A deep plane facelift is one of the most comprehensive and natural ways to rejuvenate the face because it lifts the deeper structural layers rather than tightening skin alone. This advanced technique restores youthful contours to the cheeks, jawline, and neck and is especially effective for patients with significant sagging or volume loss. At Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Dallas, Dr. Bassichis offers this procedure as part of a personalized approach that respects your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Below is a closer look at how the deep plane facelift works and why it is considered the gold standard for natural and long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the deeper facial tissues, including skin, muscle layers, fat pads, and connective tissue, as a single composite unit. Rather than tightening only the surface layers, this technique releases deeper supporting ligaments and elevates the structures responsible for youthful facial contours. This repositioning allows the cheeks, jawline, and neck to move back into a more lifted and refreshed position while preserving natural expression.
Because this approach works beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), it can rejuvenate areas that often remain unchanged with traditional facelifts. The midface and cheek region, in particular, benefit from deeper release and repositioning.
Dr. Bassichis performs the deep plane facelift as part of a tailored rejuvenation plan that complements other facelift options on the site, such as full, lower, and mini facelifts. Each technique is chosen based on your degree of aging, tissue behavior, and desired outcome.
Deep Plane Facelift Benefits
- Restores natural cheek fullness and mid-face volume without filler
- Smooths jowls, refines jawline, and enhances neck contour
- Lifts descended fat pads and supporting tissues for a youthful structure
- Maintains natural facial movement and expression after surgery
- Offers long-lasting results, often 10 to 15 years in many cases
Real Patients. Real Results.
Your Deep Plane Facelift Experience
During the procedure, strategic incisions are placed around the ears and within the hairline so that scars remain discreet.
Under anesthesia, Dr. Bassichis carefully elevates a composite flap that includes skin, fat, and SMAS together. He then enters the deep plane beneath the SMAS and releases the ligaments that have tethered facial tissues downward over time. Once freed, these tissues are repositioned and secured in a more youthful configuration. Any excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions closed.
Because the lift occurs at the structural level, the skin can drape naturally over restored contours. This tension-free closure helps maintain authentic facial dynamics and a more natural appearance than skin-only lifts.
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery & Results
Most patients experience some swelling and mild bruising in the first days to a week after surgery. These typically subside quickly. Many return to social activities within two weeks, while full healing and final results continue to refine over subsequent weeks.
Over time, patients enjoy restored volume in the cheeks, a sharper jawline, smoother transitions between face and neck, and a rejuvenated, balanced facial profile. Because deeper tissues are repositioned rather than just skin tightened, results tend to last longer than with more superficial facelift techniques.
Why Choose Dr. Bassichis for Your Deep Plane Facelift
- He is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with deep experience in advanced facelift techniques.
- His practice and approach emphasize natural-looking facial procedures.
- Each surgery is tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
- You get continuity of care from consultation through recovery and beyond.
How the Deep Plane Facelift Compares to Other Procedures
| Procedure | Best For | What It Improves | Level of Rejuvenation | Ideal Candidate |
| Deep Plane Facelift | Moderate to significant aging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck | Midface volume, sagging cheeks, jowls, deep folds, neck laxity | Most comprehensive and longest lasting | Patients who want natural, structural lifting and full facial rejuvenation |
| Full (Traditional) Facelift | Noticeable aging in the lower face and neck | Jowls, loose skin, deep wrinkles, neck laxity | Dramatic lower face and neck improvement | Patients seeking significant tightening without midface repositioning |
| Midface Lift | Midface descent, flat or hollow cheeks, early aging beneath the eyes | Cheek elevation, under eye hollowing, nasolabial folds | Moderate to significant midface rejuvenation | Patients whose primary concerns are sagging cheeks, tired under eyes, or early folds around the midface |
| Lower Facelift | Aging focused on the lower third of the face | Early jowls, jawline definition, upper neck laxity | Moderate rejuvenation | Patients whose main concerns are at the jawline and upper neck |
| Mini Facelift | Mild to early signs of aging | Early jowls and mild skin laxity | Subtle rejuvenation with shorter recovery | Younger patients or those not ready for a more extensive procedure |
Which Facelift Is Right for You
- Choose a Deep Plane Facelift if you want the most complete rejuvenation of the cheeks, jawline, and neck, and prefer results that look natural and last for years.
- Choose a Full Facelift if you want dramatic lower face and neck improvement without the deeper release of the midface.
- Choose a Midface Lift if your main concerns include sagging cheeks, under-eye hollows, or early folds through the midface, and you want more youthful cheek contour without a full lower face lift.
- Choose a Lower Facelift if your concerns are focused on jowls and neck laxity with no need for midface correction.
- Choose a Mini Facelift if you want a subtle refresh with shorter recovery.
During your consultation, Dr. Bassichis will examine your anatomy and help you understand which procedure best matches your goals.
Deep Plane Facelift FAQs
Unlock Your Natural Beauty at Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
If you are interested in restoring facial structure with a deep plane facelift, contact Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Dallas. Dr. Bassichis will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss how the deep plane technique compares with other facelift options, and help you choose the most effective and natural solution.