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Deep Plane Facelift in San Diego

If you dread Zoom meetings because you feel like everyone is staring at your jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and “turkey neck,” a deep plane facelift offers a solution that’s much more effective than setting up strategic camera angles. The deep plane procedure is an advanced technique that elevates and enhances the cheekbones, creates a defined jawline, and restores the neck’s attractive contours.

A deep plane facelift performed by one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre produces natural-looking results that exceed our patients’ expectations.  

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?  

To understand why the deep plane facelift is so effective, let’s start with a quick lesson about facial anatomy. Just below the skin and a bit of fat is a thick, fibrous sheet of tissue called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Below the SMAS is the deep plane layer.  

So, what sets the deep plane facelift apart from other facelift techniques? During a traditional facelift (often called a SMAS facelift), the surgeon lifts the skin and SMAS layer separately. A deep plane facelift is more invasive and involves elevating the skin, muscles, and SMAS as a single unit, creating results that last years longer than a less invasive approach.

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Are You a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift in San Diego? 

The ideal candidates for any facelift procedure have good overall health and don’t smoke. Women and men who can benefit most from the deep plane technique typically have the same concerns as other facelift patients, but the signs of aging are more pronounced. Plastic surgeons may recommend the deep plane approach if they observe the following: 

  • Deep nasolabial folds  
  • Significant jowling 
  • Puffy bags above the cheekbones, called festoons 
  • Drooping cheeks 
  • Loose neck skin  

Even though there isn’t a specific “best” age for any facelift procedure, the deep plane facelift tends to be the best option for patients in their 50s and 60s. If you have moderate facial aging, you may be a good candidate for a mini facelift.

How Is a Deep Plane Facelift Performed?

During a deep plane facelift, your surgeon makes incisions around your ears and along your hairline—essentially the same incision locations as with a SMAS facelift. Your surgeon then carefully dissects the deeper tissues of the face, including the SMAS layer. By targeting the muscles below the SMAS, the surgeon can reduce tension on the skin and elevate the muscles, skin, and SMAS together. After repositioning the deeper tissues, your surgeon trims away any excess skin and closes the incisions with sutures or staples. 

At LJC, your facelift will be performed while you are under general anesthesia, which a board-certified anesthesiologist administers. All procedures are performed in our private, on-site AAAASF-accredited surgical facility. 

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What To Expect at Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation

Is a deep plane facelift right for you? Make an appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons! 

During your visit, you will: 

  • Meet personally for a free consultation with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. 
  • Have your face examined and discuss your desires and expectations. 
  • See before-and-after pictures of actual patients treated by the surgeon. 
  • Receive information and materials that will help you in the decision-making process. 
  • Get a specific, written quote detailing all the costs. 

After scheduling your surgery, you’ll attend an individual “pre-op” appointment. There, you’ll learn about the surgical risks and the steps of the entire operative process so you know exactly what to expect. 

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What Are the Risks of a Deep Plane Facelift?

Risks are present during any elective surgery, including facelifts. Specific risks involved with any facelift technique include infection, bleeding, and poor healing. Because a deep plane facelift is more invasive than other techniques, the risk of injury to facial nerves is slightly greater. Choosing a surgeon who specializes in the deep plane technique minimizes this risk. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will carefully review your complete health history to ensure you are as safe as possible throughout every step of your surgery. 

How Long Is Recovery After a Deep Plane Facelift?  

The initial recovery period following a deep plane facelift is similar to recovery after a SMAS facelift, lasting about 3 weeks. A SMAS facelift may take slightly longer to heal because the technique involves lifting separate layers. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, redness, and discomfort that you can manage with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.  

Surgical drains may be inserted to minimize fluid accumulation below the skin during the initial healing phase. The drains are typically removed within a day or 2 of your surgery. As the healing process continues, you can expect to resume your normal activities within a few weeks. Residual swelling may last for a few months.

How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost? 

Now you can have the dramatic results of a deep plane facelift—without the added drama of how to pay for your procedure! Take advantage of our affordable payment plans that start at just $348 per month. Put down $4,500 with average credit and pay monthly over 60 months. That’s all it takes! If you pay more upfront or have above-average credit, you’ll have an even lower monthly payment! 

Deep plane facelift pricing can vary based on your unique needs. Feel free to head to our pricing page for more details, including full fee ranges.  

We encourage you to apply for financing to make paying for your procedure even more manageable. It’s easy to apply online, or we’ll provide our expert guidance during your consultation. There’s no better time to take years off your appearance. Let’s start the process together! 

Your Dream Starts Today

A deep plane facelift can take 10 to 15 years off your appearance. Sound good to you? Let’s make your dream a reality together. To get started,  request your free online consultation or give us a call at  (858) 452-1981.

Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre Editor on March 19th, 2024. Meet Our Medical Editors

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