When researching facelift surgery, many patients quickly discover the term “deep plane facelift.” The technique has gained significant attention because it addresses facial aging at a deeper anatomical level than traditional facelift approaches. However, what many patients don’t realize is that facial aging rarely affects only the cheeks or jawline. Changes in the neck often occur alongside facial sagging, which is why comprehensive rejuvenation frequently involves both the face and neck. In fact, treating the face without addressing significant neck aging can create an imbalance, where the face appears rejuvenated but the neck continues to reveal age. Evaluating both areas together allows for a more harmonious and natural result.
At Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery in Denver and Beverly Hills, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Keith Ladner specializes in deep plane facial rejuvenation procedures. With more than 15 years of experience focused exclusively on the face and neck, he creates customized treatment plans designed to restore youthful contours while preserving natural expression and movement. Because Dr. Ladner focuses exclusively on facial plastic surgery, every treatment plan is designed around the unique anatomy of the face and neck rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Understanding Facial Aging
Facial aging occurs on multiple levels. Over time, skin loses elasticity, facial fat shifts downward, and the deeper support structures of the face begin to descend. This process can contribute to sagging cheeks, deepening folds around the mouth, jowls, and loss of jawline definition.
While traditional facelift techniques primarily focus on tightening skin, many modern facial plastic surgeons recognize that deeper anatomical changes are responsible for much of the aging process.
What Makes a Deep Plane Facelift Different?
A deep plane facelift addresses the deeper tissues beneath the skin rather than relying primarily on surface tightening. During the procedure, the underlying facial structures are carefully released and repositioned to a more youthful location.
Because the deeper layers of the face are elevated together, tension is distributed throughout the underlying tissues rather than being placed on the skin itself. This approach helps create natural contours and avoids an overly tightened appearance.
The procedure is particularly effective for improving the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, and neck while preserving normal facial movement and expression.
Deep Plane Facelift vs Neck Lift: What’s the Difference?
Patients often use the terms facelift and neck lift interchangeably, but they address different anatomical areas. A facelift primarily improves the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jowls, and jawline. A neck lift focuses on concerns beneath the jawline, including neck laxity, excess fullness, and loss of neck definition. Because aging typically affects both the face and neck simultaneously, many patients achieve the most comprehensive improvement when the face and neck are treated together. By addressing the entire lower face and neck as a connected unit, Dr. Ladner can create smoother transitions and more harmonious results.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Many deep plane facelift patients are bothered by sagging facial tissues, jowls, or loss of definition in the lower face and neck. Candidates are typically in good overall health and seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation rather than isolated improvements.
Because every face ages differently, a thorough consultation is necessary to determine whether a deep plane facelift or another procedure is the most appropriate solution.
Many patients considering a deep plane facelift are also concerned about changes in the neck. Loss of jawline definition, jowls, and fullness beneath the chin often develop together as facial tissues descend. During your consultation, Dr. Ladner evaluates both facial and neck anatomy to determine whether a combined approach would provide the most balanced outcome.
FAQs
Does a deep plane facelift improve the neck?
In many cases, yes. While the facelift primarily addresses the midface, jawline, and lower face, it is often combined with neck rejuvenation techniques to improve overall definition and contour.
How is a deep plane facelift different from a traditional facelift?
A deep plane facelift repositions deeper facial tissues rather than relying primarily on skin tightening. This approach addresses underlying structural changes associated with aging and can create more comprehensive rejuvenation.
How do I know if I need a facelift, neck lift, or both?
The answer depends on where aging changes are most apparent. Some patients are primarily bothered by jowls and facial sagging, while others are more concerned with neck fullness or laxity. A consultation allows Dr. Ladner to evaluate both areas and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Meet with a Top Facial Plastic Surgeon
If you’re considering a deep plane facelift or neck lift in Denver, Greenwood Village, or Beverly Hills, a consultation with Dr. Keith Ladner can help determine the most effective approach for your facial anatomy and goals. We also encourage patients to explore our facelift and neck lift before-and-after galleries to better understand the results that can be achieved through comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Call (303) 253-7686 for the Denver office or (213) 457-7740 for Beverly Hills to schedule your visit.
