Deep Plane Facelift

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Marin County, San Francisco, Davis and Petaluma, CA

A deep plane facelift is a facial rejuvenation procedure that elevates and repositions the deep structural tissues of the face. Rather than relying primarily on skin tightening, this technique works beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to lift and reposition descended facial tissues. By addressing aging at a deeper structural level, a deep plane facelift can restore definition through the cheeks, jawline, and lower face while maintaining the patient’s natural features. (1)

At her private practice in San Francisco, California, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kimberly A. Henry performs deep plane facelifts for patients seeking a refreshed, natural appearance. She and her team are dedicated to providing sophisticated surgical skill with personalized care, tailoring every procedure to each patient’s unique anatomy to achieve refined, harmonious, and natural-looking results.

To learn more about deep plane facelifts, schedule a consultation online or call (415) 924-1313 to get started.

About Deep Plane Facelifts

As one of the most widely performed cosmetic procedures in the United States, the facelift continues to grow in popularity. In particular, the deep plane facelift has gained attention as a technique that addresses deeper structural changes beneath the surface. (2)

How Facial Aging Affects Deeper Tissues

Because the face is constantly exposed to environmental stressors like sun exposure, it is often among the first areas to display visible signs of aging. However, facial aging involves changes in both the skin and deeper facial tissues. Over time, the deeper support structures gradually descend, taking soft tissue with them and leading to concerns such as jowls, loss of jawline definition, and changes in the neck. (3) Understanding this approach begins with the relationship between the skin and underlying facial structures:

  • Skin (Outermost Layer): Skin laxity is only one component of facial aging, and changes in the deeper tissues also contribute to alterations in facial contour.
  • SMAS & Platysma (Deep Support Layer): Situated beneath the skin and surface fat, the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) connects the facial muscles with surrounding soft tissues, while the platysma supports the neck. Together, they function as a continuous sheet of connective tissue and muscle that supports the neck, jawline, and cheeks. As you age, the SMAS can descend, and the platysma muscle can separate in the center, which contributes to jowling, softening of the jawline, and neck laxity.
  • Deeper Facial Structures: Beneath the support layer lie deeper anatomical structures that also influence facial contour and shape. Their relationship with surrounding soft tissues also influences how age-related changes appear throughout the face.

What Makes a Deep Plane Facelift Different from Traditional Approaches?

While various facelift techniques aim to improve similar signs of aging, they differ significantly in how they address the underlying support layer. The deep-plane procedure is essentially a deeper SMAS-based approach. By working underneath the SMAS layer, this technique allows selected retaining attachments to be released so the deeper facial tissues have greater mobility.

Rather than relying primarily on tension placed on the overlying skin, a deep plane facelift mobilizes and repositions the deeper tissues so they perform as a more unified layer. This structural approach allows Dr. Henry to elevate descended tissues effectively while enabling the skin to rest comfortably over newly restored contours. (1)

Benefits

By reshaping the underlying facial structure rather than relying primarily on skin tension, a deep plane facelift can deliver smoother contours and a refreshed, naturally rejuvenated appearance. Additional benefits include: (2)

  • Greater cheek contour and jowl reduction
  • Improved jawline and neck definition
  • Improved midface contours through tissue repositioning
  • Softer wrinkles and folds around the lower face
  • Deeper structural repositioning
  • Natural-looking rejuvenation with long-lasting results

Candidates

Candidacy for a deep plane facelift depends on several factors, such as the extent of facial aging, overall health, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. It delivers comprehensive, long-lasting structural rejuvenation for individuals with more pronounced facial laxity. Ideal candidates for a deep plane facelift are individuals who:

  • Have visible signs of aging such as jowls, sagging skin, or deep facial folds.
  • Are seeking a comprehensive restoration of the lower face and neck.
  • Desire a longer-lasting and more comprehensive solution than non-surgical treatments.
  • Are in good overall health and do not smoke.
  • Maintain realistic expectations about the possible results and recovery.

To achieve more comprehensive results, Dr. Henry offers several related procedures that she can perform with your deep plane facelift, such as an eyelid lift or a brow lift. During their consultation, patients can explore these options with Dr. Henry’s expert recommendation. (3)

Personal Consultation

The first step toward your deep plane facelift is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Henry. During this appointment, you will discuss your aesthetic concerns and review your medical history. She will then perform a comprehensive physical examination of your face to assess your skin elasticity and underlying facial bone structure. Based on her evaluation, Dr. Henry will provide you with a personalized treatment plan with all the information you need for a successful procedure. Together, you and Dr. Henry will review realistic expectations for your results and recovery, along with a complete breakdown of procedure costs.

Preparation

Once your treatment plan is finalized, Dr. Henry will provide clear, detailed preoperative instructions tailored to your health profile and treatment plan, which typically include:

  • Temporarily avoid taking blood thinners before surgery.
  • Coordinating with a trusted adult to drive you home and assist during early recovery
  • Avoiding alcohol and nicotine products both before and after the treatment
  • Scheduling a few weeks off from work and daily routines to allow for proper healing.

Following Dr. Henry’s preoperative instructions closely will support the safety and success of your deep plane facelift.

Procedure

Dr. Henry carefully tailors each deep plane facelift to the patient’s unique facial anatomy, degree of aging, and aesthetic goals. During the procedure, she works beneath the SMAS to release and reposition deeper facial tissues, then redrapes the skin over the restored contours.

Accessing the Deep Plane

In the deep plane portion of the procedure, the skin, underlying fat, and SMAS are lifted together as a unified layer. To achieve this, Dr. Henry enters the natural sliding space beneath the SMAS, known as the deep plane. Targeting the deeper plane provides access to the structural attachments that influence the position and mobility of the facial tissues. (1)

Releasing and Repositioning the Facial Tissues

By carefully releasing tough structural anchors, such as the zygomatic ligaments in the cheek, Dr. Henry can freely elevate this composite layer. Firm connective tissue attachments anchor the support layer. When they remain intact, lifting becomes restricted. Releasing selected attachments allows Dr. Henry to increase the mobility of the deeper tissues so they can be elevated and repositioned without relying primarily on tension placed on the skin. She can adjust the extent and direction of repositioning based on the patient’s anatomy and areas of concern. (1)

Redraping the Skin and Closing the Incisions

Once the deeper facial tissues have been repositioned, the skin is gently redraped over the new contours without excessive tension. Dr. Henry can then conservatively remove any excess skin before carefully closing the incisions. (3)

Recovery and Results

Everyone’s recovery timeline varies slightly due to individual factors such as age, skin elasticity, overall health, and the specific treatment approach. Following Dr. Henry’s postoperative instructions during your recovery process is key to supporting proper healing and achieving the best possible facelift results.

You will need to take time off work, avoid physically taxing activities like heavy exercise, and come in for follow-up appointments to ensure your facelift recovery is progressing as expected. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal during the first week of healing but can be managed with medication and proper care. Most patients feel well enough to resume light activities within about two weeks, although healing will continue beyond this initial recovery period. To support healing, Dr. Henry recommends keeping your head elevated, avoiding strenuous activity, and following your postoperative care instructions. (3)

As swelling gradually subsides and the tissues settle into their new position, the results of your deep plane facelift will become increasingly visible. Over the following several months, natural-looking improvements will gradually emerge, revealing more refined facial contours. Patients can expect improved definition through the cheeks, jawline, and lower face as healing progresses, although individual results will vary. (3)

Cost of Deep Plane Facelifts in San Francisco, California

The final cost of a deep plane facelift depends on several factors, including the techniques chosen, the time required to perform the procedure, the anesthesia used, and other cost variables. During your consultation, Dr. Henry will provide a comprehensive price quote.

To explore the cost of your deep plane facelift, please schedule a consultation online or call (415) 924-1313.

FAQ

Will I still look like myself after a deep plane facelift?

Yes, you will still look like yourself after a deep plane facelift. The procedure works directly with and follows the natural outline of your underlying anatomical structures rather than simply pulling the skin against them. Dr. Henry’s goal is not to reinvent your face, but rather to refresh and refine your natural features.

Why has the deep plane facelift become so popular?

Increased public awareness of facial anatomy, social media education, and growing interest in natural-looking facial rejuvenation have all contributed to the rising popularity of facelifts. The deep plane technique is at the forefront of this movement because it lifts and repositions deeper structural tissues rather than relying primarily on skin tightening. By working beneath the SMAS layer, the technique can restore more youthful facial contours while creating natural-looking, long-lasting results. (2)

What is the best age to have a deep plane facelift?

Candidacy is primarily dictated by individual concerns involving structural changes and skin laxity rather than age. However, most patients typically receive a deep plane facelift between the ages of 45 and 60. This window is an optimal time for early or preventative intervention, as skin elasticity is generally most favorable for achieving natural outcomes. A deep plane facelift can effectively address noticeable jowling, deep folds, or neck laxity that non-surgical options cannot fix. (3)

References

  1. Ackerman BM, Savalia NB. Systematic Approach to Deep Plane Facelift. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Published online March 25, 2025. doi:10.1007/s00266-025-04793-0
  2. Kugler T. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2025. Accessed September 25, 2026. https://www.aafprs.org/Media/Press_Releases/The_Rise_of_Deep_Plane_Facelift.aspx
  3. Facelift (Rhytidectomy): What Is It, Recovery & What to Expect. Cleveland Clinic. August 24, 2021. Accessed September 25, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11023-facelift