Deep Plane Facelift
in Beverly Hills
Why choose Nazarian Plastic Surgery for your deep plane facelift?
Over time, gravity and loss of skin elasticity take their toll on the delicate soft tissues of the face. Minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatments may no longer be enough to restore a youthful, balanced appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian specializes in the deep plane facelift, a sophisticated surgical procedure for addressing more advanced signs of aging, including deep creases and laxity in the skin, muscles, and subcutaneous fat. Dr. Nazarian’s expertise ensures results that are authentic to you, showcasing the unique beauty you bring to the world.
Known for her starring role in the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Skin Decision, Dr. Nazarian provides transformative outcomes to help her patients achieve greater confidence and a better quality of life. Accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, our on-site surgery center ensures rigorous safety standards for the highest quality of care. Read on to learn more about Dr. Nazarian’s facelift techniques, or schedule your personal consultation to learn whether a deep plane facelift is right for you.
Deep Plane Facelift at a Glance
- Targets deeper facial tissues than a traditional facelift
- Comprehensive rejuvenation for midface and neck
- Addresses sagging jowls and deep creases for a youthful appearance
- Long-lasting, natural-looking results
- Good for patients with moderate to severe facial aging
- Return to desk jobs and light activities within approximately one to two weeks
- Can last a decade or longer
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
Addressing Facial Aging
The deep plane facelift technique can provide more significant and longer-lasting rejuvenation of the face compared to traditional facelift techniques. A deep plane facelift involves releasing and repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissues, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and potentially some facial muscles, rather than only tightening the skin. This allows Dr. Nazarian to reposition deeper structures that can contribute to an aged appearance, providing more comprehensive facial rejuvenation by re-suspending and repositioning the mid and lower face's foundational layers rather than just the skin envelop
Who Is a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
Finding Your Facial Future
Ideal deep plane facelift candidates are in good overall health, with no medical conditions that could increase surgical risks or hinder healing. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking are preferred, as smoking can impair healing. Dr. Nazarian will perform a thorough medical evaluation to ensure surgery can be performed safely and effectively, achieving the best possible aesthetic results.
During your consultation, Dr. Nazarian will learn about your goals and assess your facial structure and skin quality to determine whether you would benefit from a deep plane facelift. She typically recommends this type of facelift for patients in their 40s, 50s, or 60s with significant facial aging, including lax skin and loss of deeper facial volume. Patients in their 70s who still have relatively good skin elasticity may also be candidates for an extended deep plane facelift.
What Concerns Does a Deep Plane Facelift Address?
Deeply Rejuvenated
A deep plane facelift is designed to address several signs of aging in the mid and lower face, including:
Sagging jowls and neck laxity
By releasing and repositioning the deeper SMAS layer, the deep plane facelift surgery repositions lax jowls and tightens loose skin along the jawline and neck.
Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
The lifting and re-draping of the SMAS can smooth out deep nasolabial folds that extend from the nose to the mouth corners.
Marionette lines
Lines that run downwards from the mouth corners can be improved by lifting the re-vectoring of the facial musculature.
Mid-face sagging
Drooping of the cheek's soft tissues is corrected by elevating and suspending the SMAS and its attachments to the cheekbone area.
Loose skin and wrinkles
While not just a skin lift, an extended deep plane facelift technique does allow significant re-draping and smoothing of the mid and lower facial skin.
How Is the Deep Plane Facelift Procedure Performed?
Sophisticated Techniques
The details of your deep plane facelift are determined by your facial structure and concerns. The incisions typically run along the hairline and around the ears. Adjustments made during a deep plane facelift may include carefully tightening the deeper muscles, repositioning the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, lifting the malar fat pads in the midface, and tightening sagging skin to smooth out deep creases and laxity in the midface and neck. In this way, the deep plane technique works with the facial muscles and skin to address multiple dimensions of aging for long-lasting and natural-looking rejuvenation.
Dr. Nazarian performs all facial plastic surgery procedures at our state-of-the-art onsite surgery center. The deep plane technique is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. You will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you home and help out during the first day or two of recovery.
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery Expectations
The healing process is essential to achieving the best result from your deep plane facelift. Dr. Nazarian and the entire Nazarian Plastic Surgery team prioritize supporting patients throughout this period with detailed facial plastic surgery aftercare instructions, post-operative support, and availability to answer questions or concerns at any time. Most patients are able to return to desk jobs and other light activities within one to two weeks. Pain and discomfort are managed during deep plane facelift recovery by keeping the head elevated and taking oral medications as needed during this time. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise for at least a month. This minimizes swelling and strain on the facial tissues. We will provide you with a detailed overview of the recovery process during pre-operative appointments so that you can schedule your deep plane facelift surgery accordingly.
Deep Plane Facelift Results
The results of a deep plane facelift typically start becoming noticeable within the first few weeks after the procedure, with significant improvements continuing to develop over the following months as swelling subsides and tissues settle into their new position. By repositioning deeper layers of facial skin and muscle, deep plane facelifts provide more comprehensive rejuvenation compared to traditional facelifts. You can expect a significantly refreshed appearance that naturally enhances your facial contours. Most people enjoy optimal benefits for a decade or longer.
Deep Plane Facelift Frequently Asked Questions
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal side effects during the first few weeks after surgery. It can take several months for residual swelling to resolve completely, revealing your optimal results. We will review potential risks and side effects during your consultation so you can make an informed decision on your procedure.
The longevity of results from a deep plane facelift can vary from person to person. Generally, the effects are long-lasting compared to other facial rejuvenation procedures. Most people enjoy a more youthful appearance for a decade or longer. Although the aging process will continue, the removal of excess skin and repositioning of underlying tissues means that you will likely always look younger than you would without surgery. Protecting your skin from the sun, practicing good skin care, and living a healthy lifestyle all support the longevity of your deep plane facelift results.
Like any surgical procedure, a deep plane facelift carries certain risks, including adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, hematoma, seroma, nerve damage, and unsatisfactory results requiring revision. Working with a highly qualified board-certified plastic surgeon and adhering to all aftercare instructions can greatly reduce the risk of complications. Dr. Nazarian is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in deep-plane facelifts. All surgical procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art surgery center in accordance with the highest safety standards.
The distinction between a deep plane facelift and a SMAS facelift lies in the depth of tissue manipulation during the facelift surgery. A deep plane facelift involves repositioning deeper layers of facial tissue, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), deeper muscles, and fat in the midface and neck. A deep plane facelift is ideal for patients with advanced signs of aging or significant sagging in the midface and neck. An SMAS facelift procedure focuses on lifting and tightening the SMAS layer, which lies beneath the skin and fat. SMAS facelifts are generally less invasive than deep plane facelifts and may be suitable for patients with milder to moderate signs of aging or those seeking a more conservative approach.
