Deep-Plane Facelift

Are your cheeks drooping and jawline softening, despite consistent skincare and non-surgical treatments? A deep-plane facelift targets the real cause of facial aging by repositioning the deeper facial layers. This treatment restores youthful cheek volume, defines the jawline, and smooths deep folds, providing a natural, refreshed look. 

At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Craig Jonov performs deep-plane facelifts using advanced techniques designed to lift the underlying structures of the face, not just the skin. His approach ensures natural-looking, long-lasting results that enhance your features.

What is a Deep-Plane Facelift?

A deep-plane facelift is an advanced cosmetic surgery that can address the deeper causes of facial aging. Unlike traditional facelift techniques, this facelift helps to lift the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), facial fat pads, and ligament structures as a single unit. Choosing this procedure helps to naturally reposition the facial tissues, restore youthful volume to the cheeks, improve jawline definition, and soften deep lines.

Benefits of a Deep-Plane Facelift 

There are many benefits of a deep-plane facelift procedure, including: 

• Natural-looking results: Lifts the muscle–fat layer (SMAS) as one unit, so cheeks and jawline look refreshed without an unnatural or stretched look.
• Midface rejuvenation: Repositions sagging cheek fat pads, softens smile lines, and restores youthful contour.
• Sharper jawline: Deep-tissue repositioning eliminates jowls and clearly defines the lower face.
• Long-lasting outcome: Deeper support layers are reset, so results endure far longer than skin-only or mini facelifts.
• Minimal, discreet scars: Skin is redraped without heavy tension, helping incisions around the ear heal.
• Less bruising, quicker recovery: Working in the deep plane preserves tiny blood vessels, often reducing swelling and downtime.
• Natural facial expression: Muscles are repositioned, not tethered, so smiling and frowning feel normal, never stiff.
• Fewer future fillers: Restored native volume means most patients need fewer (or no) dermal-filler touch-ups for years.
• Single, comprehensive solution: Addresses cheeks, jawline, and early neck sagging in one operation, with no staged procedures required.

Ideal Candidates for Deep-Plane Facelift 

Ideal candidates for a deep-plane facelift typically meet these key criteria:

• Visible sagging in the mid-face and jawline: Cheeks look flat, smile lines deepen, and early jowls blur the jaw.
• Good overall health: No uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, or serious heart/lung issues.
• Nonsmoker (or willing to quit at least 4 weeks before and after surgery): Smoking slows healing and can compromise results.
• Stable weight: Large weight swings after surgery can shorten the longevity of the lift.
• Realistic expectations: Understands the goal is to look refreshed and natural.
• Wants a long-lasting solution:  Prefers one comprehensive surgery with 10–15 years of benefit over repeated fillers, threads, or mini lifts.
• Healthy skin quality: No active infections, severe sun damage, or untreated conditions in the surgical area.
• Emotionally prepared: Comfortable with surgical risks, committed to follow-up visits, and supported by family or friends during recovery.

How a Deep-Plane Facelift Is Performed

A deep-plane facelift is a specialized surgical procedure to address the underlying causes of facial aging. Unlike traditional facelifts that focus only on tightening the skin, this technique lifts and repositions the deeper facial layers for longer-lasting, more natural-looking results. Here’s how the procedure is typically done:

• Anesthesia: The surgery begins with either general anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure you are fully comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
• Precise Incisions: Dr. Jonov makes small, well-placed incisions, usually starting at the hairline near the temples, continuing around the ear, and ending behind the ear into the lower hairline. These incisions are carefully designed to be hidden within natural skin folds and hair.
• Accessing the Deep Plane: Dr. Jonov gently lifts the skin just enough to reach the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), a deeper layer of muscle and connective tissue that supports the face.

• Releasing Key Ligaments: Specific facial ligaments that tether the cheeks and jawline in their aged position are released. This allows the descended fat pads and tissues to move freely and naturally back to a youthful position.
• Lifting and Repositioning: Dr. Craig Jonov then lifts the SMAS layer and surrounding fat pads as a single unit, repositioning them upward and slightly inward to restore youthful contours in the cheeks, jawline, and lower face.
• Skin Repositioning: Once the deeper tissues are secured, the skin is gently repositioned over the lifted structure without tension. Only the excess skin is removed, which helps avoid an overly tight or unnatural appearance.
• Closure and Dressing: The incisions are closed with fine sutures, and a soft dressing or compression garment may be applied to reduce swelling and support healing. Small drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup.

Most patients return home the same day. Swelling and bruising are expected but usually improve significantly within two weeks. 

Recovery and Aftercare After a Deep-Plane Facelift

Recovery from a deep-plane facelift is an important phase that ensures the best possible results. Because this procedure works beneath the surface, healing takes time, but when guided by Dr. Jonov, most patients recover smoothly and with minimal complications.

Immediate Post-Op (First 1–3 Days)

• You’ll go home the same day with light dressings and possibly small drains to prevent fluid buildup.
• Mild to moderate swelling, tightness, and bruising are normal.
• Keep your head elevated, including during sleep, to help reduce swelling.
• Prescription pain medication and antibiotics may be provided to manage discomfort and reduce infection risk.

First Week

• Bruising and swelling often peak around day 3–4 and begin to subside by the end of the first week.
• You may be asked to return for drain removal and suture checks between days 5–7.

Avoid bending, heavy lifting, or any strenuous activity.

Weeks 2–3

• Most patients feel comfortable returning to desk work and social activities around 10–14 days post-op.
• Makeup can typically be worn to cover residual bruising once sutures are removed and incisions are healing well.
• Light walking is encouraged, while vigorous exercise should be avoided.

Weeks 4–6

• Swelling continues to diminish, and facial contours become more refined.
• Full physical activity, including exercise, can usually resume around 4–6 weeks.
• Scars begin to fade and can be helped with scar creams or silicone gels if recommended.
  

Long-Term Recovery

• Final results continue to improve over 3–6 months as deep tissues settle.
• Incisions heal into thin, discreet scars hidden in natural folds or the hairline.
• Follow-up appointments with Dr. Jonov are essential to monitor progress and ensure optimal healing.

Results After a Deep-Plane Facelift

The results of a deep-plane facelift are often described as natural, balanced, and long-lasting. Patients typically see a noticeable lift in the cheeks, smoother smile lines, a more defined jawline, and a significant reduction in jowls, without looking tight or overdone. 

By repositioning the deeper muscle and fat layers rather than just tightening the skin, this technique restores youthful contours while preserving facial expression and individuality. Most patients report looking like a refreshed, younger version of themselves rather than someone who has had surgery. 

Results continue to refine over a few months and can last 10 to 15 years, making the deep-plane facelift one of the most durable and effective options for facial rejuvenation.

Cost of a Deep-Plane Facelift 

Pricing for a deep-plane facelift is individualized after an in-person consultation with Dr. Jonov because each patient’s anatomy, surgical plan, and desired combination of procedures are unique. To make the process easier, The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers flexible payment options, including third-party financing, so you can choose a monthly schedule that fits your budget before selecting a surgery date.

Ready to take the next step?

Call 425-775-3561 to speak directly with our team or chat now to schedule your consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does recovery take after a deep-plane facelift?

Most swelling and bruising resolve within 10–14 days. Patients usually return to desk work by two weeks and resume full exercise around weeks 4–6.

Will the scars be noticeable?

Incisions follow natural creases around the ear and hairline; once healed, they typically fade to fine lines that are difficult to detect.

When can I combine a neck lift or other procedures?

Your surgeon can safely add a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting during the same operation if desired, allowing a single recovery period.

Is the procedure painful?

Discomfort is usually mild. You’ll be under anesthesia during surgery, and most patients manage the first few days afterward with prescription medication, then switch to over-the-counter pain relievers as swelling subsides.