Deep-Plane Facelift in Seattle, WA
Schedule A ConsultationModel
Deep-Plane Facelift
Imagine seeing a younger, well-rested, and more refreshed version of yourself in the mirror—without looking pulled or like you’ve had too much work done. The deep-plane facelift is widely regarded as the gold standard in facial rejuvenation surgery today, offering long-lasting, natural-looking results that turn back the clock.
At our practice in Bellevue, Washington, Dr. David Stephens, a board-certified plastic surgeon, has been performing advanced facelift techniques his whole career. Originally training with world-renowned facial surgery pioneer Dr. Bruce Connell on endoscopic facial techniques, Dr. Stephens has incorporated newer current techniques into his practice. Dr. Stephens uses his highly individualized, deep-plane approach to facelift surgery to rejuvenate an aging face—delivering profound yet natural-looking results.
Model
What Is a Deep-Plane Facelift?
Unlike traditional facelift surgery that relies primarily on tightening facial skin and superficial structures, the deep-plane facelift technique manipulates the deeper structures to provide a three-dimensional approach to reversing the signs of aging. A true deep-plane facelift procedure addresses not only skin laxity but also the deeper underlying tissues, including the strong SMAS and neck structures that have sagged and relaxed. These structures have incredible lifting power when released and repositioned. Some deeper structures are mobilized and modified, including the fat compartments, muscles, and glands, to restore the face’s supporting structural system rather than just relying on stretching the surface structures. Fat grafting is often utilized to provide for improved facial contours.
As we age, the skin thins and subcutaneous structures lose elasticity and weaken. The facial fat descends and thins out, and deeper supportive connective tissues weaken. The deep-plane facelift technique targets the deeper tissues while carrying the superficial structures with it. By releasing a structure called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) in the face along with the deeper supportive muscles and structures in the neck, it produces a more natural and long-lasting vertical lift of the midface, jawline, and a well-defined, youthful neck.
The result is a refreshed and more youthful appearance that reflects how your natural facial features appeared 15 to 20 years ago.
Deep-Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift: Key Differences
Most facelift procedures performed today rely on lesser manipulations of the SMAS or just the mobilization of the skin. However, these facelift techniques often rely on producing tension at the skin level and may offer limited longevity.
A deep-plane facelift differs by:
- Dissecting tissues beneath the SMAS and deeper structures that are stronger and less apt to fail
- Releasing deeper retaining ligaments
- Repositioning the facial tissues, not just tightening
- Lifting vertically rather than backward
- Reducing nasolabial folds and jowls more effectively
- Producing longer-lasting, more comprehensive results
Bottom Line: A deep-plane facelift technique provides longer-lasting, more natural-looking results, especially in the midface and lower face, than other facelift techniques.
What Are the Benefits of a Deep-Plane Facelift?
The advantages of deep-plane facelift surgery are numerous and significant:
- Repositions facial tissues instead of stretching them
- Avoids the “pulled tight” or artificial look of other facelift techniques
- One of the few surgical techniques that can soften deep nasolabial folds
- Restores supple volume to the midface and cheek area with repositioning and fat grafting
- Improves the appearance of skin laxity, smile lines, and marionette lines
- Creates a more sculpted and defined jawline and smoother neck
- Faster recovery due to precise, gentle dissection techniques
- Provides long-lasting, natural-looking results
- Restores a youthful appearance, with patients often looking 10 to 20 years younger
Dr. Stephens’ facial technique is designed to “sculpt from within,” reshaping the facial framework itself and expertly redraping the skin without relying only on superficial tension. The result is a more elegant and harmonious rejuvenation of all areas of the face and neck, addressing multiple regions of the face simultaneously: the midface and lower face, as well as the neck and brow regions.
Am I a Candidate for a Deep-Plane Facelift?
If you are experiencing moderate to severe facial aging, such as a sagging jawline, loss of facial definition, and neck laxity with the loss of youthful triangular facial contours in the lower two-thirds of the face, you are likely a suitable candidate for a deep-plane facelift. Patients often choose the deep-plane facelift when they feel they no longer look like themselves or when non-surgical or lesser surgical treatments are no longer sufficient.
A deep-plane facelift is ideal for those individuals who:
- Have good overall health
- Do not smoke
- Are concerned about facial sagging or volume loss
- Desire to recapture youthful contours
- Want a natural-looking, long-lasting, comprehensive solution
- Have realistic expectations
To determine if deep-plane facelift surgery is the right fit for your facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephens by calling (425) 455-0444.
How Is a Deep-Plane Facelift Performed?
While this facial plastic surgery procedure is highly individualized and will vary from patient to patient, there are some basic commonalities you can expect.
Consultation
The first step in any surgical procedure is a detailed, personalized consultation. During your initial consultation, you will discuss your aesthetic goals and concerns. Dr. Stephens will then review your goals and discuss your entire facial structure, including the forehead, midface, lower face, neck, and eyes. Next, he will examine your previous photographs and evaluate the areas that have been impacted by aging and environmental damage. This in-depth discussion and comprehensive evaluation ensure a custom-tailored treatment plan.
The Deep-Plane Procedure
The deep-plane facelift is an outpatient procedure performed at our “Quad-A SF” nationally accredited and Washington State licensed facility under general anesthesia, administered by our board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Harold Branford. There are a minimum of two to three other people in the operating room: his first assistant and his circulating nurses.
Dr. Stephens meticulously dissects beneath the SMAS and deeper layers, releasing retaining ligaments and lifting and moving the deep tissues of the midface, lower face, and neck. The neck is addressed by tightening the platysma muscle and deeper structures, as well as reducing submandibular and salivary glands and fatty structures where necessary to achieve a smooth and youthful neckline.
The skin is then redraped with minimal tension, allowing the deeper structural work to provide shape and support. Dr. Stephens’ refined and gentle techniques ensure a virtually bloodless surgery with minimal bruising and a shorter recovery period.
Safely doing these procedures requires meticulous planning, execution, attention to detail, and experience. There are only a handful of surgeons in the U.S. who have the knowledge and skill to do these procedures. Dr. Stephens trained early in his career with a true artist and pioneer and has augmented this by attending workshops with other highly trained plastic and facial plastic surgeons to utilize newer techniques. He will only do as much as necessary to achieve your best results, knowing from experience how to modify and individualize these procedures for your best outcome.
What Procedures Can I Combine With a Deep-Plane Facelift?
Facial aging rarely occurs in only one area. Dr. Stephens often combines the deep-plane facelift with other facial procedures to provide a balanced and harmonious result. This approach ensures that no area of the face looks out of sync with the rest of the facial features.
The following procedures are commonly included in Dr. Stephens’ deep-plane facelift for more complete facial rejuvenation:
Brow Lift: A lateral or endoscopic brow lift restores the natural arch of the brows and smooths out the temples. This surgical procedure is especially beneficial when the outer brow has descended.
Eyelid Surgery: An upper or lower blepharoplasty can rejuvenate tired-looking eyes by removing and repositioning excess skin and fat, creating a brighter and more rested appearance.
Neck Lift: This may involve deep neck work, such as platysmaplasty, submandibular gland contouring, or short-scar techniques in isolated neck lifts, depending on the patient’s anatomy.
Fat Grafting: Dr. Stephens uses fat transfer techniques to restore lost volume and improve facial contours in areas of the cheekbones, nasolabial folds, or jawline.
Skin Resurfacing: Laser treatments or other rejuvenation therapies may be used before or after your procedure to improve skin texture and thickness and treat sun damage.
Not Everyone Needs a Deep-Plane Facelift
Every element of your treatment plan is fully tailored to your concerns, your specific anatomy, and the impact of genetics and aging. For example:
- A patient with strong midface structures but heavy sagging brows may benefit from a brow lift alone.
- Someone with youthful skin elasticity and good facial structures but a prominent or heavy neck may need only a short-scar deep neck lift to look refreshed.
- In younger patients, a short-scar deep-plane facelift alone may be sufficient.
The deep-plane technique itself is highly customizable. Dr. Stephens believes in performing only what is necessary to achieve a natural and balanced result—never an excessive, “over-operated” look.
What Is Deep-Plane Facelift Recovery Like?
Recovery from deep-plane facelift surgery is typically more comfortable and easier than many patients expect:
- Patients may need a night or two to recover from the surgery and anesthesia, but it is important to begin moving and walking as early as possible, starting from the day of your surgery.
- Patients need to sleep with their head elevated in a recliner or bed.
- Initial swelling and tightness are normal and diminish over a few weeks.
- Dr. Stephens’ meticulous surgical technique results in minimal bruising, which usually subsides as early as two to three weeks.
- Sutures are generally all removed within 10 to 14 days.
- Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities after 10 to 14 days and may be able to do desk work within a week.
- Heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and rigorous exercise should be avoided for three to four weeks.
During deep-plane facelift recovery, patients should feel tightness in the neck or jawline as deeper structures settle—this is actually a sign of effective repositioning and a well-executed facelift. Dr. Stephens follows each patient closely throughout the healing process with appointments starting the day after your surgical procedure and continuing throughout the complete healing journey.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage is used to facilitate fast recovery after your facelift, reducing swelling and improving discomfort. Facelift surgery is uncomfortable but rarely painful.
When Will I See My Deep-Plane Facelift Results?
While improvements are visible within the first few weeks of your surgical procedure, final results emerge gradually over several months as swelling subsides and tissues continue to heal and settle. Because the lift is structural and not reliant on skin tension, the rejuvenation achieved is stable and enduring, with many patients enjoying their results for 10 to 15 years or more.
To preserve and protect your facelift results, maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking, and use proper sun protection daily. Skincare, ancillary lasers, and photofacials will improve the quality of your skin and help to sustain your results.
How Much Does a Deep-Plane Facelift Procedure Cost in Seattle, WA?
The cost of a deep-plane facelift in Seattle, WA, varies depending on the extent of the correction needed and any additional treatments performed. Nationwide, deep-plane facelifts in plastic surgery-intensive areas can cost $50,000 to $200,000. Despite his decades of experience, precision techniques, and individualized care, Dr. Stephens’ facelifts are priced significantly lower, ranging from $20,000 to $40,000.
Fees generally include the plastic surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, operating room/facility fees, and postoperative visits. Dr. Stephens’ patient care coordinator will provide a more detailed estimate during your initial consultation.
Learn More About Getting a Deep-Plane Facelift in Seattle, WA
If you’re considering a facelift or facial rejuvenation of any kind, it’s recommended that you seek out the expertise of a highly experienced and trustworthy plastic or facial plastic surgeon with specific training in facial aesthetic surgery. Dr. David Stephens is an expert and seasoned board-certified plastic surgeon known for his advanced deep-plane and facial rejuvenation techniques, providing his patients with natural-looking results.
Ready to see a more youthful, confident you? Schedule a deep-plane facelift consultation with Dr. Stephens and receive a personalized treatment plan. Call us today at (425) 455-0444, fill out our online contact form, or email us at info@stephensplasticsurgery.com.
Learn More
