Deep Plane Facelift
The most effective facial rejuvenation techniques start beneath the surface, where the deeper structural layers define your profile. Over time, these deeper tissues naturally shift, which can lead to a heavy jawline or a loss of volume in the cheeks. A deep plane facelift is a sophisticated procedure that addresses these changes at their source by gently lifting the entire facial structure as one cohesive unit. This method provides an elegantly soft result that allows your skin to rest naturally over your restored contours.
At Torrey Pines Plastic Surgery, we believe that your results should be as enduring as they are beautiful. Dr. Kayva Crawford’s unique background in facial reanimation surgery allows her to execute this technique with a rare level of precision and artistry. We invite you to visit our boutique Del Mar practice for a private consultation. Discover a partnership built on honesty and a shared commitment to your most confident reflection.
Lifts the deep muscle, fat layers, and skin to restore youthful contours.
4-6 hour outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia
Most patients feel ready for social settings within 3 to 4 weeks.
Results are incredibly long-lasting, often enduring 10 to 15 years or more.
A deep plane facelift is a sophisticated surgical approach that moves the deeper supportive tissues of the face (the SMAS layer) and the fat pads of the cheeks together. By releasing the natural ligaments that hold these tissues in place, Dr. Crawford can vertically lift the facial tissues back to their original, youthful position. This is different from a traditional facelift, which often separates the skin from the muscle. The deep plane method keeps these layers attached, which prevents tension on the skin and ensures your results move naturally when you laugh, smile, and speak.
On the day of your surgery, you will be cared for in a private surgical suite where your safety is our top priority. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 4-6 hours. Dr. Crawford makes precise incisions that are hidden within the natural contours of your ear and your hairline. She then accesses the deep plane of muscle and fat to reposition the midface, jawline, and neck. Because the tension is placed on the sturdy deeper tissues rather than the skin, the healing process is often smoother, and the final look is elegantly soft.
The deep plane technique addresses the middle and lower areas of the face. It is the preferred for:
By addressing the deeper anatomical planes of the face, a deep plane lift provides results that are exceptionally long-lasting and natural.
Rather than simply tightening the skin, this technique elevates the supportive tissues beneath, restoring the youthful contours, volume, and tone of your mid and lower face. Patients often feel that this procedure gives them back a decade or more of vibrance, allowing them to age with a renewed sense of self.
You may be an ideal candidate for this approach if you have noticed significant sagging in your cheeks and jawline, or feel that non-surgical treatments like fillers are no longer delivering the results you want. Most candidates are in their 50s, 60s, or 70s, though some choose this path earlier to maintain their look proactively. During your consultation, Dr. Crawford will perform a detailed anatomical assessment to ensure this advanced technique is the safest and most effective way to achieve your goals.
While the deep plane facelift is a more involved surgery, many patients find the recovery is more comfortable than expected because the skin is not being pulled. You can expect swelling and some bruising for the first 10 to 14 days. We provide a comprehensive aftercare plan, and Dr. Crawford personally monitors your progress through regular follow-up visits. Most of our Del Mar patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within three weeks, feeling refreshed and confident.
The transformation after a deep plane facelift is gradual and rewarding. As the initial swelling settles, you will see a jawline that is firm and cheeks that look naturally full and lifted. The final, refined results usually emerge within three to six months as the tissues fully heal. These results are designed to last for 12 to 15 years, and because the procedure addresses the deep structure, you will always look younger than you would have without the surgery.
The deep plane facelift is a highly technical procedure that requires a specialist’s touch. Dr. Kayva Crawford exclusively focuses on facial plastic surgery, with a background in complex facial reanimation surgery and understanding of the nerves at risk with these techniques, which gives her a superior level of precision in deep plane and preservation facelift techniques. In our comforting Del Mar practice, we treat every patient with the honesty and time they deserve. We are dedicated to providing a sophisticated, safe, and life-changing experience that honors your unique beauty.
Contact us today to schedule your private consultation and rediscover your most confident reflection.
When performed by a specialist like Dr. Crawford, it is very safe. In fact, moving the skin and muscle together often preserves better blood flow to the tissues, which can help with healing. Dr. Crawford’s extensive training in facial nerve anatomy is a critical advantage in ensuring the highest level of safety during this procedure.
Not at all. The goal of the deep plane technique is to return your features to where they were 10 or 15 years ago. You will still look like you, just a much more rested, vibrant version.
Nearly all cases, yes. To achieve a harmonious result, Dr. Crawford usually recommends combining procedures to address the neck simultaneously, ensuring your jawline and profile look equally refreshed and elegant.
While no surgery stops the aging process, a deep plane lift is the longest-lasting facelift option available. Most patients enjoy their results for 12 to 15 years or more before they feel they might need a minor “freshening” procedure.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine their facelift with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or a brow lift for a total facial rejuvenation. Dr. Crawford will help you design a plan that addresses all your concerns in one safe surgical journey.
