Deep Plane Facelift Introduction
When it comes to facial rejuvenation, few procedures can deliver the transformative, natural-looking results of a deep plane facelift. This advanced technique targets the deeper layers of facial tissue, repositioning and lifting without creating the overly tight or “pulled” look often associated with traditional facelifts. At Maryland Plastic Surgery, board-certified surgeons Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler specialize in customized deep plane facelifts designed to refresh your appearance while preserving your natural expressions. With their extensive training and experience, you can trust that your results will be elegant, long-lasting, and uniquely tailored to you.
A deep plane facelift is a specialized surgical technique that lifts and repositions the deeper structures of the face, including the muscles and connective tissue (known as the SMAS layer), rather than just tightening the skin. By addressing the underlying facial architecture, a deep plane facelift provides more comprehensive and natural-looking rejuvenation, especially in the cheeks, midface, jawline, and neck.
Unlike a traditional facelift, which primarily pulls the skin tight, a deep plane facelift releases and repositions the deep tissues, allowing for more significant lift and longer-lasting results. This approach preserves the natural volume and movement of the face, resulting in a youthful, refreshed appearance without stiffness or distortion.
Various types of facelifts depend on the patient’s individual needs and medical history. At Maryland Plastic Surgery, your dedicated surgeon will help you choose the best option for you.
Various types of facelifts depend on the patient’s individual needs and medical history. At Maryland Plastic Surgery, your dedicated surgeon will help you choose the best option for you.
Various types of facelifts depend on the patient’s individual needs and medical history. At Maryland Plastic Surgery, your dedicated surgeon will help you choose the best option for you.
The RE•Lift™ set of facelift procedures are long lasting, minimally invasive treatments that achieve natural results in just one hour with minimal downtime.
The key to these procedures is lifting of the fat and muscle without pulling on the skin.
Enjoy natural results without a “windswept”, pulled or stretched look. Customize your results by choosing from the following combination of procedures: Brows, Eyes, Cheeks, Jowls, and Neck.
At Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler bring decades of experience and artistry to every facelift they perform. Known for their precision and natural-looking results, both surgeons take a personalized approach—starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals and areas of concern. Whether you’re looking to lift sagging jowls, smooth deep lines, or restore youthful contours, Dr. Summers and Dr. Spittler are committed to helping you look like the best version of yourself. Their reputation for excellence and their dedication to patient satisfaction means you’ll be in the best hands—every step of the way.
The deep plane facelift offers some of the most impressive and natural outcomes in modern facial rejuvenation. By repositioning the deep structures of the face, patients achieve comprehensive, harmonious improvements without looking overcorrected or artificial.
Benefits of a deep plane facelift include:
Restoration of youthful contours in the cheeks, jawline, and neck
Natural-looking lift without a “pulled” or over-tightened appearance
Smoother, firmer skin with improved elasticity
Enhanced definition of the jawline and reduction of jowls
Long-lasting results that can endure for 10-15 years or longer
Preservation of natural facial movement and expression
Significant improvement in deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Ideal candidates for a deep plane facelift are individuals who are experiencing moderate to significant facial aging and who want a more profound and natural-looking rejuvenation than what traditional facelifts typically offer.
You may be a good candidate for a deep plane facelift if you:
Notice sagging in the midface, cheeks, jawline, and neck
Have deep creases around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
Desire natural-looking, long-lasting facial rejuvenation
Are in good general health and a non-smoker
Have realistic expectations about surgery and results
Want to restore youthful contours without appearing “tight” or artificial
During your consultation, Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler will thoroughly evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to determine if a deep plane facelift is the best option for you.
LET’S GET YOU STARTED
On the day of your facelift at Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, you’ll be welcomed into our state-of-the-art surgical suite by Dr. Summers, Dr. Spittler, and our experienced clinical team. Before your procedure begins, we’ll review your surgical plan with you once more—giving you a final opportunity to ask questions or share any last-minute thoughts. Our goal is to ensure you feel completely comfortable, confident, and cared for every step of the way.
A board-certified anesthesiologist will then administer the appropriate anesthesia, which will have been carefully selected and discussed during your consultation to ensure a pain-free, relaxed experience throughout your procedure.
Once your ideal facial contours have been achieved, your surgeon will carefully close the incisions using advanced suturing techniques designed to support healing and minimize visible scarring. In some cases, a small drain may be placed to prevent fluid buildup and support a smoother recovery process.
Facelift procedures typically take between three to six hours, depending on the complexity of your surgical plan and any complementary procedures being performed.
Your deep plane facelift will be performed at our accredited, state-of-the-art surgical suite in Millersville, MD. The procedure typically takes between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether additional procedures (like eyelid surgery or neck lift) are performed at the same time.
You will receive general anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure complete comfort during the surgery. Small, discreet incisions will be placed around the ears and possibly along the hairline. Through these incisions, Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler will carefully release and reposition the deep layers of facial tissue before redraping the skin for a smooth, natural finish.
After surgery, you will rest in a recovery area under the supervision of our skilled medical team before being discharged to recover at home. A responsible adult should stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Recovery from a deep plane facelift is similar to that of a traditional facelift but may involve a slightly longer initial healing period due to the deeper repositioning of tissues. Swelling and bruising are common during the first 1-2 weeks, but discomfort is typically well-managed with prescribed medications.
Most patients are able to resume light activities within 2 weeks, although residual swelling may take several months to completely resolve. It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including keeping your head elevated, avoiding strenuous activity, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Final results will continue to refine over 3 to 6 months as the tissues settle, revealing a beautifully natural and youthful facial contour.
FAIR & TRANSPARENT PRICING
The cost of a facelift at Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa varies based on several factors, including the type of facelift, the complexity of your case, and the techniques required to achieve your goals. Procedures performed by Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler are customized to each patient, which means pricing can differ accordingly.
As a general range, facelift procedures typically start around $13,500 and can go up to $17,000 or more, depending on whether advanced techniques or complementary procedures are included in your plan. During your private consultation, your surgeon will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and design a personalized treatment approach. Once your plan is in place, our Patient Coordinator will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown and review available financing options.
For general pricing estimates on our full range of services, we invite you to visit our Pricing Page.
A SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift typically tightens the fibrous layer beneath the skin without fully releasing it from underlying attachments. A deep plane facelift, however, goes further by releasing and repositioning the entire deep tissue layer, including facial muscles and fat compartments. This allows for a more comprehensive and natural lift, particularly in the midface and cheeks, rather than just pulling skin and superficial tissues tight. Deep plane facelifts typically create longer-lasting, more natural results with less tension on the skin.
Results from a deep plane facelift are among the most durable of all facelift techniques. Patients can generally expect their results to last 10-15 years or longer, depending on factors such as genetics, skincare maintenance, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits. Because the deeper tissues are repositioned—not just the skin—the face ages more naturally and gracefully over time compared to a traditional facelift.
The best age for a deep plane facelift isn’t determined by a specific number but by the degree of facial aging. Many candidates are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. Younger patients (early 40s) may seek the procedure to stay ahead of the aging curve, while older patients (late 60s or beyond) may benefit from the more profound rejuvenation it offers. A consultation with Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler is essential to evaluate your facial anatomy and determine the best timing.
Deep plane facelifts are typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia. This ensures complete comfort during the surgery and allows the surgeon to work meticulously without patient movement. Our anesthesiology team is highly skilled in providing a safe, smooth surgical experience from start to finish.
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of the deep plane technique is that it avoids the overly tight or windswept look often associated with older facelift methods. By lifting and repositioning the deeper structures of the face, Dr. Summers and Dr. Spittler are able to restore youthful contours while preserving your natural facial expressions and individuality. Friends and family will likely notice you look refreshed and vibrant—but not “operated on.”
A deep plane facelift primarily improves the midface (cheeks), lower face (jawline and jowls), and neck. It also softens deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Some patients may combine a deep plane facelift with other procedures like eyelid surgery or brow lift for a more complete facial rejuvenation.
Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous work within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. However, swelling and minor bruising may still be visible for a few weeks after that. If your work involves heavy physical activity or public-facing roles, you may want to plan for a slightly longer recovery period.
As with any surgery, there are risks, including bleeding, infection, asymmetry, nerve injury, or scarring. However, when performed by highly experienced, board-certified surgeons like Dr. Summers and Dr. Spittler, complications are rare. Thorough consultation, meticulous surgical technique, and close post-operative care all help to minimize risk and maximize your results.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine their deep plane facelift with treatments such as Botox®, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or skin tightening therapies to enhance their results even further. These treatments can address skin tone, texture, and fine lines, complementing the structural improvements achieved through surgery.
While early improvements will be noticeable within the first few weeks as swelling subsides, final results typically take 3 to 6 months to fully mature. Patience is important, as the deep tissues need time to settle into their new, natural position. Once healed, your refreshed, youthful contours will be beautifully visible and long-lasting.
Financing is available to ensure your dream results fit comfortably within your budget.
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