A deep-plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that lifts and repositions the deeper structural layers of your face, including the SMAS and the malar fat pad. Rather than simply tightening skin, this approach releases and elevates these tissues as a unified layer, restoring natural contours to the cheeks, jawline, and lower face. When appropriate, Dr. Michael Chiodo may also address deeper neck structures to refine definition and enhance overall balance.
Deep Plane Facelift
Deep Plane Facelift Corrects the Following:
- Sagging in the midface, where descended cheek fat creates a heavy appearance
- Deep nasolabial folds that form between the nose and mouth over time
- Jowls along the jawline that blur facial definition and create heaviness
- Loss of jawline contour, leading to a softer or less structured lower face
- Skin laxity in the lower face that contributes to an aged or drawn look
- Volume descent in the cheeks, resulting in flattening rather than true volume loss
- Mild to moderate neck laxity that affects overall facial harmony
- Fullness beneath the jaw caused by prominent submandibular glands
How the Deep Plane Facelift Works
A deep plane facelift works by accessing and releasing the deeper structural layers of your face, specifically the SMAS and underlying ligaments that tether tissue. Rather than tightening the skin alone, Dr. Chiodo carefully elevates these layers as a unified plane, allowing the cheeks, midface, and jawline to be repositioned to a more youthful position. This approach restores natural contours while preserving facial expression and movement.
By lifting the deeper tissues instead of pulling the surface, tension on the skin is minimized, which supports smoother healing and more discreet scarring. In the neck, Dr. Chiodo may refine underlying structures and, when appropriate, address submandibular gland prominence to create a cleaner, more defined jawline and a seamless transition from face to neck.
Refine the Neck with Submandibular Gland Resection
Submandibular gland resection is a specialized technique used to address fullness beneath the jawline caused by enlarged or prominent salivary glands located beneath the platysma muscle. During surgery, Dr. Chiodo carefully accesses these glands through a discreet incision, typically beneath the chin, and selectively reduces or removes a portion of the gland.
This step is performed only when necessary, based on your anatomy. When indicated, it enhances jawline definition and creates a smoother, more sculpted transition from the chin to the neck, complementing deep plane facial and neck rejuvenation.
Benefits of Deep Plane Facelift:
- Natural-looking results through deeper tissue repositioning
- Preservation of facial expression and movement
- Long-lasting rejuvenation at a structural level
- Improved cheek volume and midface contour
- Softening of folds and facial creases
- Sharper jawline with reduced jowls
- Enhanced neck definition
- Minimal skin tension and refined scarring
Deep Plane Facelift: Results and Longevity
You will begin to notice improvements in your facial contours once initial swelling subsides within the first few weeks, with more refined results becoming visible over the following months.
As healing progresses, your features continue to settle into a smoother appearance. The results of a deep plane facelift are long-lasting, typically lasting 10 to 15 years. As you age, you can expect to look consistently more youthful than you would without treatment.
Recovery After Deep Plane Facelift
After your deep plane facelift, you can expect swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort, which will gradually improve over the first 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients take about 10-14 days of downtime before returning to normal activities. Dr. Chiodo will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including incision care, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Michael Chiodo is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial rejuvenation, known for delivering refined, natural-looking results through highly personalized care. With a concierge-style approach, he takes the time to understand your goals and design a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy. If you are considering a deep plane facelift in Dallas, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chiodo to explore your options.
