Deep Plane Facelift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Kansas City, MO
A deep plane facelift is a refined facelift (rhytidectomy) technique that provides more in-depth rejuvenation by targeting the deeper layers of the facial tissues. (1)
Over time, sagging in the lower face can create a fatigued or aged appearance. For many, these changes cannot be corrected through topical products or non-surgical treatments alone. The deep plane facelift provides a comprehensive solution, restoring youthful contours, smoothness, and definition.
Dr. Hannah Vargas at Vargas Face and Skin Center in Kansas City is an expert in various forms of facial rejuvenation and offers solutions for patients throughout the greater Kansas City area. Known for her precision and artistic approach, Dr. Vargas focuses on achieving natural-looking, long-lasting results that enhance a patient’s features without creating an artificial or overly tight look.
To learn more, contact Vargas Face and Skin Center online or call our Prairie Village location at (913) 381-4900 to schedule your personal consultation.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Deep Plane Facelifts
Unlike traditional facelift techniques that primarily tighten skin and superficial tissues, the deep plane facelift works at a deeper anatomical level. Dr. Vargas lifts and repositions the deep structural layers of the face, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and fat pads, allowing for more comprehensive and natural-looking results. The deep plane approach focuses on releasing and repositioning the facial ligaments rather than adjusting the skin. (2)
By working within the deeper layers, Dr. Vargas can achieve natural lift and definition without causing the telltale signs of tightness or pulling. The technique is particularly effective for treating deep nasolabial folds, jowls, and sagging neck skin. (2)
Every deep plane facelift performed by Dr. Vargas is designed around the patient’s unique facial anatomy and goals. Dr. Vargas takes a meticulous approach to ensure balanced and proportional results that align with natural features and expression.
Benefits
Under the expertise of Dr. Vargas, patients experience benefits such as:
- Lifting and repositioning of sagging skin, jowls, and nasolabial folds
- A naturally rejuvenated appearance without tightness or distortion
- Improved facial volume and contour through the repositioning of fat pads
- Enhanced definition along the jawline and neckline
- Longer-lasting results compared to traditional facelift techniques
- Preservation of natural facial expression and movement
- Minimal tension on the skin, reducing scarring and promoting smoother healing
Ideal Candidates
You may be a good candidate for a deep plane facelift if you experience:
- Sagging in the lower face, jowls, and neck area
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Diminish natural facial definition
- Facial volume loss
Patients should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for their results. They should also understand that while the deep plane facelift is more involved than other techniques, it also provides the most comprehensive and stable rejuvenation.
Personal Consultation
If you are a new patient or if you are an existing patient considering this procedure for the first time, you will meet with our patient care coordinator for a complimentary initial assessment and conversation. After this initial consultation, you will meet with Dr. Vargas to learn more about the procedure and next steps. They will assess your facial structure, discuss your cosmetic goals, and determine whether this procedure is right for you. They will evaluate the degree of skin laxity, underlying structural changes, and distribution of facial fat to create a personalized treatment plan. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about recovery, aftercare, and potential combination procedures. By the end of your consultation, you will have a clear understanding of the process and expected results.
To take the first step, schedule your consultation online or by calling (913) 381-4900.
Preparation
Proper preparation will help ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Dr. Vargas and her team provide each patient with detailed pre-operative instructions. Specifics may vary for each patient, but general preparation guidelines include:
- Avoiding medications and substances that can thin the blood
- Following a balanced diet and maintaining proper hydration
- Arranging for transportation and assistance during the first 24 to 48 hours of recovery, if necessary
- Completing any required lab work or medical clearances before surgery
Procedure
The deep plane facelift procedure is performed under general or twilight anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Dr. Vargas makes discreet incisions that are within the hairline and around the ears. These incisions allow her access to the deeper layers of the face, where she lifts and repositions the SMAS layer and adjusts the underlying fat pads. By releasing the facial ligaments and repositioning these deeper structures, she achieves comprehensive lifting of the lower face, jawline, and neck.
Because the lift occurs within the deeper anatomical layers, there is little to no tension on the skin itself, preventing the “pulled” appearance sometimes associated with traditional facelifts. Once the underlying tissues are repositioned and excess skin is removed, Dr. Vargas carefully redrapes the skin. She then closes the incisions with fine sutures, using techniques that minimize scarring.
The deep plane facelift requires advanced surgical skill, nuanced anatomical understanding, and artistic precision, all of which are qualities that define Dr. Vargas’s approach.
Recovery
Recovery from a deep plane facelift is slightly longer than that of more superficial techniques, but the results are also often more enduring and substantial. After 24-48 hours, Dr. Vargas will change your dressings. She will remove your sutures after about one week. Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, itching, and tightness during the first ten days to two weeks.
Dr. Vargas and her team provide detailed aftercare instructions for each patient. Dr. Vargas schedules follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure that your recovery is comfortable and on track. You can resume all normal activities once Dr. Vargas approves.
Results
As swelling diminishes over the following weeks, you will notice a lifted look, a refined jawline, and smoother skin across the face and neck. Unlike traditional facelifts that may flatten facial features, the deep plane technique reestablishes natural three-dimensional contours for a youthful, authentic appearance.
Because this procedure repositions deep facial structures, results typically last ten years or longer with proper skincare and sun protection. Patients often find that their face continues to age more gracefully after their procedure. Dr. Vargas’s expertise ensures that results are balanced and proportional, enhancing facial harmony and confidence for years to come.
Corresponding and Combination Procedures
Many patients choose to combine their deep plane facelift with other treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Vargas offers a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical options that enhance and complement your facelift results.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Lifts drooping upper lids and/or removes puffiness under the eyes for a brighter, more rested appearance.
- Facial Fat Grafting: Restores lost facial volume using your body’s own fat for a smoother and more youthful look.
- Neck Lift: Often paired with a facelift to refine and tighten the jawline and neck area.
- Custom Laser Skin Resurfacing: Improves skin tone, texture, and elasticity while reducing fine lines and pigmentation.
- Injectable Treatments: Botox and dermal fillers can offer temporary enhancements for wrinkle reduction and volume improvement, respectively.
Dr. Vargas will help you determine the best combination of treatments to achieve your unique aesthetic goals while preserving a natural look.
Cost of a Deep Plane Facelift in Kansas City
The cost of a deep plane facelift varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the type of anesthesia used, and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. During your consultation, our patient coordinator will provide a personalized cost estimate. Vargas Face and Skin Center offers financing options to make treatment accessible for qualifying patients. Dr. Vargas and her team are dedicated to providing world-class care and exceptional value for patients seeking facial rejuvenation in Kansas City, Prairie Village, and other locales along the Kansas/Missouri border.
Schedule a consultation today to explore your deep plane facelift options. If you have any other questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, call our Prairie Village office directly at (913) 381-4900.
FAQ
How is a deep plane facelift different from a traditional facelift?
A deep plane facelift targets the deeper facial layers, including muscles and fat pads, for more natural and lasting rejuvenation, whereas traditional facelifts focus mainly on tightening the skin and superficial layers.
Will my deep plane facelift results look natural?
Yes. Because the deeper facial structures are repositioned, results often look soft, youthful, and natural.
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
Results will naturally vary from patient to patient, but for many, a deep plane facelift can produce results that last ten years or longer.
Can I combine a deep plane facelift with other procedures?
Yes. This procedure is often combined with procedures like eyelid surgery, neck lifts, or laser treatments for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Am I too young or too old for a deep plane facelift?
There is no strict age limit. Ideal candidates are in good general health and wish to correct noticeable facial sagging or deep folds, regardless of age.
References
- Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
- Sykes J, Dilger A, Cotofana S. Demystifying the Deep Plane Facelift: What It Means Anatomically and Why It Works. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2020;36(04):351-357. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714267
