Deep Plane Facelift - Newport Beach - Boris M. Ackerman, M.D.

As the science of plastic surgery evolves, time-proven procedures like the Facelift (rhytidectomy) get even better as refinements make results more natural and longer lasting. One such innovation is the Deep Plane Facelift.

As opposed to the SMAS facelift, the Deep Plane Facelift is a more powerful technique that addresses “mid-face” aging, providing more longevity to the correction of the jowls. Additionally, the entire facial rejuvenation is more harmonious.

During a traditional facelift, the skin is separated from the underlying tissues and pulled tight. This can result in an overly pulled and unnatural appearance. In the Deep Plane Facelift technique, the cheek tissues are elevated as one unit, which includes the skin, the SMAS layer, and the mid-face fat pad.

The Deep Plane Facelift technique requires the surgeon to have excellent skills and lots of experience, as the surgery involves elevating the tissues in the deep plane adjacent to the facial nerves. When performed by an expert facelift specialist, Deep Plane Facelift is quite safe with predictable results.

deep plane featured patient

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?

Deep Plane Facelift surgery is performed on women and men to:

Provide natural-looking rejuvenation
Avoid the tight, overfilled look of other facelift techniques
Restore lifted cheeks without the need for fillers or fat
Allow for smaller incisions
Create less-visible scarring

Am I a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Anyone in reasonably good health who is unhappy with facial laxity (drooping or sagging skin, jowls, etc.) is potentially the right candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift. It is important that patients manage expectations. Discussing outcomes and expectations is an important part of any pre-procedure consultation.

Candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit for a time before and after their surgery.

What Is Discussed During My Deep Plane Facelift?

Your Deep Plane Facelift is customized to your needs. A consultation with Dr. Ackerman is essential to the success of your facial enhancement surgery. During this meeting, Dr. Ackerman will:

Discuss your goals for your Deep Plane Facelift
Develop a surgical plan
Explain your surgical options
Evaluate your skin condition
Recommend any combination procedures
Take before photos

If you think you may be a candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift, contact Dr. Ackerman in Newport Beach, California, by calling (949) 759-3284.

How Can I Personalize My Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?

deep plane featured patient 2

How Can I Personalize My Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?

A good plastic surgeon knows that each patient is different, with different requirements and expectations for facial rejuvenation. Your Deep Plane Facelift can be modified to individual preferences depending on your specific needs.

Your Deep Plane Facelift is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. You will be able to return home to recover a few hours after the completion of your facelift.
How Does a Deep Plane Facelift Differ From a Traditional Facelift?
Most traditional facelift techniques lift and tighten the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a muscle in the lower part of the face positioned between the cheeks and jowls. This is known as a SMAS facelift. While this technique does lift the lower facial region, it can leave much to be desired.

First, the SMAS facelift does not address the cheeks, as the SMAS layer sits below. Therefore, facelift surgery is commonly combined with dermal fillers or fat grafting to restore shape and youthfulness to the cheeks.

Secondly, the skin and muscles are separated during this technique and tightened separately, which can create an overly stretched or pulled look in the skin.

The Deep Plane Facelift technique repositions deep tissue structures below the skin, often providing a longer lasting and more natural look than a more conventional facelift which tends to stretch and tighten facial skin to achieve results.

Because this technique focuses on the muscle and fat layers (including in the cheeks), this technique does not have the same risks as traditional facelift surgeries, and the Deep Plane Facelift can reposition cheek fat.
Where Are My Deep Plane Facelift Incisions Made?
Deep Plane Facelifts feature smaller incisions. Scars are hidden inside the tragus and behind the ear, so cannot be seen even when the hair is pulled back in a ponytail.

Should I Combine My Deep Plane Facelift With Other Facial Procedures?

The Deep Plane Facelift procedure often includes a neck lift. Often, patients choose to combine their Deep Plane Facelift with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to address excess skin and fat on the upper and lower eyelids.

What Are Your Concerns?

What Will My Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Be Like?

Recovery following a Deep Plane Facelift usually involves some bruising and swelling for a week or more but is often less than with a traditional facelift. Pain medication may be prescribed, and the application of cold compresses and elevation of the head may be recommended. It is important to get lots of rest during the recovery.

Is Deep Plane Facelift Surgery Painful?

Pain during and after the procedure can be managed with medication. A feeling of tightness is normal in the first week following surgery, but most patients do not report any significant pain.

Will My Deep Plane Facelift Leave Scars?

Deep Plane Facelift incisions heal with minimal scarring. If there is visible scarring, it will be hidden within the structure of the ear.

Because the Deep Plane Facelift lifts the skin and muscle together, there will not be excessive tension placed on the incision from the muscle once it is closed. This allows for smaller and better-healing scars.

What Does Deep Plane Facelift Surgery Cost in Newport Beach?

The cost of your Deep Plane Facelift will vary depending on many factors. These factors include the extent of your procedure, whether any other surgery is being performed in combination, and external fees, such as anesthesia, facility, and surgeon fees. Pre and post-operative appointments, as well as dressings and medications, will also factor into your total price.

Dr. Ackerman’s office will provide you with an accurate cost estimate during your consultation.

What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?

When will I see my Deep Plane Facelift results?

Initial results should start to be visible immediately, with the full effect of the procedure apparent once the swelling subsides.

Most of the swelling will have resolved within two weeks; however, your results will continue to refine over the following weeks and months.

Does a Deep Plane Facelift address the entire face?

A Deep Plane Facelift addresses tissues and muscles deep within the face, enhancing the overall lift produced by a regular facelift procedure. The results are a more dramatic and natural result across the majority of the face.

How should I prepare for a Deep Plane Facelift?

During your pre-procedure consultation, details on how to prepare for surgery will be shared. These may include getting rest, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol.

On the day, make sure your face is clean and makeup-free.

What are the risks associated with Deep Plane Facelift surgery?

Any surgery involves a certain amount of risk. But under the care of an expert cosmetic surgeon, those risks are lessened. Care must be taken to avoid infection post-procedure.

Is there a non-surgical alternative to a Deep Plane Facelift?

These days, there are many alternatives for patients who prefer non-surgical solutions to wrinkles or minor skin laxities. Some of these treatments include BOTOX® Cosmetic and laser skin resurfacing.

Ask your cosmetic surgeon about non-invasive treatments if you are not yet ready for a surgical facelift. It is important to remember that minimally invasive treatments cannot replicate the results of a surgical procedure and cannot be used as a trade-off. These treatments work best in patients with a lesser degree of aging or those looking to combine a non-surgical treatment with a facelift.

BOTOX® Cosmetic can enhance facelift results by minimizing expression-causing lines and wrinkles in the forehead. Laser resurfacing can enhance facelift results by treating irregular skin tone and texture.

Are my Deep Plane Facelift results permanent?

No cosmetic surgical procedure lasts forever—the aging process, skin growth, and the effects of gravity continue over time. But by maintaining a consistent weight and living a healthy lifestyle, you should enjoy the results of your Deep Plane Facelift for 10 to 15 years.

Dr. Boris Ackerman