Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Los Angeles, CA

A combined deep plane facelift and neck lift is designed to improve the overall appearance of the face and neck. (1, 2)

Aging affects everyone differently, but one of the most universal effects of aging is the loss of definition in the face and neck. Loose skin, sagging jowls, displaced facial fat, deep folds, and a loss of bone mass can make individuals appear older than they feel. In thinner individuals, the effects of aging can be especially pronounced, often resulting in a more skeletal or hollowed appearance. This occurs as facial connective tissue ligaments lose elasticity, facial fat descends and diminishes, and aging changes affect and include the surface of the skin down to the underlying bony structure. For those seeking long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation, a deep plane facelift combined with a neck lift offers one of the most advanced and transformative approaches available.

Dr. Mossi Salibian, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Los Angeles, specializes in deep plane facelift and neck lift procedures that prioritize both precision and longevity. His approach goes beyond surface-level lifting for results that appear beautiful and youthful.

To schedule a personal consultation and get started on your facial rejuvenation journey, contact Dr. Salibian and his team online or by calling (310) 550-0750.

About Deep Plane Facelifts

The deep plane facelift differs from other approaches, such as the SMAS facelift—of which there are several different variations—as well as the endoscopic midface and brow lift or the skin-only facelift and neck lift, in several technical aspects that are highly individualized.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift and neck lift is a refined procedure that addresses more than just the skin.

Unlike traditional facelifts that lift the skin and sometimes the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System, a delicate connective tissue matrix that supports the underlying facial muscles), the deep plane technique lifts both together while releasing key facial ligaments, allowing a gentle gliding of facial muscles along their natural tissue planes, reversing their descent with aging. (3)

By choosing techniques that go beyond just tightening the skin, patients can expect results that are not only natural in appearance but also longer-lasting as they continue to age.

SMAS Lift and its Variations

Dr. Salibian also performs the SMAS facelift, which lifts and tightens the SMAS layer beneath the skin without entering deeper into the facial muscles. The SMAS lift allows for the SMAS layer to be imbricated, plicated, or repositioned, all depending on the desired outcome for the given facial aging characteristics. It is also not unusual to combine and further modify SMAS procedures to achieve the best possible appearance; for example, to achieve a well-defined jaw line or enhance the mandibular angle. This technique also relieves tension on the skin closure or suture line, making the incision completely imperceptible once healing is complete. There are several variations of the SMAS lift, including:

  • Vertical: A vertical SMAS lift elevates the tissue primarily upward to restore midface support and ultimately improve cheek projection.
  • Diagonal: This approach combines the vertical and lateral vectors with a diagonal repositioning of the SMAS layer to restore volume to the midface and cheeks.
  • High: The high SMAS lift is done primarily for women to increase the volume of the upper cheeks and achieve that full and high cheekbone look. (4)

Endoscopic Midface and Brow Rejuvenation

While a combined deep plane facelift and neck lift is ideal for many patients with more advanced signs of aging, some individuals—particularly those in their late 40s with minimal facial skin laxity but with midfacial descent—may benefit from focused rejuvenation of the midface or brow area without the need for skin removal. For these procedures, an endoscope can be used to access the forehead tissues and cheeks through small incisions in the scalp and temples. The incisions are well hidden in the hair-bearing area. The cheek tissues are elevated and repositioned higher as one unit without having to dissect between the tissue layers. The same method is used to elevate the eyebrows and reposition them where they can frame the eyes better, and at the same time, relax the horizontal forehead lines of aging.

Skin-Only Face Lift

The skin-only facelift is a more limited approach that involves lifting and removing the redundant facial and neck skin without addressing the deeper layers of facial tissues, like the SMAS or deeper ligaments. This approach is faster to do in the operating room as it involves less dissection and manipulation of delicate tissue planes, but also does not have the same longevity as the SMAS facelift and its variations, nor the deep plane facelift. But it does have its indications for certain patients, for example, who have had previous facial procedures, and further manipulation of deeper structures may not prove to be their safest option.

Benefits

Patients seek this procedure at Dr. Salibian’s office because it often entails several advantages, including:

  • Comprehensive rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, and neck
  • Long-lasting results
  • Minimal skin tension during closure, which implies imperceptible and well-hidden scars
  • Effective lifting of the cheeks, elimination of jowls, and softening of the nasolabial folds
  • Enhanced jawline definition

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for a deep plane facelift and neck lift if you:

  • Have sagging or loose skin around the lower face, jawline, or neck
  • Notice prominent jowls, marionette lines, and loss of cheek volume
  • Have visible neck banding or excess fat under the chin
  • Are seeking natural-looking, long-lasting, beautiful results
  • Are a non-smoker or willing to stop using nicotine before and after surgery

Personal Consultation

Scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Salibian is a critical part of the deep plane facelift and neck lift process. During this one-on-one meeting, Dr. Salibian will assess your facial anatomy, review your medical and surgical history, and discuss your aesthetic concerns and expectations. He will carefully examine the degree of skin and muscle laxity and facial volume loss to determine whether a deep plane facelift and neck lift will help you meet your goals.

He will create a comprehensive and customized treatment plan tailored specifically to your unique features. Dr. Salibian will also take the time to review the procedural details, incision placement, anesthesia plan, and post-surgical recovery regimen.

Contact Dr. Salibian and his team online or by calling our Los Angeles office at (310) 550-0750 to schedule your consultation.

Pre-op checklist

Patients will receive a pre-op checklist from Dr. Salibian to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. This includes detailed information about the surgery, reviewing expectations, informed consent documentation, financial clearance and scheduling your pre op medical clearance with your primary care physician.

Recovery

Following surgery, patients are transferred to a cosmetic recovery center for an overnight stay, where they receive attentive care and close monitoring. Details such as meals and transportation are arranged in advance as well as the post op appointments with Dr. Salibian to ensure a seamless recovery process and experience.

Temporary swelling, bruising, numbness and a sensation of tightness are all expected during your recovery phase, which gradually resolves over several weeks.

Most patients can resume light activities within one to two weeks. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and high-impact movements should be avoided for at least four to six weeks and until cleared by Dr. Salibian.

Results

Deep plane facelift and neck lift procedures are associated with high patient satisfaction rates. (5) Patients often report feeling more confident, comfortable in their skin, and satisfied with their facial balance, appearance, and profile.

Corresponding Procedures

There are complementary procedures that can also be done to achieve a more complete, comprehensive rejuvenation if indicated. Many patients elect to undergo additional treatments offered by Dr. Salibian. Some of these treatments include, but are not limited to:

  • Brow lifts: A brow lift rejuvenates the forehead, elevating the brows, relaxing the forehead, and enhancing the appearance of the eyes..
  • Eyelid rejuvenation: Also known as blepharoplasty, this procedure addresses the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess eyelid skin and underlying fat deposits, restoring the youthful appearance of the eyelids to match the rejuvenated face and neck.
  • Nonsurgical treatments: Dr. Salibian offers a range of nonsurgical procedures that complement a facelift, including injectables, chemical peels, and CO2 laser facial treatments, which address the superficial tactile skin layers, restoring a youthful look and feel to the facial and neck skin.

Cost of a Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift in Los Angeles

A personalized cost estimate will be provided during your consultation, which includes itemized fees associated with the procedure. Financing options may be available to those who inquire.

Schedule a consultation today to begin exploring your deep plane facelift and neck lift options. If you have any questions, please call our office directly at (310) 550-0750.

FAQ

Is there a chance of nerve injury?

While every surgical procedure carries some risk of injury, especially in a nerve-sensitive area such as the face, Dr. Salibian is an experienced plastic surgeon who works meticulously and diligently to minimize the risk of nerve injury to both the sensory as well as motor nerves of the face and neck.

How long do deep plane facelift and neck lift results last?

While individual longevity may vary, many patients enjoy results for 10 – 15 years or longer. Proper skincare and a healthy lifestyle can help prolong your outcome.

When can I return to work after my deep plane facelift and neck lift?

The timeline for returning to work varies depending on the nature of the job and can range from 10 days to three weeks. Can I have a facial chemical peel or CO2 laser at the same time as a deep plane face lift? Yes, it is possible to have these ancillary procedures, but only with specific and modified guidelines when performed together with a facelift and neck lift.

References

  1. Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
  2. Chinta SR, Brydges HT, Laspro M, Shah AR, Cohen J, Ceradini DJ. Current Trends in Deep Plane Neck Lifting: A Systematic Review. Annals of plastic surgery. 2025;94(2):222-228. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000004163
  3. Talei B, Chopra R, Ziai H. The Nuances and Techniques of Deep Plane Face and Neck Lifting to Maximize the Defined Neck and Jawline and Obtain a Sharp and Beautiful Neck Contour. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2024;40(06):723-730. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2274-0586
  4. Marten T, Elyassnia D. High SMAS Facelift: Combined Single Flap Lifting of the Midface, Cheek, and Jawline. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2022;38(06):593-612. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1757757
  5. Swanson E. Outcome Analysis in 93 Facial Rejuvenation Patients Treated with a Deep-Plane Face Lift. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2011;127(2):823-834. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e3181fed81f