Deep Plane Facelift

The Deep Plane Facelift is a revolutionary facial rejuvenation surgery technique that achieves more natural, longer-lasting outcomes. While standard facelifts address the superficial layers of the face, the Deep Plane Facelift targets the deeper tissues for a long-lasting lift.

Older blond woman with back facing camera

Achieving Natural Rejuvenation with the Deep Plane Facelift

This approach is ideal for those who seek substantial rejuvenation without the telltale signs of surgery. Addressing the deeper tissues effectively combats the sagging and drooping associated with aging for a refreshed, youthful look that is incredibly natural. You will look like you – just years younger. At Liebertz Plastic Surgery at Yarrow Bay, we are honored to be considered a leading plastic surgery practice performing this advanced facelift technique.

Why the Deep Plane Facelift Delivers More Natural, Long-Lasting Results

The key difference between a Deep Plane Facelift and traditional facelift techniques lies in how the deeper structures of the face are addressed. As the face ages, soft tissues descend while strong fibrous attachments, known as retaining ligaments, remain fixed to the underlying bone. This imbalance is what creates deep folds, jowling, and loss of midface volume.

In a Deep Plane Facelift, these retaining ligaments are carefully released, allowing the cheek, jawline, and neck tissues to be repositioned as a single unit. Rather than pulling the skin independently, the skin and underlying muscle move together, restoring facial contours without creating tension on the incisions.

Another defining advantage is the direction of lift. Traditional facelifts often rely on a lateral pull toward the ears, which can contribute to an overly tight or unnatural appearance. The deep plane technique prioritizes a vertical lift, elevating tissues back to their original youthful position. This approach restores natural cheek volume, improves jawline definition, and creates smooth continuity between the face and neck.

Because the lift is achieved at a deeper structural level, the skin is redraped gently rather than stretched. This results in minimal visible scarring, a softer appearance, and results that age naturally with the patient. By addressing the true anatomical causes of facial aging, the Deep Plane Facelift delivers rejuvenation that looks authentic, and lasts significantly longer than surface-level techniques.

Are you a candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

A candidate for a deep plane facelift is typically someone in their mid-40s to 60s who has pronounced sagging of the face, particularly around the midface and neck. This individual seeks a more comprehensive rejuvenation than traditional facelifts offer. Good skin elasticity, overall health, and realistic expectations are essential. Non-smokers or those ready to quit are ideal, as smoking can hinder the healing process.

The procedure

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation, where your goals, anatomy, and degree of facial aging are carefully evaluated. Once a Deep Plane Facelift is selected, the procedure focuses on releasing and repositioning the deeper facial structures responsible for sagging, not simply tightening the skin.

Discreet incisions are placed within the hairline and natural facial contours. Through these incisions, the underlying facial tissues, including the SMAS layer and key retaining ligaments, are gently released and elevated as a single unit. This allows the midface, jawline, and neck to be lifted vertically to their natural, youthful position.

Because the skin remains attached to the deeper structures, it is redraped without tension. Any excess skin is conservatively removed, resulting in a smoother, refreshed appearance without the pulled or over-tightened look associated with traditional facelift techniques.

Recovery After a Deep Plane Facelift

Recovery from a Deep Plane Facelift is often smoother than patients expect due to the technique’s ability to lift deeper tissues without placing tension on the skin. Following surgery, temporary swelling and bruising are normal and typically improve within one to two weeks.

Patients are advised to keep the head elevated and avoid strenuous activity during the early healing phase. Most individuals feel comfortable returning to social settings within 10–14 days, with continued refinement occurring over the following weeks. Because incisions are discreetly placed and not under excessive tension, scars heal predictably and gradually fade over several months.

Scheduled follow-up visits allow your surgeon to monitor healing closely, address any concerns, and ensure results continue to settle naturally and beautifully.

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

Natural-looking, long-lasting results
By lifting the deeper facial tissues rather than just tightening skin, the Deep Plane Facelift restores youthful contours without an over-pulled or artificial appearance. Results remain harmonious as the face continues to age naturally.
Restoration of midface volume without fillers
The deep plane technique repositions the cheek fat pads to their youthful location, improving hollowing and flattening in the midface without relying on injectable volume.
More defined jawline and seamless neck contour
Releasing and repositioning deeper facial structures allows for smoother transitions between the face, jawline, and neck, creating a refined and balanced lower face.
Clear advantage over traditional facelift techniques
Unlike surface-level facelifts that rely on skin tension, the Deep Plane Facelift targets the SMAS layer and underlying support structures, allowing for a vertical lift that reduces tension on the skin and incision lines.
Minimal scarring with improved healing
Because tension is placed on deeper tissues rather than the skin, incisions are discreetly concealed within the hairline and natural facial contours, helping scars heal subtly and fade over time.
Efficient recovery with lasting structural support
Swelling and bruising typically resolve within one to two weeks. Most patients feel socially presentable within 10–14 days while benefiting from a structurally supported result designed to last for many years.

It's been 2 months since my procedures with Dr. Liebertz including a face and neck lift and CO2 laser. I am extremely pleased with the results. The surgery and recovery process went exceedingly well. I experienced very little pain and following Dr. Liebertz's advice, I healed relatively quickly.

From the initial consultation until today I have been so impressed with Dr. Liebertz and his amazing staff.

-JR

Comprehensive facial rejuvenation

Comprehensive facial rejuvenation goes beyond a single procedure to holistically enhance and refresh your appearance. Patients can achieve more harmonious and balanced results by combining treatments like facelifts, neck lifts, and eyelid surgeries. Adding procedures such as facial lipocontouring, brow lifts, or buccal fat removal can refine the result. This integrated approach ensures that all facial features complement each other, giving a refreshed, youthful look.

Dr. Liebertz’s drainless approach

Liebertz Plastic Surgery offers drainless facelifts, which provide a variety of impressive benefits for patients, including decreasing complication risks and minimizing discomfort and recovery time. A drainless approach ensures that compression garments function seamlessly, reducing swelling and keeping the newly sculpted facial contours intact.

When drains are present during the healing process, they can cause skin irritation, painful pulling, and more pronounced scarring. As they must be continuously emptied and monitored, it is easy for the drains to become infected due to bacteria buildup. Drains can also inhibit mobility after surgery, with common reports of drains being ripped out of the skin when the patient stands up, walks around, or turns over in bed. Dr. Liebertz is committed to outstanding care at every phase of your facelift journey, and a drainless approach helps him to deliver on his promise of uncompromising excellence.

Leading board-certified plastic surgeon: Dr. Liebertz

Dr. Liebertz is renowned for his dedication to enhancing the natural allure of his patients, seamlessly blending their inner beauty with refined, subtle results. He stands firmly against the notion of overdone procedures, emphasizing a fresh yet undetectable transformation. With a practice rooted in compassion, ethics, and safety, Dr. Liebertz is supported by an adept team, ensuring unparalleled service. He is not just a surgeon but a beacon of trust in facial plastic surgery in Seattle.

Why choose Liebertz Plastic Surgery of Yarrow Bay for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Liebertz Plastic Surgery of Yarrow Bay stands at the forefront of facial rejuvenation techniques. Our dedication to excellence and a deep understanding of facial anatomy positions us as leaders in the Deep Plane Facelift and as facial plastic surgeons in Seattle. Our team prioritizes your well-being and aesthetic goals, ensuring each procedure is tailored to your needs. By choosing our clinic, you're investing in expertise, care, and an unwavering commitment to your satisfaction.

Let us guide you to many confident days and years ahead, looking your best. The Deep Plane Facelift offers transformative results that stand the test of time. With our dedicated team by your side, rediscover the youthful radiance beneath. Experience the harmonious blend of state-of-the-art techniques with compassionate care at Liebertz Plastic Surgery at Yarrow Bay.