Your Guide to the Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift

Dr. Philip Miller

December 1, 2025

When it comes to facial rejuvenation, today’s patients want more than tighter skin; they want results that look natural, refined, and long-lasting. If you’ve been researching facelift options, you may have come across a technique that has become the gold standard for structural facial rejuvenation: the deep plane facelift.

Unlike more traditional approaches, this advanced method lifts and repositions the deeper facial layers to restore youthful contours without creating tension or an overdone appearance. For patients seeking sophisticated, lasting, natural-looking improvement, a deep plane facelift may offer the most elegant solution.

Below, we explore everything you need to know: what a deep plane facelift is, recovery, costs, and what makes this technique uniquely effective.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a surgical technique that lifts and repositions the deeper facial structures, not just the skin. The procedure elevates the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System). Unlike traditional SMAS lifts that mainly tighten or pull, the deep plane approach releases and repositions deeper tissues to reduce tension on the skin.

This results in a naturally refreshed look that preserves facial movement and expression.

Many patients want to understand what a deep plane facelift is as they compare different facelift approaches. This technique effectively lifts the midface, improves jowls, and repositions descended tissues while maintaining a natural, non-tight appearance.

Combining a Facelift with a Neck Lift for Best Results 

As aging develops, the face and neck often change together. You may notice softening along the jawline, fullness beneath the chin, or early neck banding that alters the profile. At the same time, the midface can lose volume and definition. This is why many individuals choose to add a neck lift to their deep plane facelift for a more complete improvement.

When these procedures are performed together, the deep plane facelift elevates the midface and sharpens the jawline while the neck lift refines the neck angle, supports the deeper neck muscles, and adjusts excess fat. As a result, the face and neck improve in a way that looks consistent from every angle.

Furthermore, patients who experience early neck aging or a fading jawline often see stronger and longer-lasting results when both areas are addressed at once. This combined approach helps prevent the neck from aging faster than the face and creates a smoother, more defined overall contour.

See our facelift and neck lift case study.

Why More Patients Are Choosing the Deep Plane Facelift

Compared to more traditional facelift techniques, the deep plane approach offers meaningful advantages:

• Natural results: By repositioning deeper structures, the skin is not overly tightened, creating a rested, youthful appearance.
• Longer-lasting improvement: Structural repositioning supports results that age more gracefully.
• Comprehensive rejuvenation: The midface, jawline, and neck can all be addressed in a single procedure.

This method avoids the “pulled” or operated look many patients worry about, offering results that align with Dr. Miller’s philosophy of Aesthetic Confidence®, enhancing appearance while preserving your unique character.

Deep Plane Facelift NYC: Why Location and Expertise Matter

Choosing where and with whom you undergo a deep plane facelift is essential. New York City is home to some of the most experienced facial plastic surgeons, and selecting a specialist with advanced training in deep plane techniques is key.

Look for a surgeon who is:

• A double board-certified facial plastic surgeon
• Highly experienced in deep plane lifts
• Able to provide before-and-after photos demonstrating natural results

During your consultation, consider asking:

• How many deep plane facelifts have you performed?
• Can I also have a neck lift? 
• Do you offer the combined deep plane face and neck lift?
• What should I expect throughout recovery and in the long term?

The deep plane technique requires a level of precision and anatomical expertise that makes surgeon selection one of the most important steps in your journey.

Understanding Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift Techniques

A deep plane facelift targets the midface, cheeks, and jawline by releasing and repositioning tissues beneath the SMAS layer. This deeper level of lift allows for significant improvement in facial sagging while maintaining natural form and expression.

When combined with a neck lift, the surgeon may also:

• Tighten the platysma muscle
• Remove or reposition submental fat
• Refine the chin-neck angle and jawline

Together, these techniques create facial-neck harmony, especially beneficial for patients experiencing aging in both areas. 

Deep Plane Facelift Cost: What to Expect

One of the most searched questions is what does a deep plane facelift cost? Pricing varies depending on surgeon expertise, geographic location, surgical facility, and whether a combined deep plane face and neck lift is included.

Cost factors include:

• Surgeon training, skill, and experience
• Anesthesia
• Facility and postoperative care fees
• Individualized treatment planning

While price is important, prioritizing safety, experience, and long-term results will provide the greatest value. 

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline: What You Can Expect

Deep plane facelift recovery is often smoother than expected because tension is placed on deeper tissues rather than the skin. Many patients experience less bruising and a more comfortable healing process.

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline

• Week 1–2: Swelling and bruising peak, then begin to improve. Most patients take 10–14 days off work.
• Week 3–4: Bruising fades; early results appear. Many patients start to resume social activities.
• Week 6+: Final contours are refined as swelling resolves, revealing a naturally refreshed appearance.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

Ideal candidates are typically between 40 and 70 with moderate to significant facial and neck aging. Individuals who notice jowls, midface drooping, or loss of jawline definition, and want long-term, natural-looking results, often benefit most.

Good overall health and realistic expectations are essential. For patients wanting refined yet impactful rejuvenation, a deep plane face and neck lift may be an excellent solution.

Alternatives to a Deep Plane Facelift: MicroLift Face

For those who prefer a less involved option, the MicroLift offers an effective alternative. This minimally invasive procedure refreshes the mid and lower face and enhances jawline contouring without the need for major surgery. It is well-suited for individuals who see early signs of aging yet are not ready for a full deep plane facelift.

Experience subtle rejuvenation and a more sculpted appearance with our signature MicroLift procedure. It smooths fine lines, reduces mild jowls, and creates gentle lift with a shorter recovery period and minimal scarring.

Key Benefits

• Shorter recovery period
• Lifted and tightened facial skin
• Softer appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Minimal scarring
• Improved jawline definition
• Reduced appearance of early jowls
• Natural-looking results
• Quick return to daily activities

Schedule a Consultation for a Deep Plane Facelift in NYC

If you’re still wondering what is a deep plane facelift and whether this advanced approach aligns with your goals, the best next step is a consultation.

A consultation provides a detailed evaluation, detailed discussion of surgical options, and expert guidance on achieving results that look refined, natural, and uniquely you.

Ready to meet with a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon experienced in deep plane techniques?

Take the next step toward restoring youthful definition and long-lasting Aesthetic Confidence®.

Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Philip J. Miller.

Author Profile

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.

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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.