Facial aging is more than skin-deep. Beneath every visible wrinkle or area of sagging lies a complex system of muscles, fat pads, and connective tissue that gradually shift over time. According to Dr. David Cangello, a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in New York City, addressing these deeper structures is the key to achieving long-lasting, natural-looking facial rejuvenation. In this article, Dr. Cangello explains how the deep plane facelift works—and why a deeper understanding of facial anatomy leads to better results.
A Closer Look at Facial Layers
To understand how a deep plane facelift works, it’s helpful to start with the basic layers of the face:
- Skin – The outermost layer, which shows signs of aging through laxity, wrinkles, and texture changes.
- Subcutaneous Fat – Adds volume and softness but can thin and shift with age.
- SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) – A fibrous tissue layer responsible for facial support and expression.
- Deep Fat Compartments – Positioned below the SMAS, these help shape youthful cheek contours and midface volume.
- Retaining Ligaments – Connective bands that tether soft tissue to underlying bone, maintaining facial structure.
As we age, gravity and volume loss cause these layers—especially the SMAS and deep fat pads—to descend. This results in common signs of aging, including sagging cheeks, deepening folds around the nose and mouth, and jowling along the jawline.
What Sets the Deep Plane Facelift Apart?
Traditional facelift techniques typically focus on repositioning the skin or mildly lifting the SMAS layer. In contrast, the deep plane facelift lifts the SMAS and the deep fat pads as a single unit, moving the entire facial framework to a more youthful position.
This technique also involves carefully releasing key retaining ligaments that restrict mobility in the midface. Once those are released, the deeper tissues can be elevated without tension—resulting in a more natural lift with better contour and longer-lasting results.
The Role of Ligament Release and Structural Lifting
One of the most important distinctions between a deep plane facelift and traditional facelift techniques is the comprehensive release of key retaining ligaments. These strong connective structures—located around the cheekbones, jawline, and extending as far forward as the nasolabial folds—anchor the SMAS layer in the face and the platysma in the neck.
In a deep plane facelift, these ligaments are fully released, allowing the deeper soft tissues to be repositioned more freely and effectively. This extended release is not performed—or is done only partially—with traditional facelift methods. Without releasing these ligaments, the deeper tissue layers remain tethered, limiting how much the SMAS in the cheek and the platysma in the neck can actually be lifted.
By freeing these structural constraints, the deep plane approach enables maximal, natural repositioning of the facial anatomy—restoring youthful contours from the midface to the jawline. It also allows for vertical lifting of the tissues rather than the backward tension seen in more superficial lifts, producing smoother transitions and a refreshed, unoperated look that preserves natural expression.
Why Deeper Lifting Produces More Natural Results
Because the lift originates beneath the surface, the skin itself isn’t under as much tension. This means:
- Less risk of a pulled or overdone look
- Smoother skin draping
- Better correction of nasolabial folds
- More refined contour along the cheeks and jawline
- Fewer visible signs of surgery
The deeper repositioning also makes the results more stable over time. Rather than relying on the skin to hold the lift, the face’s structural anatomy is what provides support—creating outcomes that can last a decade or more.
What to Expect from the Procedure
Performed with meticulous precision, a deep plane facelift is tailored to each patient’s facial anatomy and aging pattern. The procedure typically includes:
- Incisions discreetly placed around the ears and hairline
- Anesthesia for comfort and safety during surgery
- A surgical plan that may include a neck lift or fat grafting for more balanced results
Dr. Cangello’s deep understanding of facial aesthetics allows him to execute this advanced technique with both technical accuracy and artistic vision.
Recovery and Healing: Beneath the Surface
While most patients can return to public life within two to three weeks, the true transformation unfolds over time. As the repositioned tissues settle and the swelling subsides, facial contours become more defined and youthful.
Internally, the body is adapting to its new tissue position. Collagen remodeling and improved circulation often enhance skin tone and quality, further supporting the refreshed look.
Expertise Matters: Why Choose Dr. Cangello
The deep plane facelift requires an intimate knowledge of facial anatomy and surgical finesse. As a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in New York City, Dr. David Cangello is known for achieving natural, refined results by working with—not against—each patient’s unique features.
His approach balances technical expertise with aesthetic judgment, prioritizing elegant outcomes that restore harmony and youthfulness to the face without sacrificing individuality.
Elevate Your Rejuvenation with Precision
The deep plane facelift isn’t about pulling skin tight—it’s about restoring the natural architecture of your face at the structural level. By understanding the deeper layers of aging and addressing them with surgical precision, this technique offers a sophisticated path to lasting facial rejuvenation.
To find out whether the deep plane facelift is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. David Cangello in Manhattan. Experience the difference that true anatomical expertise can make.