Find Rejuvenation with a Deep Plane Facelift

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift is a plastic surgery procedure that addresses aging of the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck. In contrast to traditional facelifts that focus on tightening only the superficial layers of skin, this technique repositions the deeper facial tissues to create a more youthful appearance. By targeting these underlying structures, lifting and repositioning them to their natural, elevated position, deep plane facelifts deliver natural-looking results with less tension on the skin — and more long-lasting rejuvenation with restored volume and facial contours.

From an anatomical standpoint, the deep plane technique works within the layer beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) — a fibrous layer that envelops and connects the facial muscles responsible for expression. By releasing certain retaining ligaments and mobilizing the SMAS along with the overlying skin as one unit, the surgeon can restore youthful midface fullness, sharpen the jawline, and smooth the neck without creating a pulled or over-tightened look. This approach allows for a more harmonious and durable result by addressing the true foundation of facial aging rather than relying solely on surface tightening.

Is the Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

If you’re bothered by loose or lax skin, jowling, or an overall aged appearance — or treatments like fillers or BOTOX® no longer deliver the results you want — it may be time to consider a consultation with Dr. Morrin. For some patients, a deep plane facelift is chosen as early as their 40s to help maintain a youthful, refreshed appearance for years to come. For others, this procedure becomes the right option later in life, when nonsurgical treatments are no longer sufficient to achieve their desired look.

The best candidates for this procedure are in good overall health who are ready to navigate both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. Common reasons patients choose a deep plane facelift include:

• Drooping in the mid- or lower face, including jowls
• Skin laxity
• Sunken or hollow cheeks
• Desire for a more defined jawline and refreshed neckline

The best way to determine whether a deep plane facelift is right for you is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Morrin, where she can assess your goals and create a tailored treatment plan.

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery: What to Expect

• Day 1:
  • Bandage/dressing removal in the office
  • First post-op check to assess healing, swelling, and comfort
• Days 4–10:
  • Staged suture removal (timing varies by incision location)
  • Bruising and swelling begin to noticeably improve
• Days 10–14:
  • Many patients feel ready to return to work or low-key social activities
  • Makeup can usually be worn to blend any remaining bruising
• 2–3 Weeks:
  • “Everyday outing ready” — comfortable going to the grocery store, dining out, or seeing friends without drawing attention to recent surgery
• 6 Weeks:
  • Approximately 75% recovered
  • Most swelling has resolved, and facial contours are more refined
  • Cleared for most normal activities and exercise
• 2–3 Months:
  • “Camera-ready” — ideal for events, photos, or occasions where you want to look your best, with only the most subtle signs of surgery remaining
• 6 Months:
  • 100% recovery
  • All residual swelling resolved and scars fully matured
  • Final, polished results visible

Why Patients Choose Dr. Morrin for Their Deep Plane Facelift

Dr. Morrin specializes in the extended deep plane facelift, an advanced technique that lifts and repositions the deeper facial layers to restore youthful contours to the cheeks and redefine the jawline. By fully releasing and repositioning the facial ligaments, she achieves results that are both natural and long-lasting.

As a female surgeon, she brings a personal understanding of the subtle changes that come with aging, helping her relate to and guide patients through the rejuvenation process.

She approaches every surgery with precision, artistry, and the time needed to achieve the best possible outcome. Her incisions are carefully designed to blend seamlessly into the hairline and natural creases of the skin, making them virtually undetectable once healed. To support a smoother recovery, she incorporates specialized techniques that help minimize bruising and swelling.

Her work is grounded in years of rigorous surgical training, including a highly competitive fellowship dedicated exclusively to facial plastic surgery. Dr. Morrin’s ability to combine advanced technical skill with an innate sense of balance and proportion allows her to create results that are both transformative and true to each patient’s unique features.