The ultimate guide to deep plane facelift: What you need to know?

Aging is a natural process, but many people seek ways to maintain a youthful appearance. If you’re considering facial rejuvenation, a deep plane facelift might be the best solution for long-lasting and natural results. This ultimate guide will cover everything you need to know about this solution, including its benefits, procedure, recovery, risks, and why it’s becoming the preferred choice for facial rejuvenation.

The deep plane facelift targets the underlying structures of the face, providing a more youthful, lifted, and natural look

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that goes beyond skin tightening. It repositions the deeper facial tissues, including muscles and fat, to achieve a more youthful and natural appearance. By addressing sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck, this technique prevents the unnatural, pulled look that is sometimes associated with traditional facelifts.

The term “deep plane” refers to the layer beneath the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS). Unlike a traditional facelift, which tightens the skin separately, a deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the entire facial structure in one cohesive movement.

Who is the ideal candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is best suited for individuals who:

• Are experiencing moderate to severe sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck.
• Have deep nasolabial folds (laugh lines) that need softening.
• Want longer-lasting, natural-looking results compared to traditional facelifts.
• Are in good health with realistic expectations about the outcome.

If you’re noticing signs of aging that cannot be addressed with non-surgical treatments such as Botox or fillers, a deep plane facelift might be the best option for you.

How is a Deep Plane Facelift performed?

Step 1: Consultation

The first and most crucial step before undergoing a deep plane facelift is the initial consultation with your plastic surgeon. This is an essential phase where you and your doctor discuss expectations, possible outcomes, and whether this procedure aligns with your goals.

During the consultation, your surgeon will:

• Assess your facial structure – This includes evaluating your skin’s elasticity, the degree of sagging, and the positioning of underlying facial muscles and fat. Since a deep plane facelift targets deep facial tissues, it is important to determine how much correction is needed.
• Review your medical history – The surgeon will ask about your general health, any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, or previous cosmetic procedures. This helps to identify any potential risks and ensure you are a safe candidate for surgery.
• Discuss expectations and outcomes – Every patient has unique goals when it comes to facial rejuvenation. Some want a dramatic transformation, while others seek a subtle refresh. Your surgeon will provide a realistic idea of what the deep plane facelift can achieve and whether additional procedures (such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift) may be beneficial.
• Explain the procedure and recovery process – A good surgeon will ensure that you are fully informed about the steps involved, expected downtime, and potential risks. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns before making your final decision.

By the end of the consultation, if you are deemed a good candidate, your surgeon will create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your facial anatomy and desired results.

Step 2: Anesthesia

On the day of the surgery, the anesthesia process is one of the most important aspects to ensure you experience no discomfort or pain during the procedure.

Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will decide between two main options:

1. General Anesthesia:

• This method involves putting the patient into a fully unconscious state, ensuring that they do not feel or remember anything during the surgery.
• General anesthesia is typically recommended for longer or more invasive procedures, such as a deep plane facelift, because it allows the surgeon to perform intricate work without any patient movement.

1. Intravenous Sedation with Local Anesthesia:

• Also known as twilight sedation, this approach allows the patient to remain semi-conscious but in a deeply relaxed state.
• The area being operated on is numbed using local anesthesia, so there is no pain, but the patient may have some awareness of their surroundings.

Before the procedure begins, your vital signs will be monitored to ensure that you are in a stable and safe condition. Your medical team will be by your side throughout the surgery to manage any responses your body may have to anesthesia.

A deep plane facelift with a skilled plastic surgeon, patients can achieve a more youthful, lifted, and naturally refreshed appearance 

Step 3: Incision Placement

One of the concerns most patients have when considering a facelift is scarring. The deep plane facelift is designed to minimize visible scarring by strategically placing the incisions in areas that blend seamlessly with natural facial contours.

• The incisions are made along the hairline and around the ears, ensuring they remain hidden within natural folds of the skin.
• Unlike traditional facelift techniques, where there is significant pulling of the skin, the deep plane technique repositions deeper structures, reducing the strain on the skin and promoting a more natural-looking closure.
• The incisions are carefully customized based on your individual facial anatomy, ensuring that once healed, they are virtually undetectable.

Surgeons take extreme care in placing meticulously hidden incisions so that patients do not have to worry about visible scars affecting their confidence post-surgery.

Step 4: Lifting and Repositioning

This is the most transformative part of the procedure, where the surgeon works beneath the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) to lift and reposition deeper facial structures.

• Releasing the deep facial ligaments: Unlike traditional facelifts that only pull the skin, the deep plane facelift works on the underlying facial muscles and connective tissues. By releasing the key facial ligaments, the surgeon allows the cheeks, jawline, and midface to move to a more youthful position without excessive pulling.
• Restoring volume and softening deep folds: The cheeks and midface are lifted, reducing the appearance of deep nasolabial folds (smile lines). This creates a more refreshed and rejuvenated look without making the face look artificial or stretched.
• Maintaining facial expressions: One of the most significant advantages of this technique is that it does not alter your natural facial expressions. Instead, it enhances your features by restoring their original youthful position, rather than simply pulling the skin tighter.

This approach results in a natural-looking lift that does not give the “pulled” or “windswept” look seen in older facelift techniques.

Step 5: Closing the Incisions

Once the underlying structures of the face have been repositioned, the skin is carefully redraped over the newly lifted contours to ensure a smooth and youthful appearance.

• Excess skin is removed to prevent sagging while maintaining a natural balance.
• The incisions are closed using fine sutures, which are designed to minimize tension on the skin and promote faster healing.
• Depending on the surgeon’s technique, some patients may require dissolvable stitches, while others may have removable sutures that need to be taken out after 7-10 days.

Since the deep plane facelift does not overly tighten the skin, there is a lower risk of visible scarring or an unnatural stretched look.

Step 6: Recovery & Healing

Recovery from a deep plane facelift is a gradual process, but with proper post-operative care, patients can enjoy a smooth healing experience and outstanding long-term results.

First few days (Immediate Post-Surgery)

• Swelling and bruising are common but will begin to subside within a few days.
• Patients should rest with their head elevated to reduce swelling and speed up recovery.
• Pain is minimal to moderate and can be effectively managed with prescribed pain relievers.

Week 1-2

• Most of the bruising and swelling improve significantly.
• Stitches are usually removed within 7-10 days, and patients start to see early results.
• Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, bending over, or lifting heavy objects.

Week 3-4

• Most swelling continues to fade, and patients begin to see more defined facial contours.
• By the end of the fourth week, patients feel more confident returning to social and professional activities.

3-6 Months

• The final results become fully visible, revealing a refreshed, youthful, and naturally lifted appearance.
• Incision scars continue to fade, becoming virtually undetectable over time.

Following all post-surgery instructions and attending follow-up visits with your surgeon will ensure the best long-term results.

Choosing a highly experienced plastic surgeon significantly reduces the risk of complications and ensures a safe, successful outcome.

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

• More natural results: Since the entire facial structure is repositioned, the deep plane facelift avoids the “windblown” or overly tight look that is sometimes seen with traditional facelifts.
• Longer-Lasting effects: A deep plane facelift lasts 10-15 years, significantly longer than a standard facelift, thanks to its deeper level of correction.
• Improved midface and jawline contour: This procedure effectively lifts the cheeks and smooths deep nasolabial folds, giving a refreshed and youthful appearance.
• Less skin trauma: By working at a deeper level, the procedure minimizes tension on the skin, which reduces scarring and ensures a smoother healing process.

Potential risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, a deep plane facelift comes with some potential risks, including:

• Temporary bruising and swelling.
• Minor numbness, which typically resolves within a few months.
• Rare cases of infection or nerve damage.
• Scarring (although well-hidden along natural creases).

Choosing a highly experienced plastic surgeon significantly reduces the risk of complications and ensures a safe, successful outcome.

Why choose Dr. Harvard for your Deep Plane Facelift?

When considering a deep plane facelift, it’s crucial to choose a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to ensure the best results. Dr. Harvard is a renowned plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation procedures, with a reputation for achieving natural and elegant results.

Why patients trust Dr. Harvard:

✔ Expertise in advanced facelift techniques
✔ Years of experience in facial rejuvenation surgery
✔ Personalized consultations to understand your goals
✔ State-of-the-art facilities ensuring patient safety and comfort

At Dr. Harvard, we are committed to helping you achieve a naturally youthful and refreshed look with the latest techniques in aesthetic surgery. Whether you’re considering a deep plane facelift or other cosmetic procedures, our team is here to guide you through every step of your transformation journey.

If you’re ready to restore your youthful appearance and boost your confidence, schedule a consultation with Dr. Harvard today.