A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the face by repositioning facial muscles and tightening loose skin. (1) This procedure helps reduce the appearance of aging, such as wrinkles, creases, and sagging skin, but can also address concerns such as facial volume loss or jowls. We offer several different variations of the facelift, including the deep plane facelift, which targets the underlying layers of your facial structure.
We understand that researching facelift options can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery, we are dedicated to helping you find the procedure that best helps you achieve your goals.
Dr. John T. Alexander II is a board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to helping each individual achieve their goals. He has performed more than ten thousand procedures, showcasing his deep anatomical knowledge and dedication to patient satisfaction.
If you are ready to schedule your consultation and see how you can benefit from a facelift, we invite you to submit our online contact form. If you have any questions or wish to schedule your consultation over the phone, call our San Diego office at (858) 667-7717.
Contents
- 1 About Traditional Facelifts and Deep Plane Facelifts
- 2 Candidates
- 3 Personal Consultation
- 4 Preparation
- 5 Procedure
- 6 Recovery
- 7 Results
- 8 Cost of Traditional Facelifts and Deep Plane Facelifts in San Diego
- 9 FAQ
- 9.1 What is the difference between a traditional facelift and a deep plane facelift?
- 9.2 Are there any side effects I can expect after either a facelift or a deep plane facelift?
- 9.3 How long will the results of my procedure last?
- 9.4 Can I combine a facelift with any other procedures?
- 9.5 Is anesthesia required for a facelift?
- 10 References
About Traditional Facelifts and Deep Plane Facelifts
Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift is a classic approach to facial rejuvenation that primarily addresses the visible signs of aging by lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissue. As we age, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, resulting in sagging along the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The traditional facelift is designed to counteract these effects by smoothing wrinkles, reducing jowls, and restoring more defined facial contours.
This technique focuses on the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), a layer of tissue just beneath the skin. During a traditional facelift, the surgeon separates the skin from the SMAS layer, then repositions and tightens it to create a firmer, more youthful appearance. They will also remove excess skin before redraping. (1)
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is a more advanced surgical technique that goes beyond the skin and superficial tissues to reposition the deeper structural components of the face. Unlike a traditional facelift, which focuses primarily on the skin and the SMAS, a deep plane facelift releases certain facial ligaments and repositions the deeper layers of the face, in addition to lifting the skin and the SMAS as a single unit. This approach allows for more comprehensive correction, particularly in the midface, nasolabial folds, jawline, and neck.
A deep plane facelift is especially effective for patients with more pronounced sagging or hollowing in the cheeks, deep facial folds, and significant jowling.
One of the major advantages of the deep plane facelift is the ability to achieve more natural-looking results with longer-lasting effects, since the lift occurs at the foundational levels of the face. Although it is a more technically complex procedure and may involve a slightly longer recovery, it offers powerful, rejuvenating outcomes that preserve the natural movement and expression of the face. (2)
Candidates
Both the traditional and deep plane facelift address visual signs of facial aging and sagging skin. Dr. Alexander will advise which is better for your concerns after evaluating the condition of your facial skin.
Traditional facelift candidates are interested in addressing loose or lax skin, as well as correcting the appearance of facial aging. You may be a candidate for this variation if you are experiencing early to moderate facial wrinkles and creases but still have good skin elasticity.
We recommend undergoing a deep plane facelift if you are experiencing more significant or more noticeable signs of aging, such as deep nasolabial folds, wrinkles, creases, or folds. Those with significant skin laxity around their face, jaw, and neck may be more suited for a deep plane facelift. Additionally, candidates for a deep plane facelift are interested in longer-lasting or more comprehensive results and do not mind a slightly longer recovery timeline.
Personal Consultation
The first step to revitalizing your appearance is attending a personal consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Alexander will meet with you and explain the details and differences of both the traditional and deep plane facelift. He will ask you about your medical history, prescriptions, concerns, and your desired aesthetic. An evaluation of your facial structure and skin quality will also be performed. Throughout the consultation, he will answer any questions you may have, then use the collected information to craft your customized treatment plan.
If you are ready to receive your tailored treatment plan, we encourage you to schedule a consultation by submitting our online contact form. If you have any questions or if you prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our San Diego office at (858) 667-7717.
Preparation
During your consultation, you will receive a set of preparation instructions that are tailored to your specific procedure plan, medical history, and lifestyle. Regardless of which variation of the facelift you are receiving, each instruction should be followed to ensure a smooth recovery and the results you desire. These instructions will vary depending on your treatment plan, but preparation for both facelift variations is similar.
You may be asked to refrain from taking medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties. Tanning beds should be avoided, and sun protection should be worn liberally. You will need to prearrange transportation home, and any necessary prescriptions should be filled in advance. If applicable, nicotine use should be ceased several weeks before the procedure, as nicotine and tobacco can increase the risk of certain complications.
Procedure
Your procedure will take place at our state-of-the-art, accredited surgical facility. Upon your arrival, your skin will be cleansed, and you will be placed under either intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Alexander will place small incisions in discreet locations, often near the temples and ears, to gain access to underlying tissues while minimizing scar visibility. (1) Once the corrections are made, Dr. Alexander will meticulously close each incision with removable sutures before leaving you to rest under the care of our team until you are ready to be released.
Recovery
Dr. Alexander will provide you with a set of personalized recovery instructions based on your treatment plan. The full recovery period will differ between the two procedures, as a deep plane facelift requires a more extensive recovery.
When recovering from either procedure, you will need to take time away from work and other commitments. It is common to experience swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated area, but these symptoms typically dissipate on their own within several weeks. Dr. Alexander can help guide you through any discomfort and may prescribe pain medications. After approximately two to three weeks, you may be able to return to your routines, but you should consult Dr. Alexander with any questions or concerns.
Results
The results of both a traditional and deep plane facelift are designed to be long-lasting, with effects that can be experienced for up to a decade. The results of a traditional facelift may not last as long because this variation does not address the underlying facial structures, meaning these deeper layers of tissue will continue to age. Additionally, a deep plane facelift often achieves more natural-looking results, as the entire underlying facial structure is repositioned and adjusted.
Cost of Traditional Facelifts and Deep Plane Facelifts in San Diego
The cost of each patient’s facelift procedure can vary depending on the type of facelift performed, the surgical techniques used, the extent of correction, whether or not additional treatments are performed, as well as several other factors. After evaluating the condition of your skin and discussing your goals, Dr. Alexander will provide you with a cost estimate for your facelift. Alexander Cosmetic Surgery offers financing plans for those who qualify. Our patient coordinators can answer any questions you may have about payments or financing.
If you are ready to discover the cost of your personalized facelift procedure, we encourage you to schedule a personal consultation by contacting us online or calling our office at (858) 667-7717.
FAQ
What is the difference between a traditional facelift and a deep plane facelift?
A traditional facelift primarily addresses the skin and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) by tightening them separately. In contrast, a deep plane facelift lifts the skin and SMAS together as a single unit, allowing for more comprehensive repositioning of deeper facial structures and often resulting in more natural-looking, longer-lasting outcomes.
Are there any side effects I can expect after either a facelift or a deep plane facelift?
It is common for patients to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort after either of these procedures. These symptoms typically subside on their own, but Dr. Alexander will also help guide you through your recovery process.
How long will the results of my procedure last?
When paired with proper care and healthy lifestyle choices, the results of both a traditional and deep plane facelift can last for several years.
Can I combine a facelift with any other procedures?
Yes, many patients choose to combine their facelift with other procedures for full facial rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. Alexander can make personalized recommendations for additional procedures based on your goals and anatomy.
Is anesthesia required for a facelift?
Yes, general anesthesia or sedation is administered to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
References
- Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. Nih.gov. Published March 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/#article-28568.s4
- Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. Nih.gov. Published April 3, 2023. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/#article-21526.s9