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Deep Plane Facelift

Conveniently located to serve Baltimore and Towson.

The deep plane facelift is a surgical technique that redefines facial rejuvenation. Unlike older methods that merely tighten the skin, this procedure repositions the underlying facial tissues, providing a natural and long-lasting lift. Dr. Babar Sultan's approach restores youthful contours and defines the jawline, ensuring a refreshed, authentic, and enduring look.

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What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical procedure that targets the deeper facial structures responsible for age-related sagging. This method repositions the entire cheek, jowl, and neck area as a single, composite unit, which helps achieve a more dramatic yet natural-looking transformation. Lifting the underlying ligaments and muscles avoids the “pulled” or “stretched” look often associated with older facelift techniques.

How it differs from traditional facelifts

Traditional facelifts, also known as SMAS facelift procedures, tighten the skin and, in some cases, the superficial muscle layer (SMAS) independently. In contrast, the deep plane facelift lifts the skin, fat, and muscle together, preserving the blood supply to the skin. It leads to a more durable result, reduced bruising and swelling, and a significantly more natural outcome.

Targeted areas (midface, jawline, neck)

This powerful procedure, which can also be an alternative to a traditional midface lift, effectively addresses common signs of aging in the midface, jawline, and neck. It’s designed to lift sagging cheeks, define the jawline by correcting jowls, and smooth loose skin and banding in the neck.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The ideal candidate for a deep plane facelift is a patient in their 40s or older experiencing moderate to advanced signs of aging in the lower face and neck.

You may be a good candidate if you have:

  • Significant sagging of the cheeks
  • Prominent jowls that obscure your jawline
  • Loose skin and vertical bands in the neck
  • A desire for a lasting and natural-looking rejuvenation

Good candidates should be in good overall health, be non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results. The best way to see how a deep plane facelift can address your concerns is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Sultan.

The Procedure

Dr. Sultan performs the deep plane facelift, focusing on patient comfort and achieving the best possible results. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Anesthesia & surgical process

The procedure involves a small, well-hidden incision in front of the ear and extending behind the ear into the hairline. Dr. Sultan then accesses and carefully lifts the deep plane layer, repositioning the malar fat pads (cheeks) and jawline tissues.

Tissue lifting and skin redraping

With the underlying tissues repositioned, the skin is redraped naturally, without tension. It is the key to achieving a refreshed look that doesn’t appear surgically altered. Any excess skin is then trimmed, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures.

Duration of surgery

Depending on the patient’s needs and goals, a deep plane facelift typically takes between three and four hours to complete.

Recovery & Results

Timeline of swelling and bruising

Understanding your facelift recovery timeline is essential for a smooth process. Most patients experience a peak in swelling and bruising within the first 48 hours. This gradually subsides over the next two weeks. We provide detailed post-operative instructions to help manage discomfort and speed your recovery.

Your at-home care will include a few simple steps:

  • Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to minimize swelling.
  • Use cold compresses on the treatment area as directed.
  • Take any prescribed medication to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending over.
  • Follow our specific instructions for caring for your incisions.

Return to work and social life

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 2-3 weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

Final results

While you will see a noticeable improvement immediately, the final results will become fully apparent over the next few months as all swelling resolves and the tissues settle. The results of a deep plane facelift are exceptionally long-lasting, often lasting 10-15 years or more.

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

Discover the advantages of this advanced facial rejuvenation technique, including the following:

  • Natural facelift results: The key benefit is a refreshed look that avoids the “pulled” appearance.
  • Long-lasting rejuvenation: By lifting the deep facial structures, the results are more durable than those from traditional techniques.
  • Enhanced jawline and neck definition: The procedure effectively defines the jawline and smooths the neck.
  • Minimal scarring: Incisions are strategically placed to be discreet and hidden.

How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost?

The cost of a deep plane facelift at Sultan Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery can vary based on the specifics of your unique case. The final price is determined by several factors, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia and surgical facility fees, the complexity of the procedure, and any pre- and post-operative costs. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sultan for a personalized quote.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Babar Sultan

Dr. Babar Sultan is a leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients from Baltimore, Towson, DC, and Rockville. He is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive training and a depth of knowledge focused exclusively on the face and neck.

Patients choose Dr. Sultan for his focused, patient-centered approach to creating beautiful, balanced results that enhance their natural beauty. His board certifications from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology ensure that he upholds the highest standards of patient care, safety, and surgical expertise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The deep plane facelift lifts deeper facial tissues as a single unit, providing more natural, durable results. A traditional facelift, by contrast, primarily focuses on tightening the skin and superficial layers.
Dr. Sultan places incisions in discreet locations, such as within the ear and along the hairline, making them nearly imperceptible once healed. The goal is for your results to be beautiful and your surgical history to be our secret.
Yes, it is commonly combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or a mini facelift to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Combining procedures can often be more efficient and produce a more balanced overall result.
There isn't a single "ideal" age, as the need for a facelift is determined by your facial anatomy and the degree of skin laxity, not your chronological age. Most patients seeking a deep plane facelift are in their 40s to 60s, as signs of significant midface sagging, jowls, and neck laxity typically become noticeable.

Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to achieve your goals? Choose a surgeon you can trust. At Sultan Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we provide compassionate care and exceptional results for patients in Baltimore, Towson, DC, and Rockville. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Babar Sultan, please contact us at 410-296-1980 or info@sultanfacialplastics.com.

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