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The main feature of the Deep Plane Facelift, as the name suggests, is its action in a deeper layer of the muscles. It acts directly between the SMAS system, or Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System, which causes signs of facial aging, and the deeper muscle layer responsible for facial expression.

The primary goal of the Deep Plane Facelift is the release and repositioning of muscle and fat layers without causing tissue tension, resulting in a more youthful appearance without the “stretched skin” look.

In general, facial tissue ligaments are released for natural repositioning throughout the face and neck, restoring the shape and volume of the cheeks without the need for fillers or fat. The ligaments that anchor the jaw are also released to lift it, creating a smoother, sharper jawline appearance.

Besides the face, it is also used in conjunction with cervicoplasty, allowing for greater refinement of the neck and jawline area with more lasting results.

Deep Plane vs. Traditional Facelifts

One of the biggest concerns of patients is achieving more natural results, without the stretched appearance common to traditional techniques.

The reason for this is that in other more common techniques, only the more superficial skin layers are repositioned and sutures are applied to lift the SMAS muscle set, leaving the skin firmer but without eliminating the problem of sagging cheeks.

As a result, many surgeons end up correcting with fat grafting, often making the cheeks more noticeable.

Besides more natural results, recovery from a Deep Plane Facelift is faster and simpler. It is common in other types of facelift for blood vessels to break, causing larger bruises and slower recovery.

Recovery and Scars

Recovery after a Deep Plane Facelift generally involves few bruises and quicker recovery as there are no cuts in blood vessels between the muscle and the skin. Some bruising and swelling around the repositioned areas may appear in the first few days and will gradually disappear.

Pain medications may be prescribed to help the patient feel more comfortable during the healing process. It is also important to use cold compresses to relieve swelling, along with rest for recovery.

The Deep Plane Facelift has incisions that heal with minimal or no visible scars. As in this technique the skin is not separated from the muscles, there is no tension on the incision lines after they are closed, allowing the incision to heal as an imperceptible line.

Main benefits of the Deep Plane Facelift

• Shorter surgical time
• More natural results
• Restoration of natural volume
• Removal of excess skin
• Smoother, youthful-looking skin
• Faster recovery
• Imperceptible scars
• Longer-lasting results