Facelifts have changed, and so have expectations. Most people we meet don’t want to look like a different person. They want to look rested and recognizable, with the jowls, jawline softening, and deepening folds around the mouth no longer defining their face. If that sounds like you, a deep plane facelift in Newport Beach is worth understanding before you book a consultation.
At Beyond Restore, Dr. Jarminski performs the deep plane facelift, a technique that repositions the deeper supporting layers of the face instead of relying mainly on pulling the skin. In this guide, we explain how the procedure works, how it differs from a traditional facelift, who tends to be a good candidate, what recovery looks like, and the risks you should weigh, so you know what to expect before your first visit.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that repositions sagging tissue in the midface, lower face, jawline, and neck. Beneath your skin is a layer of muscle and connective tissue called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), which continues into the neck as the platysma muscle. In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon works beneath this layer, releases the retaining ligaments that hold sagging tissue down, and lifts the SMAS and the overlying skin together as one unit.
Because the lift comes from the deeper layer rather than from tension on the skin, the aim is a natural-looking result without a pulled or “windswept” appearance. Dr. Jarminski takes a detail-driven approach to every facelift, with the goal of enhancing your features rather than changing them.
What Concerns Can a Deep Plane Facelift Address?
A deep plane facelift is designed to address age-related changes in the midface, lower face, and neck, such as:
- Jowls and sagging skin along the cheeks and jawline
- Descent of the midface and cheek tissue
- Deep creases from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Loss of definition in the jawline
- Skin laxity and banding in the neck, often addressed with a neck lift at the same time
- Pockets of fat under the chin or along the neck
How Does a Deep Plane Facelift Work?
Facial aging isn’t only about skin. Your face is supported by collagen, fat, muscle, and ligaments, and as that structure weakens over time, the tissue descends and the skin begins to sag. A deep plane facelift is designed to address that descent directly.
- Working beneath the SMAS. Instead of lifting the skin separately from the deeper tissue, the surgeon works beneath the SMAS and platysma layer.
- Releasing the retaining ligaments. These ligaments hold sagging tissue down. Releasing them allows the midface, jowls, and neck to be repositioned.
- Lifting as one unit. The SMAS and skin are lifted together and secured in a more youthful position. Excess skin is trimmed and closed with minimal tension, and fat may be sculpted to refine the jawline and neck.
- Discreet incisions. Incisions are typically placed along the hairline and around the ears, where they are easier to conceal as they heal. If a neck lift is performed at the same time, a small incision under the chin may also be used.
Deep Plane vs. Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift typically lifts the skin separately, tightens or folds the SMAS, and then redrapes the skin. A deep plane facelift releases the ligaments and moves the deeper layer and the skin together, which may allow more repositioning of the midface and the area around the nasolabial folds.
The deep plane approach also involves deeper work near the branches of the facial nerve, so surgeon experience matters. Neither technique is automatically better for everyone. The right approach depends on your anatomy, your goals, and your health, and your surgeon will recommend the one that fits you.
What Do Patients Appreciate About a Deep Plane Approach?
- Lifted, defined contours. The procedure repositions sagging tissue in the midface, jowls, and jawline for a more defined, refreshed look.
- Softer folds around the mouth. Because the deeper layer and cheek tissue are lifted, the nasolabial folds and the heaviness at the jowls can soften by addressing structural descent.
- A natural, rested look. The focus is on facial harmony, so the result feels familiar, just more refreshed.
- Less tension on the skin. Because the deeper layer carries the lift, the skin can be closed with less tension, which helps avoid a stretched appearance.
- Discreet scars. Incisions sit along the hairline and around the ears, and many patients can cover swelling, bruising, and healing incisions with their hair.
- Long-lasting improvement. No surgery stops aging. A deep plane facelift is designed to provide lasting improvement, but your face will continue to age naturally, and sun protection, good skincare, and healthy habits help maintain your results.
Individual results vary, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?
A deep plane facelift may be a good fit if:
- You’re bothered by jowls, sagging in the midface or lower face, deep folds around the mouth, or loss of jawline definition
- You have moderate to advanced laxity that fillers, threads, or skin treatments can’t fully address
- You’re in generally good health and don’t smoke, or you’re willing to stop before and after surgery
- You have realistic expectations and want to look like yourself, just refreshed
A deep plane facelift isn’t only for women. Men with jowling, a softening jawline, or loose skin in the neck can be good candidates too, and the plan is tailored to keep the result looking natural and masculine.
If your concerns are milder, a less extensive procedure or a non-surgical option may be a better fit. Depending on what you’re noticing, that might mean dermal fillers, a PDO threadlift, or neuromodulator treatment such as Botox®. We’ll tell you honestly which path makes sense for your anatomy and goals.
Your Consultation
Your journey begins with a free consultation. Dr. Jarminski will assess your skin, facial structure, and aging pattern, review your health history, and discuss whether a deep plane facelift, a neck lift, or a combination is the right fit. You’ll also receive tailored pre-op instructions, which may include stopping smoking and certain medications or supplements.
What Happens on the Day of Surgery?
At Beyond Restore, deep plane facelifts are performed under local anesthesia. Incisions are made around the ears and along the hairline, the deeper SMAS layer is released and repositioned together with the skin, and the incisions are closed. The procedure typically takes about 4 to 6 hours.
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery: What to Expect
Recovery varies from person to person, but here is what to plan for:
- The first days. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and some numbness are expected. Discomfort is usually described as tightness, soreness, or numbness more than sharp pain, and it’s typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. The first few days are usually the most uncomfortable.
- About one week. Sutures are usually removed in about a week.
- About 2 to 3 weeks. Visible swelling and bruising commonly improve over this window.
- 10 to 14 days. Many patients feel ready for light activity. Your surgeon will tell you when it’s safe to return to work, exercise, and other activities.
- Several months. Final results develop gradually as the tissues settle and heal, and subtle swelling can take longer to fully resolve.
You’ll receive detailed post-op care instructions and follow-up visits to check your healing. To support recovery, avoid smoking, sun exposure, and strenuous activity, sleep with your head elevated, and avoid certain skincare products or treatments until your provider clears you.
What Are the Risks of a Deep Plane Facelift?
As with any surgery, a deep plane facelift has risks. These include bleeding or hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), infection, scarring, injury to the facial nerve branches that control facial movement (usually temporary), asymmetry, numbness or changes in sensation, delayed wound healing, and risks related to anesthesia. If you smoke, we ask that you stop before and after surgery, and we’ll go over this with you at your consultation.
Dr. Jarminski will review your individual risks, and how to reduce them, during your consultation. Please don’t choose any surgery without that conversation.
Can a Facelift Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes. Many patients pair a deep plane facelift with a neck lift, an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), or skin resurfacing for a more complete rejuvenation. Because we offer surgical, injectable, and skin treatments in one practice, we can design a plan around your goals instead of treating one concern at a time. You can also see examples of our work in our before-and-after gallery.
How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Newport Beach?
The cost depends on the plan we build for you, including whether you’re combining a neck lift or other procedures. After your consultation, we’ll walk you through exactly what’s included and what it costs before you decide anything.
If surgery fits your plans, we offer financing through PatientFi, CareCredit, and Cherry to help fit care into your budget.
Why Patients Choose Beyond Restore for a Facelift
- A surgeon-led, artistic approach. Dr. Jarminski aims to enhance your features rather than change them.
- Honest guidance. If a deep plane facelift isn’t the right fit, we’ll say so and point you toward what is.
- Everything under one roof. Surgery, injectables, skin treatments, and wellness live in one practice, so your plan can grow with you.
- A free consultation. You can ask every question and decide on your own timeline, with no pressure.
- Concierge care in Newport Beach. We welcome patients from Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and across Orange County.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
A deep plane facelift is designed to provide long-lasting results, but it doesn’t stop the aging process. Your face will continue to change with genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle. Healthy habits, sun protection, and maintenance treatments such as microneedling or medical-grade skincare can help you maintain your results.
Is a deep plane facelift painful?
Discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Many patients describe tightness, soreness, or numbness more than sharp pain. The first few days are usually the most uncomfortable, and recovery varies from person to person.
What’s the difference between a deep plane facelift and a traditional facelift?
A traditional facelift typically lifts the skin separately and tightens or folds the deeper SMAS layer. A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS, releases the retaining ligaments, and lifts the deeper tissue and skin together as one unit. It’s a more involved technique, and the right choice depends on your anatomy and goals.
Will I have visible scars?
All surgery leaves scars, but facelift incisions are placed along the hairline and around the ears to be as discreet as possible. For most patients, scars fade significantly over time and are easy to conceal with hair.
How long does the procedure take?
A deep plane facelift at Beyond Restore typically takes about 4 to 6 hours and is performed under local anesthesia. Your exact plan, including any combined procedures, is set at your consultation.
How long is the recovery?
Visible swelling and bruising commonly improve over about 2 to 3 weeks, sutures are usually removed in about a week, and many patients feel ready for light activity within 10 to 14 days. Final results develop over several months, and recovery varies from person to person.
Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients pair it with a neck lift, an eyelid lift, or skin resurfacing. Dr. Jarminski can help design a plan that fits your goals.
What should I avoid after my facelift?
Avoid smoking, sun exposure, and strenuous activity during recovery, and follow all post-op instructions, including sleeping with your head elevated and avoiding certain skincare products or treatments until your provider clears you.
What are the risks?
Risks include bleeding or hematoma, infection, scarring, facial nerve injury (usually temporary), asymmetry, numbness or changes in sensation, delayed wound healing, and anesthesia-related risks. Dr. Jarminski will review your individual risks during your consultation.
Am I too young or too old for a facelift?
There isn’t a single right age. What matters is your anatomy, your health, and your goals. If your concerns are milder, a non-surgical option may be a better fit for now, and we’ll tell you so at your consultation.
Book Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation in Newport Beach
The easiest way to start is a conversation. We’ll look at your face, talk through your goals, explain your options, and build a plan that fits your life, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Beyond Restore Wellness & Aesthetics
1501 Westcliff Dr #303, Newport Beach, CA 92660
- Call: 949-503-9621
- Text: 949-356-7333 (text only)
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary, and every surgical procedure carries risks. A consultation with a qualified surgeon is required to determine whether a deep plane facelift is right for you.