If you’ve been researching facelifts and keep seeing the term “deep plane facelift,” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most talked-about facelift techniques right now, and for good reason. At Illume Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer both traditional and deep-plane facelifts so they can match the approach to your face, not the other way around.
Below is a straightforward look at what a deep plane facelift is, how it works, and what kind of results you can expect.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is surgery that smooths loose skin on the face and neck, tightens deeper tissues, and removes extra skin and fat to create a firmer, clearer outline.
A deep plane facelift is an advanced version of this procedure. Instead of focusing mainly on tightening the skin, it lifts the deeper layers of tissue, including the muscles and fat beneath the skin. By working in this deeper “plane,” the surgeon can reposition the underlying structures that cause sagging, not just pull the surface tighter.
This approach is designed to:
- Refresh the midface and cheeks
- Define the jawline
- Improve jowls and loose neck skin
- Maintain natural movement and expression
Technique in Plain Language
In a deep plane facelift, your surgeon carefully releases and lifts the deeper facial layers as a unit, instead of separating skin from what lies beneath and pulling skin on its own.
In practical terms, that means:
- The SMAS and deeper tissues (the supportive layer under the skin) are repositioned, restoring youthful contours through the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
- Skin is then redraped over this new foundation, so it sits smoothly without being over-tightened.
- Excess skin and fat are removed as needed for a clean, refined result.
Because the deeper structures are doing the lifting, the surface does not need to be pulled as aggressively. This is one of the reasons deep plane facelifts tend to look more like “you on your best day” rather than windblown or overdone.
All of this is done in Illume’s in-house, nationally accredited surgical centers, with board-certified plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists overseeing your care.
Deep Plane vs. Traditional Facelift: Key Benefits
Illume offers both traditional and deep plane facelifts, because not everyone needs the same technique. The main difference is depth:
- A traditional facelift focuses more on tightening skin and the superficial layer.
- A deep plane facelift targets the deeper layers, including muscle and fat, for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Patients often choose a deep plane facelift because it can:
- Create more dramatic yet natural-looking results in the midface, jawline, and neck
- Address sagging that comes from deeper structural changes, not just surface laxity
- Provide longer-lasting improvement, since the deeper layers are lifted and supported
- Soften deep folds and jowls while keeping normal facial animation
Your surgeon will help you decide which approach makes the most sense by looking at where you see sagging (such as the cheeks, jowls, or neck), evaluating your skin quality and elasticity, considering your age, anatomy, and any previous procedures, and discussing how much change you’d realistically like to see in your overall appearance. Visit our FAQ page for more common questions prior to your visit.
Recovery and Results
Illume provides detailed post-operative instructions and follows you closely through the healing process. While every patient is unique, the deep plane facelift recovery timeline generally looks like this:
- You’ll wake up with a head dressing to help minimize swelling. Small drainage tubes may be used.
- Discomfort is usually described as mild to moderate and is managed with pain medication.
- Keeping your head elevated helps reduce swelling and bruising in the first days.
- After the first day, the initial dressing and drains are removed and replaced with a lighter garment.
- Sutures are removed in stages, with the first set around 5 days and the remaining sutures around 8–10 days.
- Most swelling and bruising improve significantly by about two weeks, when many patients feel comfortable returning to social activities with light makeup and hair styling.
Deep plane facelift results are known for their longevity. Because the deeper structures are repositioned, the lift tends to hold longer than a skin-only approach, even though the natural aging process continues. Many patients enjoy their refreshed look for years.
Good skincare, sun protection, and healthy lifestyle habits all help preserve your outcome.
You can view real patient examples here:
Facelift Before & After Gallery
Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for a deep plane facelift at Illume if you:
- See noticeable sagging in the midface, along the jawline, or under the chin
- Feel that fillers and non-surgical treatments are no longer giving enough lift
- Want a more significant, longer-lasting change rather than a small tweak
- Are in good general health and ready for surgical recovery
During your consultation, you’ll meet with one of Illume’s board-certified plastic surgeons. They’ll review your goals, examine your facial anatomy, and talk through traditional vs. deep plane facelift options, as well as complementary procedures like eyelid surgery, brow lift, fat grafting, or neck refinement if those would enhance overall balance.
Why Choose Illume for Deep Plane Facelift
Illume is the Milwaukee area’s largest locally owned cosmetic surgery and medspa practice, with deep experience in both traditional and deep plane facelifts performed in private, accredited surgical centers.
If you’re curious whether a deep plane facelift is the right next step, the best place to start is a consultation. You’ll leave with a personalized plan, honest expectations, and a clearer idea of what kind of result you can achieve.
