Popular?

You might have recently heard of an advanced facelift technique popularized by A-list celebrities, called the deep plane facelift. This procedure is an advanced technique that elevates the midface, jawline, and neck by lifting tissues deep beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer of tissue. 

The results are stunning; Beyond lifting the face to look younger, a deep plane facelift can restructure the facial features, creating a plumper, more contoured look than traditional methods can achieve. They also look more natural and last longer, as they rely on deep tissue contouring rather than pulling the skin.

What Are the Deep Plane Facelift Procedure Steps?

What separates a deep plane method from a traditional facelift method is the depth of tissue manipulation. Traditional techniques typically focus on the SMAS layer, which is just below the dermal (skin) layer. While beautiful results are certainly possible with a traditional technique, a deep plane technique often yields more dramatic contouring. Like all cosmetic procedures, deep plane facelifts are customized to each patient’s needs. However, a general surgical process may look like the following: 

• First, general anesthesia is administered for the patient’s safety and comfort.
• Incisions are made in discreet locations so any scarring can be easily hidden. They usually run along the hairline at the temples, behind the ears, and along the hairline at  the back of the head.
• Through these incisions, the surgeon separates the skin from the SMAS layer, then cuts through the SMAS to meet the deeper tissues beneath, severing key ligaments to release tissues and more thoroughly and securely reposition them.
• Then, tissues are moved vertically, rejuvenating the midface and jowls without creating a pulled look.
• If indicated, a neck lift can be combined.
• Once the surgeon is pleased with the results, they will trim away excess skin and neatly close the sutures.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Painful?

General anesthesia is used during the procedure itself, so patients feel no pain. However, some discomfort is common during recovery, especially when swelling peaks. Most patients can manage pain with over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication prescribed by their surgeon. 

Deep plane facelifts require patients to take one to two weeks off work for downtime, with most feeling comfortable to return to daily activities and work around weeks two or three post-op. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Candidates for a deep plane facelift have moderate to advanced facial aging, including deep nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks, jowls, and loose skin. Additionally, patients who seek this procedure generally want a facelift result that is dramatic and long lasting, as it involves making deep structures and ligament repositioning for a more impactful result. 

Ideal deep plane facelift candidates: 

• Want a lifted appearance to the midface and neck
• Have moderate to severe facial aging
• Have reasonable expectations for results
• Are in good health

What’s the Best Age for a Deep Plane Facelift?

This is a common question, but there’s no standard answer. Ideal surgical results depend more on the patient’s anatomy and current concerns than on age. For example, some patients in their mid-40s may have advanced facial aging due to lifestyle factors or genetics and be ideal candidates. Others may not want or need a deep plane facelift until their 60s. It all depends on the facial features. 

A common occurrence with deep plane facelifts is that very young patients or those without severe enough concerns undergo them. There are a couple of potential problems that come with doing this. First, the earlier you undergo cosmetic surgery, the greater the chance you will need an additional procedure to maintain your results. If you undergo a facelift in your mid-30s, you have decades of facial aging ahead of you that your procedure won’t prevent—it’s likely you’ll need another in your 50s. 

Good plastic surgeons always base patient candidacy not on age, but on the patient’s concerns and anatomy. 

What Are Good Combination Procedures for a Deep Plane Facelift?

For the most cohesive aesthetic results, it’s best to combine your deep plane facelift with another facial rejuvenation procedure. Most patients with severe facial aging concerns can benefit from combining their deep plane facelift with one or more of the following: 

• A deep plane neck lift is the ideal procedure to pair with a deep plane facelift, as it treats neck bands, sagging skin under the chin, and a loss of jawline definition for a seamless result.
• A brow lift is also commonly paired, as it gets rid of deep creases and wrinkles on the forehead and lifts the brows for an elegant arch.
• Facial fat grafting uses autologous fat to permanently restore volume in the lips and cheeks, creating a youthful, plump contour.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

The best way to discover if a deep plane facelift is right for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. During this conversation, tell your surgeon about your goals for the procedure and the facial concerns you’d like to address, as well as any questions or concerns you may have. They will examine your face and help you determine if this procedure, another type of traditional facelift, or a minimally invasive procedure is best.

Want to Learn More About Deep Plane Facelifts in El Paso, TX?

Call Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez today at (915) 600-2639 or complete the contact form to request an in-person or virtual deep plane facelift consultation. Dr. G is an experienced plastic surgeon serving El Paso, delivering natural-looking facial rejuvenation procedures as well as stunning body contouring results for his patients.