Deep Plane Facelift

Top Facial Plastic Surgeon Serving Newport Beach and Orange County

Procedure Time

4-6 Hours

Recovery Time

12-21 Days

Price Range

Per Case Basis

Outpatient

Key Takeaways of the Page

Smiling woman at desk in bright office after buccal fat removal in Beverly Hills.

The Deep Plane Facelift Technique

Almost everyone has heard of a facelift, but you may not be familiar with a deep plane facelift. In many cases, this alternative technique can offer superior and longer-lasting results in comparison to a traditional facelift.

Dr. Rami Batniji performs a number of different types of facelifts for Newport Beach and Beverly Hills patients. Dr. Batniji, a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, has decades of experience and is the ideal choice for your next procedure.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

In modern medicine, the standard facelift method is the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) facelift. The SMAS is a fibrous system that connects the muscles underlying the face to the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. A SMAS facelift can reduce or eliminate wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging.

However, sometimes a deeper approach is necessary. A deep plane facelift accesses a deeper plane than a SMAS facelift, producing dramatic, long-lasting results that are in some cases even more pronounced than those of a traditional facelift.

During a deep plane facelift, Dr. Batniji lifts from beneath the SMAS layer and manipulates the ligaments that retain the facial muscles. This technique allows for the maximum mobilization of facial features and permits closure without tension. Thus, even though a deep plane facelift uses a plane below the SMAS, it can be less traumatic for the patient than a traditional facelift or a mid-facelift.

If you're considering facial rejuvenation, it is important to understand the differences between the traditional facelift, the mid-facelift, the mini facelift, and the deep plane facelift. This will help you choose the option that best suits your goals.

Dr. Batniji performing a Deep Plane Facelift surgery in Newport Beach with assistance.
Dr. Batniji examining a patient during a facial consultation in his Newport Beach clinic.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

In general, deep plane facelifts are well-suited for people in their 50s and older. This is not to say that patients in their 30s or 40s cannot have a deep plane facelift, but the procedure tends to produce better results for older individuals.

Also, if you’ve had a previous SMAS facelift and want to extend or improve your results, a deep plane facelift may be an excellent choice. Because it uses a different tissue plane than the SMAS, previous facelift patients can usually choose the deep plane approach for a repeat facelift.

Facelift candidates should always let Dr. Batniji surgeon know if they have any medical conditions, take any medications, or are pregnant. In addition, if they smoke, they will need to stop before pursuing a facelift procedure. Some studies estimate that smokers are up to 14 times more likely to encounter facelift complications than non-smokers.

Finally, your aesthetic goals may influence the type of facelift procedure you select. A deep plane facelift may be more appropriate if you have concerns about jowls around the lower cheeks and chin. Additionally, a deep plane facelift may be a good choice if you have crow’s feet or other undesired features around your eyes.

Dr. Batniji and his team will guide you through the process, set realistic expectations, and help you make an informed and suitable decision. They have years of experience and will be with you every step of the way.

What Should You Expect with a Deep Plane Facelift?

Dr. Batniji has two surgery centers he operates out of in Newport Beach. The Newport Beach Surgical Center is a brand new surgery center located in the same building as their consultation office, across the street from Hoag Hospital and right off the Pacific Coast Highway. The office overlooks Newport Harbor and has private parking and a private entrance for surgical patients.

The other surgical center is Fashion Island Surgical Center, which is located in Fashion Island near Corona Del Mar. This facility also has its own private entry and access points for your discretion. 

Your deep plane facelift will likely be performed under sedation with a local anesthetic. In some cases, general anesthesia is used. A board-certified anesthesiologist provides the appropriate level of anesthesia for you and your procedure. They will monitor you throughout the surgery. 

The surgical incisions are hidden next to the ears, avoiding any obvious scars. Dr. Batniji will lift the facial skin and connective tissue, and he will remove excess skin. Once the facial lifting is complete, he will close the incisions with sutures. Although the process may sound simple, it takes years of experience, training, and natural skill to produce excellent cosmetic results from a deep plane facelift¹.

While a facelift is an outpatient procedure, we offer a complimentary overnight stay at the surgery center, where our patients are cared for by two nurses.

In the video below, Dr. Batniji explains his approach to the deep plane facelift.

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OUR RESULTS

BEFORE & AFTER DEEP PLANE FACELIFT GALLERY

Why Choose Dr. Batniji for a Deep Plane Facelift?

When selecting a plastic surgeon for your deep plane facelift in Newport Beach, you’ll want an expert who specializes in facial plastic surgery. Many plastic or cosmetic surgeons do it all—body contouring, breast enhancement, and facial procedures. This is not the case with Dr. Batniji. He focuses solely on the face, devoting himself completely to this technically challenging region of the human body.

Dr. Batniji possesses many years of education, training, and experience. He is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is also recognized as an expert by his peers and is a celebrated international lecturer on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery topics.

Most importantly, Dr. Batniji has genuine compassion and concern for his patients. You can be assured that he will provide outstanding surgical care, giving your deep plane facelift in Beverly Hills his utmost focus. Fill out a form below to schedule a consultation today!

Dr. Batniji smiling in a white coat, exuding a friendly and approachable demeanor.

Recovering from a Deep Plane Facelift: Timelines and Limitations

The recovery process after a deep plane facelift is an important part of the overall procedure and is unique to each individual. Deep plane facelift recovery generally takes two to three weeks. It is during this time that the body will heal, swelling and bruising will subside, and the final results of the procedure will become visible.

Your face will be bandaged at first, and you likely will not be able to open your mouth very wide. You will receive medication for pain if needed, and facial soreness will set in after the first post-operative day or so. Dressings will be removed the day following the procedure, and sutures will be removed in stages from day five to day 10 to 12.

You will notice facial swelling and bruising in the first week after surgery. You can expect these side effects to significantly improve 10 to 14 days after surgery. By the end of week three, most patients feel much better and are ready to see friends again. Generally, patients can begin applying makeup to their incision sites around 14 days after surgery.

Timeline:

  • Swelling and bruising are common in the neck region two to three days after surgery but should start to subside after that time.
  • Patients should keep their head elevated for the first week of recovery and should avoid bending, straining, or lifting anything during that time.
  • A neck wrap will be worn at all times for one week after the procedure and may be worn at night for an additional two to three weeks as instructed by Dr. Batniji.

Limitations:

  • Patients should not take aspirin or ibuprofen products, as they may increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Patients should avoid turning their head from side to side and instead turn with their whole upper body.
  • Pain medication should be weaned off of as soon as possible, with Tylenol used in place of the narcotic medication.
  • Patients should not take narcotic medication on an empty stomach to avoid feeling nauseous.

Post-Operative Instructions:

  • Clean all suture lines four times daily with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip, then apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Bacitracin antibiotic ointment.
  • Use cold compresses (washcloths soaked in ice water) for the first 24 to 48 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Shower at least once a day, and shampoo hair with baby shampoo only.
  • Keep your head elevated, and replace your wrap dressing as necessary.
  • Watch for any abnormal swelling in the neck region, and contact Dr. Batniji if necessary.

Following these post-operative instructions and keeping the timeline and limitations in mind will help ensure a successful and comfortable recovery from your deep plane facelift procedure.

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Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills or Newport Beach

Contact Our Office

When it comes to facial plastic surgeons, Newport Beach residents have a lot of options. Patients consistently choose Dr. Batniji as a trusted facial plastic surgeon. We would love to schedule a time for you to meet Dr. Batniji, who can help you develop an effective plan to reach your cosmetic goals. To get started, contact us today!

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Newport Beach

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Pelican Hill Resort

Beverly Hills or Newport Beach

Fly in for Surgery

Dr. Rami Batniji cares for patients from across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and many other locations worldwide.

Patients who travel to Newport Beach and Beverly Hills for facial plastic surgery with Dr. Batniji may enjoy a stay at the Resort at Pelican Hill or recover in a private retreat at San Ysidro Ranch, located in Santa Barbara.

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine ranked the Resort at Pelican Hill as a top-rated resort and placed it at the top of its Gold List. San Ysidro Ranch was named the best resort hotel in California.

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San Ysidro Ranch

Frequently Asked Questions

Deep Plane Facelift FAQs

Deep Plane Facelift References

¹Batniji R. K. (2024). Why Deep Plane Face and Neck Lifting Results in the Maximum Short- and Long-term Results? My Primary Choice for Rhytidectomy in My Practice. Facial plastic surgery : FPS, 10.1055/a-2331-7512. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2331-7512

Dr. Rami K. Batniji, facial plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, smiling in white coat at Batniji Facial Plastic Surgery center.

Dr. Batniji has reviewed and/or written these pages.

To learn more about Dr. Batniji, please visit this page.

For more information regarding facelifts, other facial procedures, and Dr. Batniji, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Modern waiting area at Batniji Facial Plastic Surgery center in Newport Beach, with white sofa, armchairs, coffee table, and contemporary decor.

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