Deep Plane Facelift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX

The extended deep plane facelift is a variation of the facelift, which focuses on full release of the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer from the deeper layers of the face and neck and allows tension-free repositioning of this layer along with the overlying skin to rejuvenate the face and neck. This approach differs from more superficial techniques like the SMAS lift, which addresses the skin and only limited portions of the SMAS layer. (1,2)

Dr. Lisa Brostrom is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in complex facial procedures like the deep plane facelift. In her 26 years of surgical experience, she has built a reputation for achieving stunningly natural results that age gracefully. These considerations are especially important when it comes to a procedure as delicate as the facelift.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brostrom, reach out via our contact form or by calling our office at (210) 640-6310.

Dr. Brostrom sees many out-of-town patients and is happy to provide you with resources to ensure your experience is seamless. If you live outside of the service areas or internationally, we encourage you to reach out so that we can help you start your journey toward facial rejuvenation with a renowned plastic surgeon.

About Deep Plane Facelifts

An extended deep plane face and neck lift requires a surgeon with extensive experience and demands a high level of precision and skill. (2) Dr. Brostrom offers that and more, having fine-tuned her techniques over the years. During an extended deep plane facelift, Dr. Brostrom makes discreet incisions along the hairline in front of and around the ears to access the SMAS layer and release it from the underlying deep structures. By repositioning the SMAS layer and overlying skin as a single unit, Dr. Brostrom is able to achieve results that are subtle but transformative.

With this method, Dr. Brostrom’s patients see incredible improvements in facial sagging and achieve their goals of appearing like a much younger, rested version of themselves.

Dr. Brostrom also has extensive experience performing autologous facial fat grafting to help restore lost volume that we all experience with aging. Her face and neck lifts are frequently complemented by facial fat grafting, which restores the beautifully smooth contours of youth. This is a highly specialized procedure that takes years to master. The combination of these procedures often takes 10–20 years off a patient’s appearance.

Candidates

The best candidates for a deep plane facelift are patients who are noticing substantial sagging in the mid and lower face and along the jawline, as well as sagging in the upper neck. Patients often experience facial sagging as a result of the natural process of aging, but more and more patients are seeking facial rejuvenation to address the unfavorable changes in the face and neck brought on by massive weight loss. This is in part due to the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications, which help patients lose weight by acting on the hormonal pathways that control appetite and insulin release.

Dr. Brostrom has extensive experience with other facelift approaches, such as the traditional facelift and limited incision facelift, so a consultation is required to determine which approach is optimal for you. Patients with minimal facial sagging may benefit from less extensive approaches, but in many cases, the extended deep plane facelift is the recommended technique.

All patients should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations. Patients should also be willing to quit smoking for an extended period of time.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, you will meet with Dr. Brostrom so that the two of you can have an in-depth conversation about your expectations and goals. She will review your medical history and examine your face and neck to determine the best facelift approach for you. She will outline a surgical plan for you and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Brostrom, reach out via our contact form or by calling our office at (210) 640-6310.

Preparation

There will be a few things you will need to do to make sure you are prepared for your facelift. These include:

  • Quitting smoking well in advance, if applicable
  • Arranging time off from work
  • Arranging transportation home from your procedure

Dr. Brostrom will provide you with additional information about preparing for your procedure ahead of time.

Procedure

On the day of your procedure, Dr. Brostrom will review your surgical plan with you to make sure you are both aligned. Your extended deep plane face and neck lift will occur in a private surgical suite, and you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout your experience. Dr. Brostrom will make detailed markings the morning of surgery to designate where the incisions will go and where the fat will be grafted. For the deep plane facelift, incisions are typically made along the hairline and around the ears so that they are easily camouflaged.

After making the incisions, Dr. Brostrom will lift and reposition your underlying facial tissues to restore your cheeks of youth, clearly define your jawline contours, perform deep sculpture and lift sagging neck tissue, which may be contributing to a full neck or double chin, and remove any excess skin. The extended deep plane face and neck lift procedure is often performed with a browlift and or upper eyelid lift to fully address the entire face and provide a harmonious result.

Recovery

After your procedure, you will be released home the same day to continue resting. You can expect most of the swelling and bruising to dissipate over two to three weeks, but more subtle swelling may take four to six weeks to completely resolve.

You should be mindful of your incisions while they heal and avoid any strenuous activities. You should also refrain from harsh skincare products/treatments and avoid excessive sun exposure.

Dr. Brostrom will see you frequently after surgery for follow-up appointments and let you know when you can start exercising and when you can resume your normal activities. We encourage you to reach out if you have any questions during your recovery.

Results

The extended deep place facelift is well-known for its ability to create much longer-lasting results than other techniques. (1) Because the tissues are fully released and the vectors of resuspension are tailored specifically for each patient, the ‘pulled’ look that many patients are afraid of is completely avoided. (1) Results are elegant and natural, and remain harmonious even as you continue to age. Dr. Brostrom’s patients are incredibly happy with their results, often expressing that they look 10 to 20 years younger.

Corresponding Procedures

Brow Lift

For patients who want to achieve upper face rejuvenation, the brow lift is great for addressing sagging of the brows and forehead. When the brows sag, we often lift them involuntarily to compensate, causing forehead lines to deepen. To lift the brows and smooth the forehead, Dr. Brostrom can remove excess skin and reposition the brows.

Eyelid Lift

For patients with sagging over the upper and/or lower eyelids, an eyelid lift can provide transformative results. Dr. Brostrom can remove excess skin and remove/reposition fat to create a more flattering contour, open up the eyes, and allow the patient to look more alert.

Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting is ideal for most patients to address hollowness or improve facial contours. While the deep plane facelift can improve the distribution of facial volume, the procedure does not add additional volume. By incorporating facial fat grafting, Dr. Brostrom can create a more youthful, smooth appearance under the eyes, along the eyelid/cheek junction, over the cheeks, around the mouth, and over the temples.

Lip Lift

A lip lift is a surgical procedure during which Dr. Brostrom makes a strategic incision along the lower contours of the nose to remove excess skin and shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip. These techniques improve lip shape and definition without adding any unnatural volume.

Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal helps patients achieve a more defined and sculpted look by removing small amounts of the facial fat over the lower cheeks. The fat in this area can sometimes protrude or herniate, contributing to the jowls or obscuring the jawline. and is often best addressed with surgical methods. Buccal fat is usually removed through a very small intraoral incision.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing is a nonsurgical treatment that can complement a wide range of surgical procedures. The laser technology removes the topmost layer of the skin while also targeting underlying imperfections. The result is effortlessly smooth and glowing skin. Dr. Brostrom now has the most cutting-edge CO2 technology, which can produce transformational results with 7 days of downtime. This makes it a perfect addition to an extended deep plane face and neck lift or any other surgical procedure.

Cost of a Deep Plane Facelift in San Antonio, TX

The cost of an extended deep plane face and neck lift will depend on the details of your treatment plan. After your meeting with Dr. Brostrom, you will receive a cost estimate. New Image offers financing options for patients who qualify.

To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Brostrom today. You can reach out via our contact form or call our office at (210) 640-6310. We look forward to hearing from you!

FAQ

What makes a deep plane facelift different from other techniques?

The deep plane facelift addresses deeper facial layers, as well as the overlying skin and the SMAS layer. This makes it a more comprehensive lift that gives patients more stable, longer-lasting results.

How long does a deep plane facelift take?

The procedure often takes most of the day, though this depends on the specific techniques Dr. Brostrom is using, whether she is incorporating other procedures, your facial anatomy, your prior procedures, and other factors.

Can I undergo other procedures at the same time as my deep plane facelift?

Yes, many patients choose to combine their procedure with others, such as a brow lift, eyelid lift, or facial fat grafting to achieve optimal results.

Can any facial surgeon perform a deep plane facelift?

No. The extended deep plane facelift requires a high level of expertise—it is always best to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive facelift experience for great results. Dr. Brostrom has spent her career fine-tuning her methods and perfecting her extended deep plane facelift approach to ensure she provides her patients with optimal results.

Will a facelift address the neck, too?

Yes! Because the face and neck age together, the extended deep plane facelift is performed with neck lifting to ensure full rejuvenation.

What is the recovery process like after a deep plane facelift?

Patients can expect to take about two weeks off from work while they recover from their deep plane facelift. Initial recovery is often characterized by minimal to no discomfort, swelling, and mild bruising, but this subsides significantly after the first week.

Will my scars after a deep plane facelift be noticeable?

Dr. Brostrom uses expert techniques when placing incisions in areas around the ears and in the hairline. After the initial 2-3 weeks, scars are often barely visible and remain hidden among natural contours.

How long do the results of a deep plane facelift last?

The results are permanent, but the aging process continues. Most patients enjoy outstanding results for 10-15 years, but the deep plane face and neck lift will provide permanent enhancement of your anatomy, allowing for more graceful aging.

References

  1. Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
  2. Boyd CJ, Ceradini DJ. Current Trends in Facelift and Necklift Procedures. Journal of clinical medicine. 2025;14(12):4273. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124273