Deep Plane Facelift for Natural, Long-Lasting Results
Next-Level Rejuvenation with Natural, Long-Lasting Results
Aging affects the face in multiple ways, from sagging skin and lost volume to changes in skin texture. A deep plane facelift addresses the most visible signs of facial aging by lifting sagging tissues, smoothing deep folds, and restoring youthful contours in a way that looks completely natural.
At Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery, the deep plane facelift is the foundation of our most advanced facial rejuvenation technique, the Artiste Lift™. This signature procedure combines deep structural lifting with meticulous artistry to deliver longer-lasting, more comprehensive, and natural-looking results for both women and men.
Why Choose a Deep Plane Facelift?
Unlike older facelift methods that simply pull the skin, the deep plane facelift repositions the underlying muscles and fat pads that have shifted with age. This allows for a more three-dimensional lift, especially in areas like:
- Jowls and jawline
- Marionette lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Midface and cheeks
This technique also releases the ligaments that restrict upward movement, enabling true lifting of the face rather than surface tightening. The result: a refreshed, rested look, not pulled or overdone.
How We Age and How the Deep Plane Facelift Helps
Facial aging occurs in three primary ways:
- Gravity causes the skin and soft tissues to descend
- Volume loss in fat, muscle, and bone leads to hollow areas
- Skin texture changes from sun exposure and genetics create wrinkles and laxity
The deep plane facelift directly addresses gravitational descent and soft tissue deflation by repositioning the facial architecture to where it was a decade earlier. This method improves not just the skin’s surface, but the deeper layers responsible for facial shape and expression.
Sub-SMAS and Deep Plane Techniques Explained
Dr. Balikian is trained in a variety of advanced techniques and often combines elements of the sub-SMAS facelift and deep plane lift to customize the procedure based on each patient’s anatomy.
- The sub-SMAS facelift uses discreet incisions around the ears and under the chin to lift deeper layers of the face and neck.
- The deep plane facelift goes a step further by lifting the skin and deeper tissues as a single unit and releasing key facial ligaments for more significant improvement.
Together, these techniques allow for dramatic yet natural rejuvenation of the lower face, jawline, and neck, with minimal tension on the skin, resulting in smoother healing and more refined incisions.
The Art of Transformation
What Makes the Deep Plane Facelift Different?
The deep plane facelift offers advanced, structural rejuvenation by addressing the root causes of facial aging, not just the surface.
- Lifts deeper facial structures, not just skin
- Releases ligaments to allow more vertical lift
- Smooths deep folds around the mouth and nose
- Restores cheek volume without fillers
- Improves neck contour and jawline definition
- Produces long-lasting results that can last 10–15 years
Only a select group of facial plastic surgeons have the training and experience to perform deep plane facelifts. Dr. Balikian is among this group, known for blending surgical precision with artistic vision to deliver elegant, natural outcomes.
Recovery and Support
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery provides comprehensive post-operative care, including ELIXIR MD™ yellow light therapy to reduce swelling, speed healing, and improve scar quality after surgery.
This technology, paired with expert surgical technique, enhances both your comfort and your final result.
Complementary Procedures
A deep plane facelift is often enhanced with additional treatments to address volume loss, aging eyes, and skin quality:
- Facial Fat Transfer – Restores youthful volume using your own fat to enhance cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas. Fat transfer complements the lift by softening contours and adding fullness where it’s been lost. View facial fat transfer before and after photos.
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) – Removes excess skin and puffiness from the upper or lower eyelids to brighten the eyes and reduce a tired appearance. See blepharoplasty before and after results.
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing – Smooths fine lines and improves skin texture. Often performed in tandem with facelift surgery to target deep wrinkles that lifting alone cannot address. Explore CO2 laser resurfacing before and after images.
When combined thoughtfully, these procedures can enhance the results of your deep plane facelift, creating a more complete and harmonious facial rejuvenation.
Cost and Consultation
The cost of a deep plane facelift varies depending on surgical complexity and whether it is combined with other procedures. During your consultation, we will provide a personalized treatment plan and discuss payment options.
Schedule Your Consultation
Ready to restore your natural facial structure and age with confidence? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Balikian to learn more about the deep plane facelift and explore which rejuvenation options are right for you.
Deep Plane Facelift FAQs
What is an extended deep plane facelift?
This comprehensive technique lifts deep facial structures and midface tissue for a more complete and lasting result than a traditional facelift.
How long is the surgery?
On average, the procedure takes about two hours, though timing varies depending on the patient and whether other procedures are combined.
Is general anesthesia required?
Yes, the deep plane facelift is performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort and surgical precision.
What is recovery like?
Most patients can expect 2–3 weeks of downtime, during which swelling and bruising gradually subside. Final results continue to improve over several months.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are carefully placed around the ears and under the chin and are closed with advanced techniques to ensure they heal discreetly.
Can this procedure be combined with other surgeries?
Yes, it’s often combined with fat transfer, eyelid surgery, or laser resurfacing for full-face rejuvenation.
Learn More About Facial Plastic Surgery
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Balikian is an experienced, double board-certified, facial plastic surgeon. He is double board-certified both in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Balikian belongs to a very select group of elite cosmetic surgeons with at least six years of specialized surgical training exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
