A deep plane facelift in Doylestown, PA, and Flemington, NJ, elevates and repositions the deeper facial layers (the muscle layer below the skin commonly known as SMAS and the platysma muscle on the neck) and releases key retaining ligaments to restore youthful contours of the midface, jawline, and neck. By lifting and tightening the underlying support layer instead of just tightening skin, we create a more natural, refreshed look—without an overly pulled appearance. Compared with a traditional facelift, this advanced technique can provide more comprehensive, longer-lasting rejuvenation of the cheeks, jowls, and neck.

At Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, we personalize each facelift plan to your unique anatomy and goals. Our board-certified plastic surgeons perform this procedure for patients from Doylestown, Bucks County, and the greater Philadelphia area who want meaningful, natural-looking results from facial plastic surgery.

How a Deep Plane Facelift Works

The Deep Plane Facelift Procedure in Simple Terms

During a deep plane facelift, we make careful incisions hidden around the ear and within natural hairlines. We then lift the deep plane (the muscles of facial expression, or SMAS and the platysma muscle), release ligaments that tether sagging tissues, and reposition the cheek, jawline, and neck to a more youthful position. Many patients choose to combine this surgery with eyelid surgery, brow lift, or fat grafting for a balanced, full facelift outcome. The surgery typically takes around four hours and is performed under anesthesia for your comfort. Depending on the patient, their anatomy and overall health, a deep plane facelift can be performed under local anesthesia with minimal sedation.

Recovery, Downtime, and Results for Deep Plane Facelifts

Expect swelling and bruising for the first 1–2 weeks, with most patients feeling presentable for social activities by two to three weeks. We’ll provide detailed aftercare and see you at scheduled follow-ups. Incisions are designed to be discreet and typically fade with time. While individual results vary, the structural lift of a deep plane facelift is known for natural movement and longevity. Healthy habits and sun protection help maintain your outcome.

Am I a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Who Benefits Most from Deep Plane Facelifts

You may be a good candidate if you notice laxity and looseness of your facial and neck skin, midface descent, deepening nasolabial folds, jowling, and neck laxity—and you want comprehensive, natural- looking rejuvenation. Ideal candidates are in good health, nonsmokers, and have realistic goals. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether a deep plane facelift, a traditional facelift, or a more limited lift best matches your anatomy, lifestyle, and downtime needs. We’ll also review complementary treatments to refine and complement your results.

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift

Key Differences Explained

A traditional facelift typically tightens skin and may plicate (tighten) the SMAS for improvement— great for many patients. A deep plane facelift goes further by releasing key ligaments and mobilizing the deeper layer as a unit, allowing us to restore cheek volume and lift the lower face more effectively. The result often looks softer and more youthful because the changes happen beneath the skin. Not everyone needs a deep plane approach; we’ll help you choose the right technique.

Deep Plane Facelift FAQs

Explore Other Surgical Options for Facial Rejuvenation

Beyond deep plane facelifts, Buinewicz Plastic Surgery offers a range of facial rejuvenation procedures tailored to each patient’s goals and anatomy. Traditional facelifts address more advanced signs of aging by lifting and tightening deeper facial structures, while mini facelifts provide a less invasive option for earlier-stage concerns with reduced downtime. Brow lifts restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance to the upper face, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) reduces puffiness and sagging around the eyes. Rhinoplasty refines the shape and balance of the nose, and neck lifts target loose skin and excess fat beneath the chin and along the jawline for a smoother, more defined profile.

Ready to take the next step toward a naturally rejuvenated look? Request your deep plane facelift consultation in Doylestown, PA, or Flemington, NJ, at Buinewicz Plastic Surgery. We welcome those from the Philadelphia area, Bucks County, PA, Hunterdon County, NJ, and surrounding areas. Call (215) 647-9668 or fill out our quick online form to schedule.