What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift releases selected retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS, the support layer under the skin. This allows the skin and SMAS to move together as a connected, or composite, layer. Dr. Smith uses relatively limited skin undermining: only a modest area of skin is separated from the tissues beneath it.
The technique name describes part of the operation. Your facial anatomy, skin quality, neck contours and goals determine the full surgical plan.
Why Dr. Smith selects a deep plane approach
Dr. Smith often favors a deep plane approach when there is significant cheek descent, pronounced jowling, marionette folds or substantial laxity. Releasing the retaining ligaments gives him more freedom to reposition the descended tissues, particularly through the cheek and lower face.
For a patient with lighter aging changes, a standard SMAS lift or plication may provide the needed correction with a shorter operation. Dr. Smith chooses the release and lift around the anatomy. A deep plane label by itself does not promise a better result or a longer-lasting one.
A plan shaped around your face
Dr. Darren Smith is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has completed fellowships in both craniofacial surgery and aesthetic surgery. This combination brings training in the underlying facial framework together with a focus on aesthetic refinement.
Bring photographs of yourself from earlier years and describe the features you want to preserve. The most useful conversation is about your goals and proportions, as well as the technique.
Dr. Smith is also a named co-inventor on a U.S. patent for predicting how facial soft tissue moves when underlying bone is repositioned—a contribution to the simulation of craniofacial surgery.
A patient’s facelift experience
Hear a patient describe her facelift and neck lift experience with Dr. Smith.
Deep plane, SMAS, preservation and mini facelift
SMAS describes an anatomical layer, not just one operation. Plication tightens that layer by folding and securing it; a deep plane approach releases selected attachments beneath it so connected tissues can be repositioned together. The facelift selection guide explains how Dr. Smith chooses the scope of treatment.
Dr. Smith’s preservation facelift is a refinement of the deep plane approach with even less skin undermining. It works in the same deeper plane. A mini or MACS facelift is a more limited option for early jowling, mild neck looseness and good skin elasticity.
Is a deep plane facelift right for you?
The degree of cheek descent, skin laxity and jowling matters more than age alone. Dr. Smith may also favor a deep plane or preservation approach for thin or fragile skin, because it limits how much skin is separated from the underlying tissues. Your health, nicotine use, previous surgery and other treatments remain part of the assessment.
The quality of the SMAS and any previous surgery can change the plan. The neck also needs its own assessment: a heavy neck or pronounced bands cannot be fully described by the words deep plane facelift. Dr. Smith will explain the facial and neck components proposed for you.
Plan your recovery around real life
Plan for swelling, bruising and a period away from demanding activities. Looking comfortable in public, returning to work and resuming exercise are different milestones; the timing also depends on any combined procedures.
Discuss upcoming events, travel and the physical demands of your work before choosing a surgery date. Your plan should include follow-up visits, help during early recovery and individualized instructions for activity and incision care.
Deep plane facelift cost in NYC
Your quote depends on the extent of facial and neck treatment, anesthesia and any additional procedures. Ask for an itemized plan that makes the surgical scope and fees clear.
A $500 fee secures your consultation and is credited toward your procedure. The consultation is where you can compare the proposed changes, recovery plan and financial details with your priorities.
Care and safety
Facelift surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, nerve injury, scarring and asymmetry. Dr. Smith reviews the considerations relevant to your health and surgical plan before you decide. Healing and results vary.
Your Manhattan consultation
Meet Dr. Smith at the Ritz Tower, 111 East 57th Street, New York. Discuss your face and neck together, the features you want to retain, and how the proposed operation fits your goals.
If you are traveling to NYC, ask the team about consultation arrangements and the follow-up schedule before making travel plans.
Your questions, answered
Is a deep plane facelift the same as a SMAS facelift?
The SMAS is a supportive anatomical layer addressed by several facelift techniques. A deep plane facelift works beneath it and lifts connected tissues together. Other SMAS approaches treat this layer differently; the technique should be explained in relation to your anatomy.
Does a deep plane facelift include a neck lift?
Dr. Smith includes neck work when looseness or fullness beneath the chin or through the neck is a concern you want to address. He includes platysmaplasty for vertical bands or significant platysma laxity, and selects fat treatment or other deeper steps according to your anatomy. The neck lift guide explains those choices. The deep plane label alone does not specify which neck steps you need.
Will a facelift treat my eyelids or skin texture?
A facelift primarily addresses tissue descent and facial contours. Eyelid concerns, sun damage and fine surface lines may call for separate treatments, which can be discussed as part of a coordinated plan.
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
Dr. Smith favors deep plane release for selected patients because he believes it supports a lasting correction of significant cheek descent. That is a reason for his technique choice, not a guarantee that it will outlast every SMAS lift. Continued aging, tissue quality, the full operation and healing all affect durability.
How do I arrange a consultation?
Contact the Manhattan practice to discuss an appointment with Dr. Smith. A $500 fee secures the consultation and is credited toward your procedure.