Deep Plane Facelift in Newport Beach
Advanced Surgical Facial Rejuvenation in Newport Beach
Facelifts have changed, and so has the way we age. Today, it’s about refined results that look like you, just more rested and refreshed. At Beyond Restore, Dr. Jarminski offers the deep plane facelift, a technique that lifts the deeper supporting layers of the face instead of relying mainly on pulling the skin. The goal is a natural-looking result with discreet incisions and without a tight or “overdone” look. If you’re noticing jowls, sagging along your jawline, or deeper folds around your mouth, a free consultation is a good place to start.
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 the 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 instead of from skin tension, the goal is a natural-looking result without a pulled or “windswept” appearance.
At Beyond Restore, Dr. Jarminski takes an artistic, detail-driven approach to every facelift, aiming to enhance your features rather than change them.
Deep Plane Facelift Treatment Areas and Concerns
A deep plane facelift addresses 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 It Works
1. The Foundation Weakens
Your skin is supported by collagen, fat, muscle and ligaments that hold everything in place. As you age, that structure weakens and descends, and the skin begins to sag.2. Working Beneath the SMAS Layer
Instead of lifting the skin separately from the deeper tissue, a deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS and platysma layer. The retaining ligaments that hold sagging tissue down are carefully released so the midface, jowls and neck can be repositioned.3. Lifting as One Unit
The SMAS and skin are lifted together and secured in a more youthful position. Excess skin is then trimmed and closed with minimal tension, and fat may be sculpted to refine the jawline and neck.4. 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 skin together, which may allow more repositioning of the midface and the area around the nasolabial folds. Because it involves deeper work near the facial nerve branches, surgeon experience matters. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that fits your anatomy and goals.Considering a traditional approach? Learn about the SMAS facelift.
5. 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 Facelift Benefits
Facial aging has a way of showing up before we feel it. Here’s what patients often appreciate about a deep plane approach:
Smooth, Lifted Contours
Repositions sagging tissue in the midface, jowls and jawline for a more defined, refreshed appearance.
Softer Folds Around the Mouth
Because the deeper layer and cheek tissue are lifted, a deep plane facelift can soften the nasolabial folds and the heaviness at the jowls by addressing a root cause: structural descent.
Subtle, Natural-Looking Results
No overdone, pulled look. With a focus on facial harmony and natural contours, Dr. Jarminski aims for results that feel 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 may help incisions heal well and helps avoid a stretched look.
Hidden Scars, Visible Confidence
Incisions are placed along the hairline and around the ears to be as discreet as possible. Many patients can cover swelling, bruising and healing incisions with their hair.
Long-Lasting Improvements
No surgery can stop aging. A deep plane facelift is designed to provide long-lasting improvement, but your face will continue to age naturally. Good skincare, sun protection and healthy habits can help you maintain your results.
What to Expect Before, During, and After a Deep Plane Facelift
Before
Your journey begins with a free consultation, where 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.
During
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.
After
Swelling, bruising, tightness and some numbness are expected. Visible swelling and bruising commonly improve over about 2-3 weeks, but recovery varies from person to person. You’ll be given detailed post-op care instructions and follow-up visits to check your healing. Sutures are usually removed in about a week, and many patients feel ready for light activity within 10-14 days. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to return to work, exercise and other activities.
Risks
As with any surgery, a deep plane facelift has risks, including bleeding or hematoma, infection, scarring, facial nerve injury (usually temporary), asymmetry, numbness, and anesthesia risks. We’ll review your individual risks during your consultation.
Results Timeline
You’ll begin to see your new contours as swelling goes down over the first few weeks. Final results develop gradually over several months as the tissues settle and heal, and subtle swelling can take longer to fully resolve. Individual results vary.
See before-and-after photos in our gallery.
Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for Me?
- 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 are willing to stop before and after surgery
- You have realistic expectations and want to look like yourself, just refreshed
Want the full picture? Read our deep plane facelift guide.
Questions? We have answers!
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
A deep plane facelift is designed to provide long-lasting results, but it does not stop the aging process. Your face will continue to change over time with genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle. Healthy habits, sun protection and maintenance treatments like microneedling or medical-grade skincare can help you maintain your results.
Is there a lot of pain or discomfort after a deep plane facelift?
Discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Many patients describe it as tightness, soreness or numbness more than sharp pain. The first few days are usually the most uncomfortable, and swelling and bruising commonly improve over about 2-3 weeks. 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. This approach is designed to reposition the midface, jowls and neck with less tension on the skin. It is 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 carefully 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.
Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?
What should I avoid after my facelift?
To support healing, avoid smoking, sun exposure and strenuous activity during recovery. 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 of a deep plane facelift?
As with any surgery, there are 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. Dr. Jarminski will review your individual risks and how to reduce them during your consultation.
Ready to Restore Your Look?
At Beyond Restore in Newport Beach, we believe aging should be on your terms. Whether you’re looking for subtle refinement or a more noticeable lift, a deep plane facelift with Dr. Jarminski is designed to help you look the way you feel: confident, vibrant and authentically you. Schedule your free consultation to find out if it’s right for you.