All About
Deep Plane Face Lifts
What is a Deep Plane Face Lift?
A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that lifts and repositions the deeper layers of facial tissue, muscle, and fat, rather than just tightening the skin. This approach allows for more natural-looking, longer-lasting results by addressing the root causes of facial aging, such as sagging cheeks, jowls, and deep folds around the mouth (nasolabial folds).
By releasing and lifting the deeper structures of the face, a deep plane facelift creates a smoother, more youthful contour without the pulled or overly tight appearance that can sometimes occur with traditional facelifts.
Why get a Deep Plane Face Lift?
-
By repositioning deeper facial muscles and tissues, this technique provides a more durable and natural rejuvenation compared to traditional facelifts.
-
The deep plane approach effectively lifts the cheeks, smooths nasolabial folds, and defines the jawline for a balanced, youthful appearance.
-
Ideal for patients with advanced signs of aging, it corrects sagging skin and muscle laxity more comprehensively.
-
By treating both skin and underlying structures, the deep plane facelift enhances overall facial balance and proportion.
View the Face Lift Gallery
Face Lift vs Deep Plane Face Lift
Traditional Face Lift
-
Focuses more on tightening the skin and the superficial layers for a refreshed, smoother appearance.
-
Generally lasts around 5–10 years, depending on skin quality, age, and lifestyle.
-
Great for those with mild to moderate laxity looking for noticeable improvement with less invasive techniques.
Deep Plane Face Lift
-
Repositions the deeper facial muscles and connective tissue (SMAS layer), not just the skin, providing natural and longer-lasting results.
-
Typically lasts 10–15 years due to the deeper structural lift.
-
Ideal for patients with moderate to advanced facial aging who want more dramatic yet natural rejuvenation.
The Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during your Deep Plane Face Lift procedure.
-
You will receive general anesthesia for maximum comfort during this advanced procedure.
Dr. Gupta will discuss your goals and mark the surgical sites.
-
Incisions are similar to a traditional facelift, placed around the hairline and ears for minimal visibility.
-
Unlike a traditional facelift, the deep plane facelift involves lifting and repositioning the deeper facial tissues beneath the SMAS layer, including muscles and fat pads.
This allows for more natural and longer-lasting rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, and neck.
-
The deeper tissues are carefully repositioned to restore youthful contours and improve areas like the cheeks and nasolabial folds.
This technique reduces tension on the skin for a smoother, natural appearance.
-
After tissue repositioning, excess skin is removed, and incisions are closed with fine sutures.
Drains may be placed to minimize fluid accumulation.
-
Recovery is similar but may be slightly longer due to the deeper tissue work.
Swelling and bruising last about 1–2 weeks, with gradual improvement over several months.
You’ll receive detailed post-op instructions and follow-up care to monitor healing.
Procedure Video
Add on Facial Fat Grafting
-
Facial fat grafting (also called fat transfer) is a procedure where fat is taken from another part of your body—typically the abdomen or thighs—and injected into areas of the face to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.
-
Common areas include the cheeks, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds (smile lines), temples, jawline, and even the lips. It’s especially effective for creating a youthful, fuller appearance without implants or fillers.
-
Fat grafting results are long-lasting, and some of the transferred fat becomes permanent. About 60–70% of the fat typically survives, and final results are visible after swelling subsides—usually within 2–3 months.
-
Yes—because PRP is made from your own blood, there’s very little risk of allergic reaction or rejection. It’s a natural, minimally invasive treatment with a strong safety profile.
-
Yes, it’s generally very safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Gupta. Since your own fat is used, there’s no risk of allergic reaction, and the results often look and feel more natural than synthetic fillers.
FAQs
-
You can expect 2–3 weeks of visible swelling and bruising. While you may feel ready for public outings by 2 weeks, subtle swelling can last several months as the deeper tissues settle.
-
Not necessarily. Although it involves deeper tissue layers, many patients report a similar or even smoother recovery due to less tension on the skin, which can reduce tightness and speed healing.
-
Light activity (like walking) can begin after a few days. Most people return to non-strenuous work in 2 weeks, with heavy exercise resuming around 4–6 weeks based on Dr. Gupta’s post-op guidance.
-
Deep plane facelift results can last 10–15 years or more. Because the deeper structures are lifted, results tend to be more durable and age more naturally over time.
-
Yes. Since the deeper facial layers are lifted as one unit, there’s no "pulled" look—just a smooth, natural rejuvenation that improves cheek volume, jawline definition, and deep folds.
Sign up for the Verve Standard Membership to access all pre-op and post-op instructions, recovery videos, and helpful tips and tricks—everything you need for the smoothest possible surgery experience.
Book a consultation for a Deep Plane Face Lift!
info@verveplasticsurgery.com
(760) 436-7600
700 Garden View Court STE 208
Encinitas, CA 92024