Face BEFORE & AFTER Patient 178: Deep Plane Facelift
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
A 67-year-old female patient presented with concerns regarding facial aging, including descent and laxity of deeper facial tissues, loss of midface definition, and diminished jawline contour. After a thorough consultation and evaluation, the patient elected to undergo a deep plane facelift at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Crantford performed the procedure to reposition the deeper structural layers of the face, restoring a more youthful, natural appearance while improving definition along the jawline and midface. Photos are shown at 5 weeks post-op.
The deep plane facelift is widely regarded as the most comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, and it is particularly well-suited for patients with more advanced facial aging, where superficial skin tightening alone would produce an unnatural or short-lived result. By operating at a deeper anatomical level, Dr. Crantford can reposition the underlying facial structures responsible for the descent and hollowing that characterizes significant facial aging. Before-and-after photos at 5 weeks reflect early but meaningful improvement in facial contour with results continuing to refine over the following months as residual swelling resolves and the repositioned tissues fully settle.
What is a deep plane facelift, and how does it differ from a traditional facelift?
A deep plane facelift operates at a deeper anatomical level than a traditional SMAS facelift — releasing and repositioning not just the surface layers of the face, but the deeper composite of muscle, fat, and connective tissue. This allows the surgeon to address the root causes of facial aging more comprehensively, producing a result that looks naturally rejuvenated rather than simply tightened. The deep plane approach is typically recommended for patients with more significant facial aging or those seeking more durable, long-lasting results.
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
Deep plane facelift results are generally considered among the most long-lasting of all facelift techniques, with many patients maintaining their results for 10 years or more. Because the procedure repositions deeper structural tissues rather than simply tightening the skin, the result tends to age more gracefully over time.
What is recovery like after a deep plane facelift?
Recovery from a deep plane facelift is typically 2 to 3 weeks before patients feel comfortable in social settings, with most returning to light activities within that window. Bruising and swelling are most prominent in the first 1 to 2 weeks and continue to resolve through weeks 4 to 6. Final results develop gradually over 6 to 12 months as all residual swelling resolves and the repositioned tissues fully settle.
