You glance in the mirror and notice that your face doesn’t reflect how youthful and energetic you feel. The once-defined contours of your jawline have softened, deep folds have formed around your mouth, and your cheeks appear hollow. Perhaps friends or family have mentioned you look “tired” even when you feel well-rested. While non-surgical treatments like fillers and Botox once offered subtle improvements, they no longer seem to provide the same results.
At the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, we understand that the decision to undergo a facelift is deeply personal. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons specializes in advanced facial rejuvenation techniques, including the deep plane facelift. Unlike traditional facelifts that only tighten the skin, a deep plane facelift repositions the underlying facial structure, creating a more natural, long-lasting outcome. But how do you know if this procedure is right for you? Below, we explore key factors to consider when making this decision.
You have significant sagging in the midface and jawline
One of the most noticeable signs of aging is sagging in the midface and along the jawline. Over time, the connective tissues and ligaments that support your face weaken, causing the skin and deeper layers to descend. This can lead to jowling, a loss of definition along the jaw, and deep nasolabial folds (the creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth).
A deep plane facelift addresses these concerns at a structural level. Unlike a traditional facelift, which primarily tightens the skin, this procedure lifts and repositions deeper facial tissues. By restoring volume and repositioning the muscles and fat pads in your cheeks and jawline, a deep plane facelift creates a more youthful and natural appearance.
Fillers and non-surgical treatments are no longer effective
Many people begin their facial rejuvenation journey with non-surgical options like dermal fillers and Botox. While these treatments can temporarily smooth wrinkles and restore some lost volume, they cannot correct significant sagging or deeply set folds. If you’ve noticed that your fillers no longer provide the same results or that they make your face look puffy or unnatural, it may be time to consider a more comprehensive solution.
A deep plane facelift offers structural support that non-surgical treatments simply cannot. By repositioning the deeper layers of the face, this procedure restores youthful contours without the need for repeated filler treatments. Patients often find that, after a deep plane facelift, they require fewer injectables to maintain their results.
You want a natural-looking, long-lasting result
One of the biggest concerns patients have about facelifts is the fear of looking “pulled” or overly tight. Traditional facelifts, which rely on skin tightening alone, can sometimes create an artificial appearance. The deep plane facelift, however, avoids this issue by lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of the face rather than just pulling the skin.
Because this technique repositions muscle and fat rather than stretching the skin, the results are more natural. In fact, deep plane facelifts typically provide results that last 10 to 15 years, compared to the shorter lifespan of a traditional facelift. If you want a subtle yet significant enhancement that ages gracefully over time, this procedure may be the right choice.
You are in good overall health and have realistic expectations
A deep plane facelift requires anesthesia and a recovery period. To be a good candidate, you should be in good general health and free of conditions that may impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or a history of poor wound healing. Non-smokers tend to have better surgical outcomes, as smoking can interfere with circulation and slow the healing process.
It is also important to have realistic expectations. A deep plane facelift can dramatically rejuvenate your appearance but will not stop the natural aging process. Instead, it resets the clock by restoring youthful contours, allowing you to age more gracefully in the years to come. During a consultation at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, our surgeons will discuss your goals and help you determine whether this procedure aligns with your aesthetic vision.
You are ready for a dedicated recovery period
Unlike non-invasive treatments, a deep plane facelift requires a commitment to recovery. Most patients take two to three weeks off from work and social engagements to allow for swelling and bruising to subside. While you may start to see results within a few weeks, outcomes typically emerge around three to six months after surgery once all residual swelling has resolved.
The good news is that the deep plane facelift often involves a smoother recovery than traditional facelifts. Because this technique preserves the natural blood supply to the skin and muscles, healing is often faster and less uncomfortable. Our team at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery provides personalized aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
Is a deep plane facelift the right choice for you?
If you are experiencing significant facial sagging, have found that non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, and desire a long-lasting, natural-looking result, a deep plane facelift may be the perfect solution. This advanced procedure can restore youthful contours by lifting the deeper structures of your face, creating a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
At the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons specialize in deep-plane facelifts and offer tailored solutions to meet your aesthetic goals. If you’re considering facial rejuvenation, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our expert team. We will assess your unique needs and help you determine the best approach to rejuvenate your appearance and restore youthful confidence.
