What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

Dr. Philip Miller

May 21, 2018

There are so many different cosmetic surgical techniques available in cosmetic surgery and in facelift surgery in particular that it may be a challenge for the patient to decide which one is best and will give the best cosmetic result. One determining factor is the longevity of the facelift procedure. The Deep Plane Facelift, offered at Dr. Philip Miller’s New York plastic surgery clinic, is but a single variant of the standard facelift, one that cuts deeper into the issue of facial rejuvenation.

Some doctors shy away from the Deep Plane Facelift because of the more invasive nature of the procedure and the increased risk of nerve damage and other complications which might occur. Still, this technique has produced many satisfied patients because of the natural and long-lasting effects of deep mid-face plane lifting.

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift

Unlike the traditional facelift, the deep plane facelift (Deep Plane Rhytidectomy) involves a deeper plane of dissection, allowing the surgeon access to the underlying muscle and soft tissue layer just below the skin. This includes the malar fat pads which begin to droop and flatten with age.

During the procedure the surgeon is constantly focused on the mid-face area including, the nose and upper lip to correct any issues caused by aging. With this technique the surgeon is also able to correct the deep nasolabial folds that form as the face loses volume due to the decreased production of collagen and elastin. These are the body’s foundational chemicals which give the facial skin its natural volume and elasticity.

Because the Deep Plane Facelift involves a deeper angle of “attack” there is an increased risk of facial nerve and tissue damage. It is an advanced and complicated surgical procedure that is best handled by an experienced and highly skilled surgeon. Even so, many surgeons view the procedure as a longer lasting alternative to the standard facelift because it targets age-related flaws centered in the mid-face area, an area often overlooked with other facelift techniques, while at the same time lifting the neck and jowls for a more youthful appearance. The Deep Plane Facelift tightens and rejuvenates the muscle-fascia layer and repositions fat tissue to achieve a true 3-dimensional result.

While the mechanics of the Deep Plane Facelift are more intricate by design, the results of the procedure are said to be superior than those of a standard facelift. If you have been considering facial rejuvenation surgery, the Deep Plane Facelift is just one of many options for you to discuss in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon well-versed in the technique. To learn more about facelifts, visit medlineplus.gov.

Contact a Facial Plastic Surgeon for a Deep Plane Facelift Consultation

Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation or fill out our contact form.

Dr. Philip Miller

Focusing exclusively on the face for more than two decades, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller blends art and science with innovation and skill to provide thousands of patients with impeccable results. He is known for pioneering the NatraLook methodology for rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, and other cosmetic procedures for the face.