Extended Deep Plane Facelifting
The extended deep plane facelift is designed to improve loose, sagging skin and deeper facial tissues of the face and neck that develop as a result of aging.
Facelift surgery has evolved significantly, with modern techniques tailored to a patient’s anatomy and degree of facial aging. The extended deep plane facelift represents one of the most advanced approaches available.
In an extended deep plane facelift, the skin, muscle, and fatty tissues of the face and neck are elevated together as a single unit. This allows for more effective repositioning of the midface, jowls, and neck, resulting in a more natural, youthful appearance.
Unlike older facelift techniques that relied primarily on tightening the skin or the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) alone, the extended deep plane facelift releases and repositions deeper facial structures. This approach reduces tension on the skin and produces longer-lasting, more natural results.
The incisions required for an extended deep plane facelift are carefully placed within natural creases around the ear and hairline. When meticulously performed, these incisions are typically well concealed and become barely noticeable once healing is complete.
The extended deep plane technique allows for comprehensive improvement of the cheeks, jowls, and neck without the need for excessive skin tightening. In selected patients, limited-incision or modified approaches may be used, which can reduce recovery time. A mini-lift focuses primarily on the lower face, while neck-lift techniques target the chin–neck angle.
The extended deep plane facelift addresses these areas together for a more balanced and harmonious result. Temporary bruising and discoloration of the face and neck are common and usually resolve within 1 to 3 weeks. Most patients are surprised by the relatively mild discomfort associated with the procedure.
While the extended deep plane facelift significantly rejuvenates the mid and lower face and neck, it does not treat the upper face, brow, or eyelids, nor does it completely eliminate deep wrinkles around the mouth. For comprehensive facial rejuvenation, it is often combined with complementary procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, chin contouring, or skin resurfacing.
Non-surgical alternatives to facelift surgery include laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and energy-based skin tightening treatments. These options may offer mild to moderate improvement but cannot replicate the results of an extended deep plane facelift.
Many individuals consider facelift surgery in their forties or fifties when signs of aging become more apparent. The best results are generally achieved in patients whose facial tissues retain good elasticity and have not yet undergone severe or irreversible sagging.