Deep Plane Facelift in Beverly Hills

Deep Plane Facelift vs. SMAS Facelift

Deep plane and SMAS facelift techniques both address deeper facial support structures. The difference involves how the tissues are accessed, released, and repositioned. For a closer comparison of candidacy, recovery, and risks, read our Deep Plane vs. SMAS facelift comparison.

A SMAS facelift may tighten, fold, or reposition the SMAS independently from the skin. A deep plane facelift elevates selected portions of the skin and SMAS together while releasing specific retaining ligaments to improve tissue mobility.

One technique is not automatically better for every patient. Both approaches can produce substantial, long-lasting improvements when selected appropriately and performed carefully. The right technique depends on factors such as:

• Facial anatomy

• Location and severity of tissue descent

• Cheek and midface volume

• Jawline and neck laxity

• Skin thickness and elasticity

• Previous facial surgery

• Desired degree of correction

• The surgeon’s examination and surgical plan

Dr. Champagne may also modify or combine techniques when a single textbook approach would not address the patient’s complete anatomy.

Who Is a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Candidates commonly have visible tissue descent through the midface or lower face and want a more substantial correction than nonsurgical treatments can provide.

A potential candidate should generally:

• Be in good overall health

• Have realistic expectations

• Understand the procedure and recovery

• Avoid smoking or follow instructions for stopping nicotine use

• Be able to follow postoperative restrictions

• Have facial aging that can reasonably be improved through surgical repositioning

• Want natural-looking improvement rather than an altered identity

Age alone does not determine candidacy. Some patients develop significant facial laxity earlier because of genetics, weight changes, sun exposure, or facial anatomy. Others maintain strong facial support until later in life.

A consultation is necessary to determine whether a deep plane technique, another facelift approach, or a nonsurgical option is most appropriate.

Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation

During the facelift consultation, Dr. Champagne evaluates the face as a connected anatomical structure rather than a collection of isolated features.

The examination may include the:

• Cheeks and midface

• Nasolabial folds

• Corners of the mouth

• Jowls and jawline

• Chin and facial proportions

• Neck and area beneath the chin

• Skin thickness, elasticity, and texture

• Hairline and possible incision locations

• Eyelids, brows, and facial volume

Dr. Champagne will discuss the changes that can realistically be achieved, whether the neck should be treated simultaneously, and whether another procedure would complement the facelift.

Patients are encouraged to review facelift before-and-after photographs and ask questions about surgical planning, anesthesia, recovery, scars, potential risks, and long-term expectations.

How Is a Deep Plane Facelift Performed?

Deep plane facelift surgery is performed using a surgical plan tailored to the patient’s anatomy. Incisions are generally placed around the ear and within or along the hairline, although the exact pattern varies.

Through these incisions, Dr. Champagne accesses the deeper facial tissues and releases selected retaining structures where appropriate. The cheek and lower-face tissues are then repositioned along a planned vector.

Excess skin may be removed after the deeper tissues have been repositioned. The skin is redraped carefully rather than serving as the primary source of lift.

If the neck is included, additional work may address the platysma muscle, excess fat, loose skin, or structures beneath the chin. A short incision beneath the chin may sometimes be necessary.

The specific operative plan, anesthesia, procedure length, and recovery instructions will be reviewed before surgery.

Where Are Deep Plane Facelift Scars Located?

Facelift incisions are typically positioned within the hairline and around the natural contours of the ear. Their exact location depends on the patient’s hairline, anatomy, skin characteristics, and the amount of correction required.

Incisions may extend:

• Through or along the temporal hairline

• Around the front of the ear

• Within natural contours near the tragus

• Around the earlobe

• Behind the ear and into the posterior hairline

• Beneath the chin when neck treatment requires additional access

Scars generally evolve over many months. They may initially appear pink, firm, raised, or more noticeable before gradually maturing. Scar quality varies by patient, and no surgeon can promise invisible scars.

Careful incision placement, tension management, postoperative care, and protection from sun exposure can all influence scar appearance.