What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

Deep plane facelifts offer rejuvenating results unlike any other procedure, but how do they work? This blog discusses the surgical approach to a deep plane facelift, how it differs from traditional methods, and what patients can expect from recovery and results.

How Does a Deep Plane Facelift Work?

A deep plane facelift is the most advanced form of facial rejuvenation today. It works by lifting the SMAS, a layer of connective tissue beneath the facial skin, to tighten the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

What is the difference between a deep plane facelift and a traditional facelift?

Facelift techniques of the past primarily relied on tension to pull the skin taut, smoothing wrinkles and creases and lifting features for a more youthful appearance. The problem with this approach is that creating tension on the face can pull the facial features, making them appear unnatural and “windswept,” so most people can tell work has been done.

A deep plane facelift offers natural-looking yet dramatic results—truly the best of both worlds. That’s because the skin is left alone, for the most part, except for excess skin removal. This results in a look that is like turning back the clock 10–15 years!

To achieve this, surgeons treat structures deep below the skin’s surface: the SMAS layer. While SMAS facelifts have been around for a while, the deep plane technique takes a slightly different approach by releasing key ligaments of the SMAS rather than tightening them, moving the entire unit (or plane) to a more youthful position, and then reattaching the SMAS in its new location. 

This results in very little tension or disruption of the skin, allowing it to drape in the same way, except that the lower structures are lifted and youthful. Another key difference is that the facial fat pads are redistributed as well, resulting in a bouncy, youthful contour that traditional methods lack.

What Do Deep Plane Facelift Results Look Like?

To appreciate the transformative results of a deep plane facelift, it’s helpful to first understand how the face naturally ages. As collagen and elasticity decline, we start to see looser, crepey skin that folds, causing wrinkles. Volume loss is also a key indicator of facial aging, leading to a sunken appearance. You’ll often see plump, contoured cheeks in younger people, but this is not as common to see in older people. 

All of this combines to create an overall loss of structure, with the jawline looking less defined, and the lines around the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds and marionette lines) becoming more pronounced.

A deep plane facelift addresses these issues. By lifting the SMAS layer and fat pads to a more youthful position, cheek volume is naturally restored without the need for fillers or fat grafting. The deep structures also lift the skin and underlying tissues, improving a lack of structure in the neck and jawline without pulling the skin. And most notably, the nasolabial folds are smoothed without the windswept look caused by skin tension.

Is Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Longer Than Traditional Facelift Recovery?

Recovery is always different for each patient, but despite what may sound like a more invasive procedure, deep plane facelift recovery is not that different from other facelifts. In fact, because the skin is barely manipulated and nerves and blood vessels are similarly left intact, there is often less pain and bruising after a deep plane facelift.

You’ll still experience swelling and minor bruising, but the required downtime of about two to three weeks is comparable to that of traditional or SMAS facelifts. As with most facelifts, you’ll be required to reduce physical activity and limit exercise for at least six weeks to allow your body time to heal and to prevent stress on your incisions, which helps reduce the appearance of scars.

You’ll likely see the initial results of your deep plane facelift immediately, as your neck and jawline will be instantly more tightened and contoured. And the absence of large bruises also makes your recovery more mentally comfortable, as many people are startled by their initial appearance. As swelling reduces over the first two weeks, you’ll see the more youthful contours of your cheeks and mid-face, which will only improve over time. Before you know it, you’ll be looking at a younger version of yourself in the mirror.

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

Discover the procedure that’s taking the aesthetic world by storm, and for good reason. Rejuvenate your sagging skin and reveal your youthful facial contours with a transformative deep plane facelift by experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Morales. Call Dr. Morales today at (214) 827-8407 or complete the contact form to request a deep plane facelift consultation and learn more about your options.