Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift is a cosmetic procedure that lifts the deepest internal tissues of the face to improve contour and restore a youthful-looking appearance. This technique targets the deeper tissues to achieve a more thorough lift and extend the patient’s results. It is the most complex and intricate approach to the facelift, allowing the surgeon to lift very specific structures and improve the overall facial profile.

Dr. Michael Gartner is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who focuses on less invasive approaches to major cosmetic procedures. During his tenure in private practice, he and his staff at Gartner Plastic Surgery and Laser Center have accumulated experience in a wide range of surgeries, including the deep plane facelift. Dr. Gartner uses an extended approach that incorporates the neck to improve his patients’ final results further.

If you seek total facial rejuvenation that lasts, schedule your private consultation with us today by filling out our online form or calling:

Before and After Photos

View More Photos

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is the muscle layer below the facial skin and fat deposits that weakens with age. During a traditional SMAS facelift, Dr. Gartner sutures sections of the fascia to their original positions. This creates a lifted appearance in the face after trimming excess skin. Underneath the SMAS layer, soft tissue lies above the deep fascia of the face. Lifting this plane of the face allows for a more accomplished and even facelift when compared to other techniques. It is also considered to provide patients with consistent and longer-lasting results when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Gartner. The deep plane facelift goes one step further than the SMAS facelift by lifting the soft tissues between the SMAS layer and deep fascia to rejuvenate the area. ⁽¹⁾

Deep plane facelifts allow for a tensionless closure. When the soft tissue is sutured higher before closing the skin incisions, the skin no longer has to “hold” them in place. This allows Dr. Gartner to remove an adequate amount of skin and achieve smoother, youthful-looking results when compared to other types of facelifts. He performs an extended technique incorporating a neck lift to address excess skin underneath the jawline. A deep plane facelift can reduce years of age-related symptoms in one procedure to help patients look and feel their best.

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift has many benefits including:

A patient typically only undergoes a facelift surgery once in their lifetime. The results can last between 10-15 years or longer, allowing patients to enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for a very long time. Dr. Gartner uses his expertise to create natural and optimal results. When he repositions the tissue and skin, blood circulation increases, giving each patient a glowing and renewed countenance.

Ideal Candidates

This surgery is intended for those with sagging facial skin, loss of volume, and other visible signs of aging in the face. The ideal candidate is in good health with no serious health concerns that could impact recovery. They are a non-smoker or are willing to quit before their surgery. It is also important to have reasonable and optimistic expectations about what a deep plane facelift can achieve.

Candidates are typically in their 40s, 50s, or 60s with deep wrinkling and fine lines. They may have prominent nasolabial folds and midfacial sagging. Dr. Gartner’s extended deep plane facelift addresses both the face and neck area, so candidates with “turkey neck” or platysmal banding may qualify for this procedure. It is intended for those with severe signs of facial aging that can only be corrected with surgery.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Gartner

Dr. Gartner will meet with you for a private consultation to assess your candidacy. The personal consultation will be your chance to ask any questions and voice your concerns to him. He will help you make an informed decision and lead you down the right path to achieve your cosmetic desires. Please arrive at this appointment with a complete medical history and current allergies so he can prepare for your future surgery.

Dr. Gartner will perform a comprehensive health examination and run all necessary blood tests. This appointment will allow him to customize your procedure plan and provide you with important treatment details. He will describe the deep plane facelift procedure at length to make sure you are well prepared. If you are a good candidate, a member of our staff will schedule your surgery and follow-up appointments after this meeting.

Preparation

Before your facelift, please avoid:

Please prepare the following:

Deep Plane Facelift Procedure

To prepare and keep you comfortable during surgery, Dr. Gartner first administers general anesthesia. Next, he makes 2-3 incisions, typically in front of each ear and under the chin, in line with your facial contour for concealability. He may correct the neck first by lifting the tissues and repairing the musculature before tackling the face. He carefully separates the skin from the underlying soft tissue and enters the deeper layers through an incision in the SMAS layer. He uses sharp dissection to separate this layer from the one underneath.

After reaching the deeper soft tissues, he repositions and sutures them higher onto the facial profile. If there are excess fat pads, he may remove sections of them at this point. After the soft tissue is lifted, he sutures the SMAS and skin in multiple layers using the fascia for strength. This takes tension off of the final skin sutures and puts it on the internal fascia; a much stronger tissue. Dr. Gartner finally redrapes the skin, trims the excess, and stitches the incisions. He will place bandages to protect them. A deep plane facelift procedure typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.

Recovery

Recovery times after deep plane facelifts vary between patients. Most will experience swelling and bruising in the days directly following the procedure. Please take at least 7 days off of work to rest and recuperate. Following Dr. Gartner’s aftercare instructions carefully will ensure a quick recovery. Drink plenty of water and take short, gentle walks to encourage good blood flow.

After the first week or 2, some patients return to work. Avoid all vigorous activity for at least 3 weeks. We recommend sleeping in a reclined position to curb swelling. The swelling and bruising will dissipate as the incisions heal.

Natural-looking Results

Your results will slowly become more visible as you heal. For the first week or so, the swelling will make it difficult to see your new facial contour, but this will improve with time. After the recovery period, your face will be smoother, more youthful-looking, and reinvigorated. Your jawline will be more contoured and your neck much better defined. These results can last up to 15 years when sun protection and moisturizing skincare are incorporated into your daily routine.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Eyelid Lift

Those who seek facial rejuvenation often qualify for an eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty. This surgery removes excess skin and tissue from the upper or lower eyelids to correct sagging and puffiness. Dr. Gartner makes an incision along the upper eyelid crease and removes the excess skin very carefully. He then makes his way toward the underlying fat pads, dissecting or repositioning them as necessary. When the bulk is reduced, he stitches the eyelids with thin sutures. For lower eyelid lifts, skin is only removed in extreme cases of eyelid sagging. The fad pads can still be manipulated to reduce undereye bags.

How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost in New Jersey?

The total cost of a deep plane facelift is dependent on your treatment plan. Things that affect your expenses are your choice of anesthesia, surgery staff fees, and the length of the surgery itself. We offer financing options and provide an accurate price estimation during your private consultation.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Gartner today at our New Jersey office by calling (201) 546-1890 or filling out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

FAQ

References

1. Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. Accessed December 7, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
2. Jacono AA, Bryant LM, Ahmedli NN. A Novel Extended Deep Plane Facelift Technique for Jawline Rejuvenation and Volumization. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018;39(12):1265-1281. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjy292