What Is a Deep-Plane Facelift?

A deep-plane facelift is an advanced facelift technique that repositions the underlying facial connective tissue layers known as the “Deep plane” rather than simply tightening the skin. By lifting the “deep plane” this approach can restore cheek fullness, smooth deep folds, define the jawline, and rejuvenate the neck with a more natural, longer-lasting result. The technique Dr. Shikara preforms lifts the platysma muscle which is part of the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic system) in the neck, as well as the deep fat and fascia layers in the mid face. This protects the facial nerve and ensures a safe and long lasting lift of the true culprits of the aging face rather than just the skin.

How Is a Deep-Plane Facelift Different from a Regular Facelift?

A “regular” or traditional facelift typically focuses on tightening skin and sometimes the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) without fully releasing the deeper attachments of the face. This can improve jowls and mild sagging but may create tension on the skin or a short lived result.
A deep-plane facelift goes deeper, lifting the midface, jawline, and neck as a single unit. It releases retaining ligaments, repositions the SMAS and deeper tissues, and leaves the skin under less tension. This produces a softer, more youthful appearance that lasts longer than most superficial traditional lifts.

Should I Consider a Plastic Surgery Facelift?

If you’re noticing sagging in the lower face, jowling, deep folds around the mouth, or loss of cheek volume, it’s time to consider a facelift. A consultation with a facial plastic surgeon in New York can help determine whether you’re a good candidate and which type of lift is most appropriate for your anatomy and goals. If you are starting to consider a facelift, it is best to avoid getting fillers, energy devices like radiofrequency, Sofwave, Ultherapy, biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse), or threads. Book a consult with a Facial Plastic Surgeon if you are considering a facelift before trying these treatments.

What Is the Best Facelift Procedure?

There isn’t a single “best” facelift for everyone. The ideal technique depends on your facial structure, degree of laxity, age, skin quality, and desired recovery time. For patients with moderate to significant sagging of the midface, jawline, and neck, the deep-plane facelift is often considered the gold standard because it rejuvenates multiple layers of tissue in one procedure and tends to last longer. For patients with mild laxity, a mini facelift or limited-incision lift might be enough.

What Are the Different Types of Facelift Procedures?

• Deep-Plane Facelift:  lifts skin and underlying deep plane tissue; ideal for midface, jawline, and neck rejuvenation.

• SMAS (Traditional) Facelift: tightens skin and superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer but without full deep release

• Mini Facelift / Short Scar Lift: smaller incisions, less invasive, mainly for early jowling or mild neck laxity

• Midface Lift: focuses on elevating the cheeks through a limited incision

• Neck Lift: tightens loose skin and platysma bands under the chin, addresses neck fat and creates a sharper jawline. Typically good for younger patients with no facial aging concern.

• Endoscopic or Limited Access Facelifts: use small incisions and a camera to access and lift specific areas of the face. No excess skin is removed.

Is Facelift Surgery Effective or how long does a facelift last?

When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon who specializes in the face, a facelift, particularly the deep-plane approach, is one of the most effective ways to restore youthful facial contours. Unlike non-surgical options that temporarily mask aging, a facelift repositions the underlying tissues for a structural, longer-lasting change. It cannot stop aging entirely, but it can “reset the clock” by about 10 years or more. For the right candidate, it’s a powerful, cost-effective investment in your appearance.

How Long Is the Surgery for a Facelift Procedure?

The length of surgery varies by technique and whether additional procedures (like a brow lift or fat grafting) are done at the same time. In New York, a deep-plane facelift typically takes 6–8 hours including anesthesia and careful closure. A necklift alone may take 2–3 hours, while a combined facelift and neck lift or brow lift can take longer. Your surgeon will give you an accurate estimate at your consultation. This may depend on your specific anatomy and prior procedures and interventions you have had.

What Is the Best Plastic Surgery for the aging Neck and Face?

For patients with significant laxity in both the face and neck, a combined deep-plane facelift with a comprehensive neck lift often produces the most dramatic, natural result. This is often combined with an endoscopic browlift as well to address hooded eyelids and ptosis or descent of the brow and forehead. This approach repositions the deeper facial layers, tightens neck muscles (platysma), removes excess fat, and excess skin, all in one procedure. Depending on your anatomy, your surgeon might also recommend adding fat grafting or skin resurfacing to enhance the outcome.

Why Choose a Deep-Plane Facelift in New York?

• Dr. Shikara is a Facial plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training who specializes only in surgery of the face and deep plane facelifts

• Access to state-of-the-art surgical facilities and anesthesia care

• Expertise in blending facelift surgery with other procedures (neck lift, brow lift, fat grafting, skin treatments) for a customized plan

• Emphasis on natural-looking results that suit your features, not a one-size-fits-all template

• Convenience of New York with easy access to restaurants, parks, and shopping while you heal and recover after the initial first week of rest and recovery

What Is Recovery from a Deep Plane Facelift Like?

Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild tightness for the first 1-2 weeks. Stitches are usually removed gradually between day 4-14 after surgery. By two weeks, many people feel comfortable going out socially or returning to work. Exercise and heavy lifting are delayed for about 3-4 weeks. Final results continue to refine over several months to a year.

How Long Do Results Last?

While aging continues, the improvements from a deep-plane facelift often last 10-15 years or more. Many patients also maintain results with a healthy lifestyle, sun protection, and occasional non-surgical treatments such as lasers or injectables.

Next Steps: Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re interested in learning more about deep-plane facelift surgery in New York, or exploring which facelift procedure is right for you, schedule a private consultation. Dr. Shikara specializes in Deep Plane Facelifts and facial rejuvenation of the face. We’ll examine your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, answer all your questions, and design a plan tailored to you.

Shikara Facial Plastic Surgery

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