While surgeons like Dr. Konstantin have been using advanced facelift techniques for many years, the deep plane facelift has gained significant attention in recent years. Not only can this technique rejuvenate multiple areas of the face at once, but it yields results that maintain a natural-looking appearance—and are built to endure. Below, we explore some of the greatest advantages of the deep plane technique.
Table of Contents
- More Natural-Looking Results
- Better Midface Rejuvenation
- Longer-Lasting Results
- How Does Recovery Compare to a Traditional Facelift?
- Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for Everyone?
After years of getting botox, filler, and thread lifts, fashion designer Marc Jacobs wanted a longer-lasting result to address the skin laxity and jowling he noticed on his face. In 2021, at 58 years old, he did what most celebrities would never do. He posted a photo to his instagram of his face fully bandaged. He was recovering from a deep plane facelift and decided to chronicle the entire process.
Over the course of his recovery, fans were shocked at how natural-looking Jacobs’s results were after healing. They were not at all like the stretched look that many were used to seeing. Since then, the deep plane facelift has only continued to grow in popularity. It’s one of the best facelift procedures for people who, like Jacobs, have moderate to significant signs of aging and are looking for natural facial rejuvenation. Below, we explore more of the advantages of the deep plane facelift.
More Natural-Looking Results
Natural-looking results are important for all aesthetic procedures, and the deep plane facelift produces some of the most natural ones. The technique itself supports and repositions deeper facial structures and connective tissue layers beneath the skin. This sets it apart from other techniques that focus on the superficial tightening of the musculoponeurotic system (SMAS). These layers are suspended and anchored in place without skin tension. This creates a natural-looking result instead of that pulled and stretched look that gave old fashion facelifts a bad reputation. The results end up being both durable and natural-looking.
Better Midface Rejuvenation
The midface (aka the upper cheeks) is often one of the earliest areas of the face to show visible aging, but it can be difficult to address with traditional facelift techniques.
The deep plane technique involves releasing facial retaining ligaments and repositioning sagging fat pads of the cheek back to where they should naturally sit on top of the cheekbone. The midface is lifted upward rather than back which helps to maintain a natural appearance while fighting gravity.
These key differences result in:
- Softened nasolabial folds
- Restored natural volume, often without the need for additional fat grafting or dermal fillers
- Smoother facial transitions for a more balanced appearance, including the area under the eyes
Because the tissue has been restored to its natural position it creates a seamless rejuvenating effect.
Longer-Lasting Results
As we’ve mentioned before, a deep plane facelift addresses the deeper facial structures rather than just the skin and superficial layers. Because of this, the results typically last longer than other techniques. The rejuvenated appearance that a deep plane facelift can achieve often lasts for 10 to 15 years which could be significantly longer than other techniques.
However, it is important to note that although the results are designed to be long-lasting the natural aging process will still continue. The longevity of deep plane facelift results vary based on factors such as lifestyle, skin quality, health, and sun exposure.
How Does Recovery Compare to a Traditional Facelift?
Recovery after a deep plane facelift is quite similar to that after other modern facelift techniques. While swelling and bruising are to be expected, many patients feel ready to return to social activities within a week or two, depending on their individual healing process.
However, it’s important to still keep in mind that the deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that requires patience during the healing process. To make it easier for people to anticipate recovery times, we made a detailed guide. You can see our facelift recovery timeline to get an idea of what to expect.
Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for Everyone?
Not every patient wants or needs a deep plane facelift. Factors such as facial anatomy, the degree of skin laxity, age-related volume loss, and the patient’s aesthetic goals will all play a role in whether a deep plane facelift is the right procedure. Good candidates for a deep plane facelift often have:
- More advanced facial aging
- Significant midface descent
- Sagging skin
- Substantial jowling
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
People with these more advanced signs of aging often benefit far more from a deep plane facelift than from less extensive approaches that don’t offer the same level of facial rejuvenation. On the other hand, patients with mild to moderate signs of aging may benefit from other facelift techniques or non-surgical solutions.
Learn More About Deep Plane Facelift Surgery in New York City
Although not everyone is a celebrity fashion designer, Marc Jacobs’s experience is still highly relatable. If you also feel like you’ve exhausted botox, fillers and other treatments and want longer-lasting results, a consultation with Dr. Konstantin, a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation, is the best way to learn about your options for achieving a more youthful look.
To meet with Dr. Konstantin and discuss your aesthetic goals, request a consultation using our online form or call our Manhattan office at (212) 380-3634.
