It can start subtly: the cheeks look flatter, the jawline softer, the folds between your nose and mouth seem deeper than they used to. These small shifts can change the way your face holds expression, and the way you see yourself. For many patients, a deep plane facelift offers a proven, precise way to reverse those changes at the structural level, not just on the surface.
At Plastic Surgery Associates in Santa Rosa, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Eric Culbertson perform deep plane facelifts with a focus on natural outcomes that last.
A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that targets deep layers of facial structure, including the facial muscles and ligaments. This allows for a more natural appearance by repositioning volume in areas like the midface, jawline, and neck.
The procedure involves carefully releasing and lifting the SMAS layer and underlying tissues, smoothing deep nasolabial folds, and improving facial contours without the overly tight look that can occur with less advanced facelift techniques. For facelift patients dealing with facial sagging, jowls, and drooping skin, this approach provides a durable and rejuvenated appearance.
Not every facelift is the same. The different techniques each use a different approach to reshaping the face, and each is better suited to certain patients. Here’s a closer look at the differences.
A traditional facelift focuses on the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the layer just beneath the skin. Surgeons tighten and reposition this layer, then remove excess skin to smooth wrinkles and improve definition. Traditional facelift surgery is a good option for patients with moderate facial sagging or those seeking a full facelift result with a relatively shorter recovery process. It’s also useful in cases where skin laxity is the main concern.
Unlike the traditional facelift, deep plane facelift surgery works beneath the SMAS to reposition the deeper soft tissue layers and facial ligaments as a single unit. This frees areas that are often hard to reach, like the midface and upper cheeks, and allows for greater correction of deep folds and facial drooping. It’s ideal for patients with fuller faces, advanced signs of aging, or those wanting a more youthful contour with smoother skin texture.
Deep plane facelifts are often performed with other cosmetic procedures, such as eyelid surgery, neck lift, brow lift, or laser resurfacing, for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Using the deep plane method, our facelift surgeons are able to lift and sculpt the face more effectively, producing results that align with how your face looked before the natural aging process took hold.
Key benefits include:
Deep plane facelift surgery can improve both facial appearance and self-confidence. The results last significantly longer than those of a mini facelift or liquid facelift and create a refreshed appearance without changing the essence of your facial features.
Good candidates are healthy adults, typically between ages 40 and 70, experiencing visible signs of aging like drooping skin, facial sagging, excess skin along the jawline, or loss of definition in the neck and cheeks.
Those with deeper wrinkles, diminished skin elasticity, or loss of youthful appearance due to volume descent often see the most benefit from this cosmetic facial surgery.
If you smoke, have underlying medical conditions that could impair healing, or are prone to poor wound healing or significant scarring, you may need to address those issues first before undergoing facial surgery.
During your consultation, your board-certified plastic surgeon will review your health history, examine your facial skin and structure, and develop a surgical plan personalized to your needs. They’ll also review other options, including brow lift, upper or lower eyelids, or non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures like dermal fillers, if those would better suit your goals.
In preparation for your surgical procedure, you may be asked to stop certain medications and avoid smoking. You’ll receive detailed instructions to support a smooth recovery process and minimize visible scarring.
The deep plane facelift is typically performed as an outpatient cosmetic surgery under general anesthesia. Incisions are placed discreetly along the hairline and around the ears. Through these access points, your experienced plastic surgeon lifts the facial tissues as one unit, reducing tension on the surface skin and allowing for a natural appearance post-surgery.
Some patients may combine this with neck surgery, eyelid surgery, or a forehead lift, depending on the overall treatment plan. Removing excess skin and tightening loose skin from the neck and jawline often enhances the total effect.
You’ll see initial improvement quickly, though swelling and bruising may last up to two weeks. Most facelift patients return to work or social life within two to three weeks. Final results settle in over several months as the facial tissues heal fully.
Following the aftercare plan is key. You’ll need to avoid intense activity, sleep with your head elevated, and care for your incisions properly. We offer guidance on scar care and skin maintenance to help you maintain a more youthful appearance and minimize visible scarring.
When performed by experienced surgeons, deep plane facelift results are stable, long-lasting, and often more natural-looking than those from other cosmetic procedures. Most facelift patients enjoy a youthful contour that reflects their inner vitality.
Facelift cost can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the skill of your facelift surgeon, the type of anesthesia used, and any additional procedures performed at the same time. Your total estimate will include surgeon’s fees, operating room costs, board-certified anesthesiologist services, and all follow-up visits.
In Santa Rosa, the average price range reflects the high quality of care and experience offered at Plastic Surgery Associates. We provide transparent quotes so you understand what’s included and can plan confidently.
Our three board-certified plastic surgeons bring unmatched expertise in both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Trained at Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and UT Southwestern, they’ve performed thousands of facelift procedures with exceptional patient satisfaction.
Plastic Surgery Associates operates in a fully accredited surgical suite with a board-certified anesthesiology team and advanced safety protocols. We treat every patient with the utmost care, attention, and discretion, delivering results that enhance facial features while preserving your natural identity. Concierge-style care includes direct access to your surgeon and personalized recovery planning.
If you’re considering facial rejuvenation and want to explore whether deep plane facelift surgery is right for you, reach out to our Santa Rosa office today. We’ll schedule a private consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons to review your goals and map out a personalized plan.
Call us at (707) 537-2111 or use our online form to get started. We look forward to helping you restore balance, confidence, and a more youthful facial appearance.
Yes. It repositions the underlying tissues and facial muscles for smoother skin and a soft, natural finish.
Most patients return to social life in about two weeks, with full healing continuing for several months.
Risks include bleeding, infection, facial nerve injury, and scarring. Choosing a skilled facelift surgeon reduces complications.
Results typically last 10 to 15 years, with long-term support from healthy habits and proper skin care.
Incisions are hidden within natural creases and the hairline. With proper care, scars usually fade to become barely noticeable.
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