Deep Plane Facelifts Are All the Rage Right Now—Here’s Why

Posted on November 2, 2022 | by

Woman on couch smiling after deep plane facelift

The deep plane facelift’s rise in popularity has no doubt been propelled by the stunning results seen on certain celebrities: Marc Jacobs and Sonja Morgan, for example, have openly shown off their refined jawlines and natural-looking face and neck rejuvenation after the procedure.

But this facelift technique isn’t simply a fad! In fact, it’s a modern advancement that is growing in popularity among plastic surgeons themselves because of the substantial results it can deliver. Today, we explain this popular anti-aging procedure and how it compares with the more common facelift technique.

What is a deep plane facelift?

Like any facelift, a deep plane facelift involves lifting and tightening tissues of the mid-face, jawline, and (usually) neckline in order to create a younger, more vibrant appearance. This technique, in particular, lifts tissues on a deep layer below the muscles of the face. During this procedure, your surgeon releases and tightening ligaments; raises fallen fat pads; removes excess skin; and re-drapes the skin and muscle higher on the face and neck. Features are anchored higher on the bone structure; this technique is especially effective at creating a smooth, distinct jawline arc.

Here are a few reasons why the deep plane facelift can achieve outstanding results for the right patient:

  • This procedure targets the structural foundations of the face, so the results are striking immediately after surgery and last for many years.
  • Deeper tethers in the face, i.e. the ligaments, are released, allowing more of the tissues that influence one’s features to be raised and anchored higher, in a more youthful location.
  • Fallen fat pads, which create a sunken cheek appearance and exacerbate naso-labial folds, are vertically lifted and repositioned along the cheekbone.
  • The jawline’s definition is restored, creating a heart-shaped face.

Without requiring extra incisions or a more difficult recovery, this process thoroughly lifts the entire midface and neck region.

Deep plane facelift vs. SMAS facelift

Most facelifts today are superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelifts. This technique differs from the deep plane technique in one primary way: the layer of tissue it places the tension on. While the deep plane facelift places tension on the stable underlying ligaments and deeper structures of the face, the SMAS facelift places tension on the superficial muscular layer.

Still, the SMAS technique is quite effective and advanced. (It was older techniques—not SMAS—that gave facelifts a bad reputation by placing tension on the skin itself, leading to a “windswept” appearance.”) Many beautiful facelift results are achieved with this technique today. Dr. Samaha continues to perform both techniques, and will help you choose the technique that’s right for you based on your signs of aging and goals.

Enhance your facelift results with skin treatments & skincare

Remember that tending to your skin is key to complementing and maintaining the transformation you see after a deep plane facelift—while the surgery addresses deeper structures that affect the face, it will not refine the surface texture of the skin or address pigment irregularities that greatly contribute to the appearance of aging.

As such, utilizing laser skin resurfacing or other professional anti-aging skin treatments is key to helping your skin look in tune with your lifted appearance and achieving a natural-appearing overall result. It is also critical to use common-sense sun protection and physician-grade skincare to maintain results and protect your investment.

Our staff of experienced injectors and aestheticians at our Boston Plastic Surgery Skin Wellness Center is ready to help you integrate non-surgical procedures and maintenance into your facial rejuvenation plan.

Choose Dr. Fouad Samaha for your Boston deep plane facelift

Dr. Samaha is a Boston plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) with over 20 years of experience. A well-established plastic surgeon, he is sensitive to his patients’ needs, and takes care to spend time learning about your goals and discussing your options. To schedule your personal consultation, call (617) 786-7600 or contact our practice online.