Deep Plane Facelift Surgery | Natural-Looking Facial Rejuvenation

Overview

Getting a facelift shouldn’t leave you looking like someone else. A deep plane facelift is one of the most advanced surgical options for facial rejuvenation and is ideal for patients seeking natural, lasting results.

Unlike traditional techniques that tighten only the skin, a deep plane facelift lifts the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, creating smoother, more sculpted contours in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. By addressing the root causes of sagging, this technique restores a rested, youthful appearance, without sacrificing your natural expressions.

Summary

Procedure time

3 to 5 hours

Overnight stay

Not typically required

Anesthetic

General anesthesia

Recovery time

3–4 weeks for social downtime; full healing up to 6 months

What Areas Can a Deep Plane Facelift Improve?

A deep plane facelift addresses the key signs of facial aging that occur in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck:

Deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
Jowls and loss of jawline definition
Loose skin and banding in the neck
Sagging cheeks and midface volume loss

Because the deeper tissues are released and lifted as a single unit, this technique provides a more natural and longer-lasting result than skin-only or SMAS plication techniques.
Your surgeon may also recommend combining a deep plane facelift with procedures like a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

This technique is especially effective for improving the areas where signs of aging are often most visible, such as sagging cheeks, deep smile lines, and jowls. By repositioning deeper tissue layers rather than pulling the skin tight, a deep plane facelift helps you look like yourself, just more refreshed.

Am I a Candidate for
a Deep Plane Facelift in
New Jersey?

Many patients come to us feeling like their appearance no longer reflects how they feel inside. If you’re bothered by loose skin, hollowing, or a tired look that no longer responds to skincare or fillers, a deep plane facelift may be the next step.

You may be a good candidate if:

You’ve noticed sagging in your cheeks, jawline, or neck
You want results that look natural, not overly tight or “done”
You’re in good health and ready for a few weeks of downtime
You’re looking for long-lasting improvement, not a quick fix

Consultation

The Plastic Surgery Center offers face lift consultations at all of our locations. During the consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your goals, facial bone structure, and skin condition (texture, elasticity, wrinkles, and folds). Your surgeon will then take your age and any additional risks into consideration before determining whether you’re a good candidate for a face lift. Oftentimes, your surgeon will discuss other facial procedures that can be performed to improve your results and maintain facial balance.

What to Expect

Your surgical journey begins with a personalized plan built around your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and medical history. Before surgery, your care team will guide you through pre-op preparations, which may include lab work, medication adjustments, and detailed planning. We’re here to make sure you feel informed and confident every step of the way.

The procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will use discreet incisions around the ears and hairline to access the deeper facial structures. By carefully lifting and repositioning the underlying SMAS layer and supportive ligaments, we restore natural contour and definition—without an overdone look. Incisions are closed with precision to minimize visible scarring.

Recovery is gradual but manageable. Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are expected in the first few weeks, with most patients returning to social activities within three to four weeks. Your care team will provide tailored post-op instructions and ongoing support to ensure you heal smoothly and achieve the best possible outcome.

Recovery &
Results

Swelling and bruising are common in the first 1–2 weeks, with most patients returning to social activities by weeks 3–4.
While early improvements are visible, results will continue to refine over several months, and scars fade discreetly over time.
A deep plane facelift delivers long-lasting structural rejuvenation—often 10–15 years—unlike temporary injectables, with natural motion and softer aging.
You'll have scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing, and our team will be available to support you throughout your recovery.

Our

Deep Plane Facelift Surgeons

Our plastic surgeons are extensively trained in advanced deep plane techniques and facial anatomy. They combine technical skill with aesthetic intuition to deliver outcomes that elevate, not erase, your natural features. With years of experience and thousands of satisfied patients, our team is trusted across the Northeast for facial rejuvenation expertise.

Your specialist. Your solution.

PHYSICIAN

Russell Ashinoff

MD, FACS

PHYSICIAN

Ritwik Grover

PHYSICIAN

Matthew Kaufman

MD, FACS

PHYSICIAN

Robert T. Nevitt III

PHYSICIAN

Michael Rose

MD, FACS

PHYSICIAN

Deepak Ramesh

Our

Rhinoplasty
Surgeons

Our board-certified rhinoplasty surgeons are dedicated to every patient’s safety and satisfaction. We use our rigorous training, world-class techniques, and exceptional attention to detail to create a personalized treatment plan and resolve any cosmetic and functional concerns.

Learn More

Physician

Andrew Elkwood

MD, FACS

Physician

Deborah Yu

MD, FACS

Physician

Hakan Usal

MD, FACS

Financing & Insurance

Deep plane facelifts are considered elective cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance. We understand this is an important investment in your confidence. Flexible monthly financing is available. Contact our office for more information on payment plans and estimates.

If you want to learn more about estimated costs and coverage, don't hesitate to contact our dedicated support staff.

Learn More