We all know that aging is inevitable, but do we have to be reminded every time we look in the mirror? With proper skincare, healthy living, and the right rejuvenation steps, facial aging can be subtle. Just ask Dr. Chris Surek of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division of U.S. Dermatology Partners who says, “The best part of my job is helping people preserve and rejuvenate their appearance. A deep plane facelift and necklift is one of the most impactful solutions to reverse signs of aging on the face. It’s no surprise that this procedure is trending. Influencers are talking it up, and I agree with them. This procedure is worth the hype. However, it’s not for everyone, so it’s important that patients fully understand this procedure as well as other options before moving forward.” In this blog, Dr. Surek answers your frequently asked questions like what is a facelift and is a deep plan facelift right for me?

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

So, what makes a deep plane facelift different? This advanced surgical rejuvenation option, as the name implies, goes deeper than a skin only facelift that works by shifting the outer layers of skin. Deep plane facelifts also shift the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and the muscles, ligaments, and other structures. By lifting skin and these supportive structures, surgeons create a more natural, longer-lasting appearance.

According to Dr. Surek, “In a skin only facelift procedure, skin is pulled back to deliver a smoother appearance, but it can also leave skin looking pulled or unnatural because the deeper tissues aren’t adjusted. In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon makes a series of incisions to lift skin and access the SMAS, ligaments, fatty tissue, muscle, and deeper facial structures that can then be lifted and repositioned. Skin is replaced over the newly lifted structures. This delivers a more natural look.”

Anatomy is paramount.  Dr. Surek says, “Facelift is an operation of expression. Our face is the one thing we wear all day, every day. The goal is to restore the way the patient looked at an earlier age and not to change the way they look. I want patients to look in the mirror and look as good as they feel.”

There are numerous benefits to deep plane facelift compared with other surgical and non-surgical face lift options, including:

• Versatile treatment to restore youthful volume to cheeks and nasolabial folds, lift sagging jowls, and tighten lax skin for improved facial contour.
• Natural-looking results that restore the youthful shape and structure to the face.
• Results that last 10 to 15 years for most people, making it the longest-lasting facelift option.
• Comprehensive and customizable treatment options rejuvenate multiple facial regions simultaneously.

How It Differs from Other Facelift Techniques

To truly understand the difference possible with a deep plan facelift, let’s explore the main elements of the different types of facelifts:

Skin Only Facelift

• The traditional facelift tightens only the skin.
• May leave face looking “pulled.”
• Results last between five and seven years.

Mini Facelift

• A mini facelift offers a less invasive option with smaller incisions and a faster recovery.
• Improvement is less noticeable and best for younger patients with mild jowling or sagging.
• Results last around five years depending on the individual.

SMAS Facelift

• The SMAS facelift shifts skin and the SMAS layer, delivering a more natural result than a traditional face lift.
• Targeted release of ligaments or repositioning deeper structures.
• Results last between seven and ten years.

Non-Surgical Facelift Alternatives

• A non-surgical facelift uses fillers, laser therapy, neurotoxin, and other options to achieve a more youthful appearance.
• Temporarily replaces lost facial volume and mildly improves skin laxity.
• Results may last a few months or years.

Key Trends in Deep Plane Facelift

There are numerous reasons why this procedure is at the top of facelift trends. Some of the key elements that set deep plane facelift apart include:

• Natural-looking results – most patients don’t look like they’ve had work done after a deep plane facelift. Instead, look like they did in their youth.  
• Comprehensive solution – offers midface, neck, and jawline lift for a complete transformation and balanced, youthful final look.
• Longest-lasting facelift – lasting between ten and fifteen years, the results of deep plan facelift are worth the investment.
• Suitable for some younger patients – deep plane facelifts offer a preventive solution for those in their 30s and 40s. By lifting sagging facial structures and repositioning excess fatty deposits early, a deep plane facelift preserves youthful facial contour and skin smoothness.
• Combined procedures – for maximum results, surgeons can combine deep plane facelifts with procedures like neck lifts, liposuction, chemical peels, eyelid surgery, brow lift, fat grafting, and non-surgical solutions to tighten skin and improve facial appearance.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

Like any surgical procedure, deep plane facelift isn’t right for every patient. You should consult with a board certified aesthetic plastic surgeon to ensure you choose the right solution to achieve your goals.

Ideal Candidates for Deep Plane Facelift

• Those with moderate to severe facial aging, including sagging and increased skin laxity.
• Individuals seeking long-term solutions for skin aging.
• Patients who want to achieve results not possible with non-surgical solutions or other types of facelifts.
• Individuals seeking natural-looking, balanced results.
• Those who lead a healthy lifestyle and have approval to receive elective surgery.

Who It May Not Suit

• Young patients with very mild facial aging.
• Those who want a less invasive treatment option with minimal downtime for healing.
• Individuals who do not have approval to receive elective surgery.

What to Expect from the Procedure

The surgical procedure itself can be relatively extensive, so Dr. Surek says, “It’s important that patients talk with their cosmetic surgeon and completely understand what will happen during and after deep plane facelift.” The deep plane facelift process is customizable for individual needs, but the basic procedure and aftercare are described below:

The Surgical Process

The deep plane facelift and necklift surgery takes three to five hours, depending on the specifications outlined by the surgeon and patient as well as any other ancillary procedures being performed in the same operation. In most cases, the procedure includes the following steps:

• Anesthesia administration – deep plane facelift is typically performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation.
• Incisions – once the patient is comfortable, discreet incisions are placed along the hairline and around the ears.
• Tissue repositioning – the surgeon accesses and repositions SMAS layer, muscles, fatty tissues, retaining ligaments, and other underlying structures.
• Skin repositioning – excess skin is trimmed and laid over the lifted structures without pulling.
• Closure – incisions are stitched closed, using a very thin suture material to minimize scarring.

Recovery Timeline

Your plastic surgeon provides individual care instructions that should be followed to minimize adverse effects and accelerate healing. In most cases, post-procedure recovery follows the timeline below:

• Weeks 1–2 – symptoms are most noticeable, including swelling and bruising. Many patients take the first week or two off from work and other activities.
• Weeks 3–4 – symptoms significantly improve, and most patients are able to resume light activity and go back to work.
• Months 2–3 – results emerge as tissues heal and settle.
• Months 6–12 – incision lines fade, and results continue to improve.

Conclusion: Achieve Natural-Looking Results that Last

In conclusion, Dr. Surek says, “Deep plane facelifts have truly revolutionized surgical facial rejuvenation. Some facelifts simply tighten skin, but they don’t address the shift and sag in the tissues below. By going deeper and adjusting the SMAS and other facial structures, deep plane facelift delivers natural-looking results that last longer. If you’re ready to jump on this cosmetic surgery trend, start by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.”

Schedule a Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

Whether you’re looking to schedule a deep plane facelift or other cosmetic surgery procedure, our Surek Plastic Surgery team would love to hear from you. Request a consultation with one of our local plastic surgeons using our online form. Dr. Surek will answer your questions and help your find the right procedure to meet your needs.