Double Board Certified · AAFPRS Fellowship Director
Deep Plane Facelift in NYC — release the ligaments, reposition the structure.
A deep plane facelift dissects beneath the SMAS and releases the facial retaining ligaments, allowing the deeper tissues to be repositioned together as one unit.
ABFPRS
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
In Consultation
"We reposition the deeper layer, so the skin never has to do the work."
A Note from Dr. Mourad
"A deep plane facelift is a technique, not a brand. It releases the ligaments that tether the midface and jowl, so the deeper tissues can move as one unit in the direction the face actually descended. When the skin is redraped without tension, the result reads as natural at rest and in motion."
— Dr. Moustafa Mourad, MD
Medically reviewed by Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS — dual board-certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Otolaryngologist (Head & Neck Surgery).
Last reviewed: June 2026
Is this the right page for you?
This page is for
- You have midface descent, deep nasolabial folds, and jowling, and you are researching a sub-SMAS technique specifically.
- You want to understand how the deep plane technique differs from a SMAS or mini facelift.
- You are weighing the deep plane approach as part of a facelift consultation with Dr. Mourad.
You may be looking for
- A general overview of all facelift options — start with the main facelift page.
- Concerns limited to the neck and jawline — see the neck lift page.
- Non-surgical options for early or mild changes — explore MediSpa by NOURA.
Overview
What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a surgical technique that dissects beneath the SMAS — the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, the connective-tissue layer beneath the skin — and selectively releases the facial retaining ligaments. These are the fibrous tethers that anchor the midface and jowl in place as the face ages.
Once those ligaments are released, the SMAS, the deep fat, and the overlying skin are repositioned together as a single composite unit, rather than being separated and pulled independently. Because the layers move together, the vector of elevation follows the true line of descent and the surface tension on the skin stays low.
The deep plane technique is generally considered for patients with midface descent, deep nasolabial folds, and jowling that has progressed beyond what a SMAS plication can address on its own. It is one of several facelift techniques Dr. Mourad performs; the right approach is determined individually at consultation.
An Established Academic Authority
Double board certification. Fellowship director. Published author. A surgeon's surgeon.
ABFPRS
Board Certified
American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Board Certified
American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Textbook
Published Author
Contributions to the academic literature of facial plastic surgery
Dual board certification in both Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology — a combination held by a small number of physicians nationally.
02 · Ideal Candidates
Who benefits most from a deep plane facelift.
The deep plane technique is suited to patients whose aging is driven by descent of the deeper tissues rather than skin texture alone. Candidacy is confirmed through an in-person examination.
I
Midface Descent
Flattening of the upper cheek and descent of the midface fat pad — changes that surface tension alone cannot lift, and that a sub-SMAS release is designed to address.
II
Deep Folds & Jowling
Deep nasolabial folds and jowling along the mandible that no longer respond to soft-tissue filler, where structural elevation is the appropriate next step.
III
Healthy & Realistic
Non-smokers in good overall health with realistic expectations. The technique repositions structure; it does not change underlying skin quality or stop the aging process.
If this describes you, the next step is a quiet, unhurried conversation — not a sales call.
An Honest Note
When the deep plane technique may not be the right choice.
If your concerns are primarily skin texture, fine lines, or pigmentation, resurfacing or energy-based treatments may serve you better than surgery.
When jawline laxity is mild and the midface is well-preserved, a SMAS or mini facelift may accomplish the goal with a more limited dissection. A deeper release is not always necessary.
Active smokers face elevated risk of impaired healing; a nicotine-free window before surgery is required. Unstable medical conditions must be addressed before any elective facial surgery.
03 · How It Compares
Where the deep plane sits among facelift techniques.
A facelift is not a single operation. The editions below show how the deep plane technique relates to the other approaches Dr. Mourad performs. The main facelift page covers all of them in depth.
SMAS Facelift
Tightens the SMAS through folding (plication) or overlapping (imbrication) without sub-SMAS dissection. Well suited to moderate jawline laxity with a preserved midface.
Learn More
Mini Facelift
A shorter incision and a more limited suspension for early lower-face jowling in the 40s to early 50s. A contained first step, not a substitute for a fuller release.
Learn More
Neck Lift
Addresses the platysma, submental fat, and cervicomental angle. A neck lift accompanies almost every facelift in this practice.
Learn More
04 · Technique
Deep plane vs SMAS facelift.
The two techniques differ in where the surgical plane sits. The deep plane works beneath the SMAS and releases the retaining ligaments; the SMAS technique tightens the layer at its surface.
Deep Plane
Beneath the SMAS
The deep plane technique releases the retaining ligaments of the face and elevates the SMAS, fat, and skin together as one composite unit. Because the layers are not separated, the vector of elevation follows the true line of descent.
It addresses the midface, nasolabial fold, jowl, and upper neck in a single coordinated movement, and is generally considered when midface descent is part of the presentation.
SMAS
Plication or Imbrication
A SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer through folding (plication) or overlapping (imbrication) without sub-SMAS dissection. It is a predictable operation with a long safety record.
It is well suited to patients with moderate jawline laxity who do not require a deep midface release. Recovery can be slightly faster because the dissection planes are more limited.
Illustrative diagrams. The appropriate plane is determined individually at consultation based on anatomy and goals.
01 · Why Dr. Mourad
Concentrated experience in facial surgery.
Dr. Moustafa Mourad is dual board-certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, and serves as an AAFPRS fellowship director, training the next generation of facial plastic surgeons.
His practice concentrates on the face and neck, and he regularly evaluates complex and revision cases referred by other surgeons. The deep plane technique requires a detailed understanding of the sub-SMAS anatomy and the facial nerve, which is why technique selection is made carefully and individually.
Every surgical plan begins with an unhurried clinical evaluation. The goal is the operation that suits your anatomy — not the one that is easiest to market.
Begin the conversation
A consultation is a clinical evaluation — not a sales conversation.
Cost, Financing & Insurance
Deep Plane Facelift Cost, Financing & Insurance in NYC
The cost of a deep plane facelift in NYC varies because every surgical plan is individualized. Operating time, anesthesia, facility needs, whether the neck is treated at the same time, and postoperative care all factor into the fee.
Facelift surgery is generally considered cosmetic and is typically self-pay. During consultation, Dr. Mourad can evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and provide a personalized quote. Financing options may be available for qualified patients through third-party healthcare financing providers.
What May Affect Cost
- Complexity of the surgical plan
- Degree of midface and lower-face descent
- Whether the neck is treated at the same time
- Primary vs revision surgery
- Anesthesia and facility fees
- Postoperative care
This information is educational and is not a guarantee of pricing, insurance coverage, reimbursement, financing approval, or surgical candidacy. A personalized estimate is provided after consultation. Insurance coverage depends on the patient’s plan, medical necessity, documentation, and carrier requirements. Financing terms are determined by third-party financing providers.
05 · In Dr. Mourad's Words
The deep plane facelift, explained.
Dr. Mourad on how a deep plane facelift repositions the deeper tissues of the face — restoring structure rather than pulling skin tight.
The Modern Facelift
Dr. Mourad discusses how a deep plane facelift repositions the deeper tissues of the face — restoring structure rather than pulling skin tight.
Before & After
Representative facelift cases.
Documented facelift and neck lift outcomes from the Manhattan practice, photographed in standardized studio conditions. Each case is shown with written consent on file. Individual results vary with anatomy and goals.
Facelift + Neck Lift · Female, 50s
Facelift + Neck Lift + Blepharoplasty · Female, 50s
Facelift + Neck Lift + Rhinoplasty · Female, 50s
Facelift + Neck Lift · Male, 60s
Pre and post-operative comparison · Photographed in standardized studio conditions · Written consent on file
06 · Recovery
What healing actually looks like.
Stage 01
First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours involve a soft compressive dressing, head elevation, and rest. Discomfort is generally moderate and well controlled with non-narcotic medications. Drains, when used, are typically removed within a day or two.
Stage 02
Week 1
Through the first week, bruising and swelling peak around day three and begin to subside. Sutures in front of the ear are removed around day seven. Most patients are presentable for quiet social return at ten to fourteen days.
Stage 03
Weeks 2 – 4
Between weeks two and four, residual swelling steadily declines and light makeup covers most residual discoloration. Light cardio typically resumes around three weeks; strength training is delayed further.
Stage 04
Months 1 – 12
From one to twelve months, the deeper tissues continue to settle and scars mature. Final contour is generally appreciated by six to twelve months.
Have a specific question?
Send a brief note describing your anatomy or concerns — the office will route it directly to Dr. Mourad for review.
Clinical Detail
Anatomy, safety, and how the work is planned.
The deep plane technique is defined by the retaining ligaments it releases. The zygomatic and masseteric ligaments tether the cheek and jowl tissues to the underlying bone and deep fascia; with age the soft tissue descends while these anchors stay fixed, which is part of why folds deepen. Releasing selected ligaments allows the cheek, deep fat, and SMAS to be repositioned together along the true vector of descent, rather than relying on tension at the skin.
Because almost every facelift in this practice also addresses the neck, the deep plane release of the lower face is coordinated with neck work through a small submental incision and the same pre-auricular access. Treating the cheek, jowl, jawline, and upper neck as one connected unit is what keeps the result balanced rather than isolated to a single zone.
Safety centers on the facial nerve, whose branches travel deep to the SMAS. The deep plane dissection works in close proximity to these branches, so it is carried out deliberately, with clear identification of tissue planes and careful, unhurried technique. This is one reason the approach is selected based on anatomy and performed where that depth of work is warranted, rather than applied to every face.
As with any facelift, risks include bleeding or hematoma, temporary numbness or altered sensation, scar-related concerns, and — uncommonly — temporary or, rarely, lasting weakness of a facial nerve branch. Management is proactive: meticulous control of bleeding during surgery, head elevation and monitoring afterward, and prompt evaluation of any concern such as one-sided swelling. Nicotine impairs healing, so a nicotine-free window is required around surgery.
Incisions follow the natural creases around the ear and into the hairline, with layered closure planned to keep the lines discreet as they mature. Scar placement is essentially the same regardless of the plane of dissection; how a scar matures depends more on individual healing and aftercare than on the technique itself. Every detail of this plan is reviewed with you in person, and the appropriate approach is confirmed only after examination.
Investment
Understanding the value.
A deep plane facelift is a meaningful investment. The fee reflects the surgeon's experience, an accredited operating facility, board-certified anesthesia, and a structured year of follow-up care.
Surgical fees vary with the complexity of the plan and whether the neck is treated at the same time. A personalized quote is provided at consultation.
Before You Arrive
Your consultation, prepared.
Bring photographs of your face from your 30s and 40s if you have them.
Note any prior facial surgery, injectable history, or facial trauma.
List current medications, supplements, and any blood-thinning agents.
Allow 60 minutes; expect a thorough physical examination of the face and neck.
Bring questions. Consultations are designed for a real conversation.
No decisions are made at the first visit — that is by design.
Patient Reviews
Facelift Patient Experiences
Selected public patient reviews. Individual experiences vary.
“My results are natural and stunning.”
Real patient experiences
Selected public reviews from patients of the practice.
Your privacy matters
We never share personal health information.
Board-certified expertise
Dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Individual results vary. Reviews reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of outcome.
Frequently Asked
Patient questions, honestly answered.
A SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer at its surface through folding or overlapping, without dissecting beneath it. A deep plane facelift dissects beneath the SMAS and releases the facial retaining ligaments, so the SMAS, deep fat, and skin can be repositioned together as one unit. The right technique depends on your anatomy and is determined at consultation.
The deep plane technique involves a deeper plane of dissection, not a longer incision. The incision pattern is similar to other facelift techniques, hidden along the natural creases of the ear. Recovery is broadly similar to a SMAS facelift; the difference is in the depth of the release rather than the length of the scar.
A facelift sets the clock back, but the face continues to age naturally afterward. Many patients enjoy a long-lasting result, though longevity varies with individual anatomy, skin quality, and lifestyle. Dr. Mourad will discuss what is realistic for your situation during consultation.
The neck is part of the lower face, and a neck lift accompanies almost every facelift in this practice. The deep plane facelift addresses the cheek, jowl, and jawline; the neck is treated through a small submental incision and the same pre-auricular access when indicated.
The deep plane technique is generally considered for patients with midface descent, deep nasolabial folds, and jowling beyond what a SMAS plication addresses. Candidacy is confirmed through an in-person examination, where Dr. Mourad evaluates your anatomy and recommends the appropriate approach. See the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery patient resources at https://www.aafprs.org/patient-resources/ for general background.
Clinical references
This page draws on published clinical practice guidelines and public-health references. These sources inform general patient education and do not replace an individual evaluation with Dr. Mourad.
- 01American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facelift (Rhytidectomy): procedure, candidacy, and recovery overview. ASPS
- 02American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Patient resources on facial plastic surgery procedures. AAFPRS
- 03U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. MedlinePlus
Explore Further
Related procedures & resources
The deep plane technique is one of several facelift approaches. These pages explain how the work relates.
Facelift (Overview)
The main facelift page — every technique, candidacy, and what to expect.
Read moreSMAS Facelift
Tightens the SMAS layer through plication or imbrication for moderate jawline laxity.
Read moreDeep Plane vs SMAS Facelift
How the two main techniques differ, and which tends to suit which anatomy.
Read moreMini Facelift
A shorter-incision, limited-dissection lift for early jowling in the right candidate.
Read moreRevision Facelift
Correction of an unsatisfactory or overdone prior facelift, focused on natural contour.
Read moreNeck Lift
Almost always combined with a facelift to restore the jawline and cervicomental angle.
Read moreFacelift Recovery Timeline
A realistic, week-by-week look at what healing involves.
Read moreBefore & After Gallery
Representative facelift and neck lift cases, photographed with written consent on file.
Read morePatient Reviews
Read experiences from patients of the practice.
Read moreRequest a Consultation
Begin with an unhurried clinical evaluation.
Read moreThe Most Important Step
Your expert consultation.
A facelift consultation is a careful clinical evaluation of facial anatomy and goals. The visit is unhurried, the conversation is honest, and any surgical plan — including whether the deep plane technique is appropriate — is built around the patient.