Deep Plane Facelift
Collagen production decreases for both men and women as early as their mid 20s. A natural decline in collagen and elastin combined with chronic exposure to pollutants leads to relaxed, looser skin over time—especially in the facial area. Patients may initially notice the signs of a slowdown in collagen production as their facial skin loses its firmness and fine lines gradually become more visible. While men generally experience facial aging at a slower and more consistent rate, women can lose up to 30% of their collagen in the first five years after menopause.
Dr. Berry Fairchild can’t stop time, but she is a board-certified facial surgeon in Houston who is renowned for revitalizing patients and combining natural beauty enhancement and long-term results with advanced facial rejuvenation surgery. Her practice focuses on compassionate care and restoring patient confidence with every visit. When you’re considering a facelift for the most natural facial rejuvenation possible, Dr. Fairchild is your premier deep plane facelift surgeon in Houston.
What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facelift technique that repositions the deeper layers of facial tissue for a more firm and youthful appearance. Ideal for patients with moderate to advanced aging concerns, this procedure targets the underlying Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS)—including muscles and connective tissue—for a noticeable, natural finish with longer-lasting results.
How a Deep Plane Facelift Differs from Other Facelifts
A traditional facelift focuses on tightening and lifting the skin from the mid-to-lower face. A deep plane facelift goes a step further by repositioning the deeper layers of tissue at a higher position for a more lifted look with long-term results.
Compared to a traditional facelift, a deep plane facelift helps patients achieve:
- Softer lines and longer-lasting results
- Less visible scarring for a more seamless finish
- Smoother, well-balanced contours from face to neck
- Natural, long-term results without looking wind swept
- A lifted midface and stronger jawline definition with less visible tension
What are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift for sagging cheeks and an undefined jawline can also help patients:
- Improve firmness and reduce signs of aging
- Address and diminish UV-related skin damage
- Smooth fine lines and prevent premature sagging
- Revitalize skin and replenish reduced facial volume for a fuller appearance
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
The ideal deep plane facelift candidate is someone who is generally healthy, but still has serious concerns about signs of aging around their midface, jawline, and neck. Deep plane facelift patients often have moderate to severe signs of aging including lines, wrinkles, and sagging along the jawline due to genetics, lifestyle choices, and other factors.
For patients who want a dramatic yet precise rejuvenation of the facial structure, a deep plane facelift is a strategic solution. However, this procedure may not be a good fit for everyone, including those with underlying health issues like uncontrolled diabetes, heart conditions, or issues that affect blood clotting. Smokers or those with unrealistic facelift expectations may also not be a good match for a deep plane facelift. For questions about your eligibility for a deep plane facelift, explore your options with Dr. Fairchild.
What to Expect for Your Procedure
Your path to a more youthful, radiant look with a deep plane facelift is divided into 3 simple steps:
- Consultation
- Procedure
- Recovery and Aftercare
Consultation
Discuss any questions or concerns you have about facelifts with Dr. Fairchild in an open and comfortable environment. Whether you’re worried about extensive UV damage, deep-seated lines, creasing, or an unnatural-looking finish, Dr. Fairchild responds to your needs with a tailored plan that can combine surgical and non-surgical options to best achieve your goals.
To prepare for your deep plane facelift, you should:
- Carefully follow pre-op instructions (e.g., avoid certain medications, make necessary lifestyle changes)
- Disclose any medical conditions or medications
- Establish reliable transportation and recovery support after surgery
- Stop smoking at least a few weeks before surgery
- Receive a full medical evaluation, if needed
The Procedure
Deep plane facelift surgery includes the lifting of the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System, best known as the SMAS layer of the facial structure. This procedure is typically performed with sedation under general or local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. With an expert hand and predetermined incisions marked, Dr. Fairchild:
- Lifts the SMAS layer of the face without moving nerves or muscles otherwise needed for movement.
- Repositions parts of the midface and jawline to diminish sagging.
- Refines and redrapes skin over the lifted tissue for a more seamless, polished aesthetic.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients often need the first few days post-op to rest, followed by several weeks of slow healing and recovery from a deep plane facelift. Here’s what to expect:
Rest and Support: Prepare your home and stock your kitchen with healthy meals to ensure you have a comfortable place to rest as you heal. You should also have someone who can help you with your daily tasks to minimize movement.
Manage Swelling and Discomfort: Swelling, bruising, and tightness is common—especially around the neck and jawline.
Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Adhere to specific instructions that help keep incision sites clean and dry, and take prescribed medications as needed while minimizing movement as much as possible.
Lymphatic Massage: Light lymphatic massages may aid the healing process and ease discomfort as you rest and recover.
Facelift Follow-Up: Track your results by attending timely follow-up appointments.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Fairchild for Deep Plane Facelifts
Dr. Berry Fairchild is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in surgical and non-surgical facial treatments that leave patients feeling radiant and renewed. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional, personalized results, rooted in the belief that every patient experience begins with trust, strengthens with education, and is sealed with compassionate care and understanding.
Dr. Fairchild has extensive surgical training as well as plastic and reconstructive surgical experience from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She takes the time to listen to her patients carefully, equipping them with a customized facial rejuvenation plan that addresses core concerns while delivering natural-looking results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Plane Facelift
How long do the results of a Deep Plane Facelift last?
Results from a deep plane facelift performed by Dr. Fairchild lasts 10 to 15 years with meticulous post-op care and protection from the sun, smoking, and other lifestyle components.
Will I have visible scars?
As with any surgical procedure, visible scarring is possible. However, Dr. Fairchild makes strategic incisions in the hairline, in front of the ear, and behind the ear to minimize scarring. To further prevent noticeable scars, Dr. Fairchild will provide specialized instructions for optimal results.
Is a Deep Plane Facelift painful?
Some pain and discomfort is expected with a deep plane facelift. Because patients are placed under general or local anesthesia for the procedure, most pain and discomfort becomes apparent during post-op as you rest and recover. You may feel more pain around the jawline and neck area following a deep plane facelift. Prescribed pain medications and light lymphatic massages can help with pain management.
Can I combine a Deep Plane Facelift with other procedures?
Yes. The most common procedures paired with a deep plane facelift include:
- A neck lift to get rid of excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles for a smoother appearance.
- Eyelid surgery to correct a drooping appearance.
- Chin augmentation surgery to enhance and define the facial structure.
Dr. Fairchild specializes in many advanced facial rejuvenation procedures to create a completely customized plan for each patient to help them achieve their envisioned aesthetic.
Request a Consultation with Our Board Certified Facial Surgeon
If you have concerns about visible signs of aging around the face and neck area, talk to Dr. Berry Fairchild about a deep plane facelift. With a passion for educating patients about their options, Dr. Fairchild is your trusted board-certified surgeon for a facelift and neck lift in Houston. Schedule your treatment with our team today.