Deep Plane Facelift in San Diego, CA
Over time, aging, gravity, and volume loss contribute to sagging cheeks, deep facial folds, jowls, and neck laxity that cannot be corrected with skin care, fillers, or non-surgical facial treatments alone. A deep plane facelift is designed to restore more youthful contours to your face by lifting the deeper layers of the face rather than simply tightening the skin. By addressing the underlying muscles and connective tissue, this advanced facelift technique rejuvenates the midface, jawline, and neck simultaneously, ensuring balance and harmony. A deep plane facelift at Coastal Plastic Surgeons in San Diego is fully customizable, ensuring that you receive results aligned with your unique features and goals.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
- What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?
- Am I a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
- How Is a Deep Plane Facelift Performed?
- Can I Combine Other Procedures With My Deep Plane Facelift?
- What Is Recovery Like After a Deep Plane Facelift?
- What Can I Expect From My Deep Plane Facelift Results?
- Why Choose Coastal Plastic Surgeons for Your Deep Plane Facelift in San Diego, CA?
- Deep Plane Facelift FAQs
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
Unlike a standard facelift, which primarily lifts the skin and superficial tissues of the face, a deep plane facelift repositions the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer and the underlying muscles. This allows for more comprehensive and lasting rejuvenation, correcting sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck simultaneously. By addressing these deeper structures rather than just tightening skin, a deep plane facelift offers results that appear soft and natural, avoiding the overly pulled look often associated with other facelift techniques.
What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?
Men and women experiencing facial aging that no longer responds to non-surgical treatments often choose a deep plane facelift for several reasons, including:
Natural-looking Appearancey
By lifting and repositioning the deeper tissues of your face instead of focusing primarily on the skin, you look naturally refreshed rather than as if you’ve had something “done.”
Comprehensive Rejuvenation
A deep plane facelift corrects sagging cheeks, jowls, nasolabial folds, and neck laxity in just one procedure. Your cheeks are elevated, and your jawline is redefined, creating youthful contours and restoring your confidence.
Long-lasting Results
A deep plane facelift addresses the structural foundation of your face, so that less tension or “pull” is placed on the skin. This improved support yields results that often last longer than those of other facelift techniques, helping scars remain hidden and allowing you to age gracefully.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
- Sagging skin on your cheeks, jaw, and neck
- Prominent jowls or loss of definition along your jawline
- Deep folds around your mouth and nose
- A desire for dramatic yet natural facial rejuvenation results
How Is a Deep Plane Facelift Performed?
A deep plane facelift is performed using general anesthesia. Your surgeon will create discreet incisions along your hairline and around your ears to minimize visible scars and access the deeper layers of your face, called the SMAS. The SMAS layer consists of muscle, collagen, and elastin fibers, which connect your facial muscles to the dermis. This layer extends from your neck to your forehead, and the region underneath the SMAS is referred to as the deep plane, hence the name of the procedure.
Once the SMAS is identified, your surgeon will then meticulously separate the SMAS from the deeper tissues. Then, they will carefully release the four ligaments (known as “retaining ligaments”) that anchor the connective tissue and muscle in your face. This allows the deeper soft tissues of your face to be repositioned more effectively, lifting your cheeks, smoothing deep nasolabial folds, and refining the contour of your jawline and neck. Multiple stitches are strategically placed to anchor the SMAS in various areas of the face and neck. The skin is then gently redraped over its newly lifted foundation, and excess skin is removed. Finally, the incisions are closed, and you’re ready for recovery.
Can I Combine Other Procedures With My Deep Plane Facelift?
- Eyelid Surgery: Known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery can take years off the appearance of your eyes by lifting sagging upper lids, removing excess drooping skin, and addressing puffiness under your eyes.
- Brow Lift: Age often causes your forehead and brows to sag, giving you a tired or angry appearance. A brow lift can elevate your eyebrows to a more youthful position and smooth forehead creases and frown lines.
What Is Recovery Like After a Deep Plane Facelift?
During the first week of recovery after your deep plane facelift, you can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in your face and neck. These side effects are expected and can be easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication, along with plenty of rest. By the second week of your recovery, swelling and bruising continue to dissipate, and you may feel ready to return to non-strenuous work or even social outings.
Over the next several weeks, swelling continues to diminish, and the newly lifted contours of your face become more noticeable. You can typically resume exercise and more strenuous activities after about four to six weeks, as long as you are cleared by your surgeon. Although subtle refinements to your results will continue for several months as your tissues settle into their new contours, the majority of your deep plane facelift results will be visible within the first six to eight weeks. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully and attending necessary follow-up appointments will help ensure a smooth recovery and gorgeous results.
What Can I Expect From My Deep Plane Facelift Results?
Your deep plane facelift results develop gradually, with each stage of recovery revealing noticeable improvements. As swelling subsides, you’ll begin to notice a smoother jawline with no sign of sagging or jowls, cheeks that look more lifted and full, and a visible reduction in deep nasolabial folds. Your neck will also appear firmer, with a smoother, more defined contour, bringing harmony to your entire lower face.
Unlike surface-level facial rejuvenation treatments, the results from a deep plane facelift can last 10 years or more. While the natural aging process will still progress, most deep plane facelift patients continue to look younger and more refreshed than if they had not undergone the procedure.
Why Choose Coastal Plastic Surgeons for Your Deep Plane Facelift in San Diego, CA?
Choosing the right surgeon to perform your deep plane facelift is one of the most important decisions you can make. At Coastal Plastic Surgeons, our team has developed a reputation in San Diego for advanced skill in facial rejuvenation procedures, particularly facelifts like Dr. Batra’s GBRx™ (gastric bypass reconstruction) facelift and neck lift, designed to rejuvenate your face with subtle yet transformative results. Unlike practices that take a one-size-fits-all approach, we view each facelift as a highly individualized procedure, and our goal is to enhance your features while preserving what makes you uniquely you.
Our surgeons are extensively trained in advanced facelift techniques that require not only technical precision but also a deep understanding of both facial anatomy and aesthetics. Our patients come to us for our ability to lift, refine, and rejuvenate the face and neck in a way that looks seamless rather than surgical.
To learn more about deep plane facelift surgery in San Diego, CA, contact Coastal Plastic Surgeons today to schedule a personalized consultation. Call us at (858) 365-3558.
Deep Plane Facelift FAQs
How much does a deep plane facelift cost in San Diego?
Is a deep plane facelift painful?
How long will the results of my deep plane facelift last?
- Genetics
- Lifestyle (alcohol and smoking can accelerate the aging process)
- Proper skin care, including diligent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Overall health, as certain ailments can affect your skin health
What are the potential risks and complications of a deep plane facelift?
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Temporary loss of sensation
- Poor wound healing
- Unsatisfactory scarring