Deep Plane Facelift

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Edison, Marlboro, Warren and West Orange, NJ

A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that restores a more youthful facial appearance by removing excess skin and lifting/repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue, including the muscles and fat beneath the skin. (1) Over time, many factors can wear on the face, including aging, sun exposure, lifestyle factors, and more, leading to skin laxity or visible signs of aging.

Dr. Andrew Miller is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstruction surgeon at Associates in Plastic Surgery with more than 25 years of experience. He is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and specializes in complex facial procedures, including deep plane facelifts.

If you are ready to explore your deep plane facelift possibilities with Dr. Miller, please schedule a consultation online or call the office most convenient for you:

About Deep Plane Facelifts

Traditional facelifts typically only tighten the top layer of skin and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layers—the layer of connective tissue that connects the skin to the underlying muscles. (2) Dr. Miller can perform a deep plane facelift to not only adjust these tissues but also the layers beneath, allowing you to achieve natural-looking yet transformative rejuvenation.

Benefits

Deep plane facelifts offer several benefits, including:

  • Revitalized Aesthetics: Facelifts address the appearance of sagging skin, deep creases, and prominent facial folds.
  • Discreet Scarring: Dr. Miller places the incisions either around the ears or within your hairline to minimize the visibility of potential scarring.
  • Natural-Looking Enhancements: Dr. Miller repositions both the underlying facial layers, avoiding an “overly-tightened” or “pulled” appearance.
  • Tailored Surgical Plans: Dr. Miller designs every surgical plan around each patient’s personal goals and facial anatomy.
  • Elevated Confidence: Many patients often report improvements in their self-esteem after seeing their rejuvenated appearance.
  • Long-Lasting Results: The results of a deep plane facelift can last for 10-15 years or longer.

Candidates

Suitable candidates for a deep plane facelift are typically individuals with sagging skin, jowls, descending fat pads, and pronounced signs of facial aging. (2) Those interested in a deep plane facelift also typically want longer-lasting or more comprehensive results.

All deep plane facelift candidates should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their procedure. Candidates should ideally be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine before their procedure and throughout their recovery. Dr. Miller will finalize each patient’s eligibility during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

During a personal consultation, Dr. Miller will ask about your medical history, concerns, and treatment goals. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess the condition and quality of your skin.

Dr. Miller will use this information to determine whether a deep plane facelift is right for you. If it is, he will then craft your surgical plan.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation, please contact us online or call your closest Associates in Plastic Surgery office:

Preparation

After finalizing your procedure, Dr. Miller will give you detailed instructions to help you prepare for your procedure. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your surgical plan, but they typically include:

  • Discontinuing the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Ceasing nicotine use in the weeks leading up to your procedure.
  • Avoiding alcohol for several days before and after your treatment.
  • Avoiding direct or excessive sun exposure.
  • Arranging transportation home after your procedure.
  • Requesting time away from your commitments.
  • Filling any prescriptions in advance.
  • Completing any required bloodwork or imaging.

Preparation is essential for any procedure, no matter how subtle or significant your corrections are. By following each instruction, you ensure a successful and safe procedure.

Procedure

Deep plane facelifts are one of Dr. Miller’s specialties—he has performed them for nearly three decades. Dr. Miller typically performs deep plane facelifts on an outpatient basis, and they often take between 4 and 6 hours to complete.

When you arrive for your procedure, we will first cleanse your skin and administer anesthesia. Dr. Miller will then place small incisions around your ears or along your hairline, providing him ample access to the underlying facial structures while minimizing any potential scar visibility.

After making the necessary corrections, Dr. Miller will carefully redrape your skin and remove the excess tissue before suturing each incision.

Recovery

After a deep plane facelift, patients commonly experience swelling, bruising, or discomfort in the treated areas. These effects will dissipate on their own as you recover, and Dr. Miller may prescribe medications to enhance your comfort as you rest as well. You will need to take time away from certain responsibilities to focus on your recovery and refrain from any strenuous or physical activities.

You may be able to return to your job and other commitments after resting for approximately one to two weeks, but you will need to continue avoiding more demanding tasks until Dr. Miller approves.

Before your procedure, you will receive a full set of post-operative guidelines that will help you manage any side effects, activity restrictions, and incision care. Following these instructions facilitates a smooth recovery and optimal results. If you have any questions or concerns following your procedure, our team will be more than happy to help and support you.

Results

You will be able to enjoy the results of your deep plane facelift once the initial swelling diminishes. After this stage, you will be able to notice improvements in the definition and harmony of your face, especially in areas like the midface and jawline. Dr. Miller’s adjustments will have softened harsh wrinkles and lines, allowing you to enjoy a more youthful look.

Deep plane facelifts produce long-lasting, exceptionally stable results, with patients often benefiting from the effects for 10 to 15 years or longer in some cases.

Cost of a Deep Plane Facelift in New Jersey

Dr. Miller will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your procedure after your consultation. Associates in Plastic Surgery also offers financing for those who qualify.

To learn more about the cost of your personalized deep plane facelift, please schedule a consultation online or call the office most convenient for you:

FAQ

What can a deep plane facelift address?

A deep plane facelift can effectively address significant signs of aging around the middle and lower portions of the face. These include concerns such as the development of jowls, festoons, deep nasolabial folds or creases, significant signs of aging, as well as descending fat pads in the cheeks.

How long do the results of a deep plane facelift last?

The results of a deep plane facelift can last for approximately 10 to 15 years, making it a worthwhile investment for many.

How long will it take for me to recover after my deep plane facelift?

Most patients can return to their careers and other light activities after resting for one to two weeks. You will need to continue avoiding high-impact or strenuous activities until Dr. Miller instructs otherwise.

Will there be significant scarring after my deep plane facelift?

Dr. Miller takes great care when placing incisions to ensure any scarring remains discreet and inconspicuous. Scars will continue to fade throughout your recovery and beyond. Scar treatments are available to optimize your results.

Are there any risks associated with the deep plane facelift?

As with any surgical procedure, deep plane facelifts have certain risks. These may include infection, scarring, bleeding, dissatisfaction with results, and more. Dr. Miller will explain each risk and how to avoid it to you during your personal consultation.

Who is a good candidate for a deep plane facelift?

Ideal candidates are typically individuals with sagging skin, jowls, deep nasolabial folds, or descending fat pads who are in good overall health and seeking long-lasting facial rejuvenation.

How is a deep plane facelift different from a traditional facelift?

Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily tighten the skin and SMAS layer, a deep plane facelift repositions the deeper facial muscles and fat for more natural, long-lasting results.

Will I need additional procedures along with a deep plane facelift?

The deep plane facelift can be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with other procedures. Some patients choose complementary treatments, such as eyelid surgery, neck lifts, or fat grafting, to achieve balanced and harmonious facial rejuvenation. Dr. Miller can recommend the best combination during your consultation.

What type of anesthesia is used during a deep plane facelift?

A deep plane facelift is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Dr. Miller will discuss the best option for you during your consultation.

References

  1. Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. Nih.gov. Published April 3, 2023. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/#article-21526.s4
  2. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/