Wondering if you’re the right fit for a deep plane facelift? This advanced surgical technique goes beyond traditional skin lifting to reposition the deeper facial structures for more natural, complete, and longer-lasting rejuvenation. If you’re asking yourself, “Am I a candidate for a deep plane facelift?”—this checklist can help you start the conversation.
Here are five signs you may be an ideal candidate:
1. Noticeable Midface Descent
Look closely at the area under your eyes and along your cheeks. Has the youthful “apple” of your cheek flattened or shifted downward? Midface descent is one of the most telling signs of deep facial aging, and it often creates shadows and volume loss that fillers can’t fully correct. A deep plane facelift lifts the underlying muscle and fat pads to restore midface volume and contour—without adding artificial fullness.
2. Jawline Laxity and Jowling
One of the top reasons patients seek facial rejuvenation is a loss of jawline definition. If your jawline has started to blur or jowls have formed, you’re not alone. These changes typically occur when the deeper layers of facial tissue descend and bunch along the lower face. The deep plane technique addresses this by releasing and repositioning those tissues, restoring a more defined and sculpted jawline.
3. Deep Wrinkles Around the Nose and Mouth
Nasolabial folds (the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (from the corners of the mouth to the chin) deepen as soft tissue descends. While surface treatments can soften these lines, they don’t correct the root cause. Most facelift techniques don’t release the SMAS (the deeper tissue layer) far enough forward to make a noticeable difference in this area. A deep plane facelift is unique in that it fully releases the SMAS layer all the way to the nasolabial fold. This allows for true vertical repositioning of the midface tissue, producing a lifting and smoothing effect that other techniques simply cannot achieve—often eliminating the need for filler in this area altogether.
4. Strong Underlying Bone Structure
Patients with good facial bone support—such as defined cheekbones or a firm jawline—often see the most dramatic and natural-looking improvement from a deep plane facelift. The procedure repositions the soft tissues over this structural foundation, allowing your native anatomy to shine through rather than altering your natural appearance.
5. Visible Signs of Aging—and Skin That Can Redrape
While skin elasticity can help with smooth redraping after surgery, it’s not a requirement for a great result. In fact, patients with more advanced signs of aging—such as deep sagging, pronounced jowls, or volume loss—often see the most dramatic and rewarding transformations. The deep plane facelift is uniquely equipped to address these concerns by lifting and repositioning the deeper tissues, restoring youthful contours in a natural-looking way, regardless of skin firmness.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in the mirror or in photos, a deep plane facelift may offer the kind of structural, lasting rejuvenation you’re looking for. Dr. David Cangello, a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in New York City, combines surgical precision with aesthetic artistry to achieve results that look both natural and transformative.
Schedule your consultation to learn whether a deep plane facelift is right for you—and take the first step toward rediscovering your most confident self.