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A Different Standard for Facial Rejuvenation

At the Antony Institute of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, Dr. Anu Antony, MD, MPH, MBA, FACS pairs Harvard and Stanford surgical training with a formal background in fine arts. Patients across Raleigh and Cary trust her to restore the deeper facial structures behind a naturally youthful look. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Antony to see if this advanced technique fits your goals.

Woman resting her face on her hand

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the SMAS, the layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin that gives the face its shape and support. This layer loosens and drops with age, and that shift, more than the skin itself, is usually what causes sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Rather than stretching the skin to compensate, this technique lifts the SMAS back into a more natural position, treating the cheeks, jawline, and neck as one connected structure so the face keeps its natural movement and expression once healed.

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Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

  • Results that often last 10 to 15 years
  • A natural range of facial movement and expression
  • Smoother transitions between the cheeks, jawline, and neck
  • Less tension on the skin, which can support cleaner healing
  • Softer smile lines and improved jawline definition
  • Discreet incisions that fade well into the hairline
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Woman touching her face

Am I a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Good candidates typically have moderate to advanced sagging in the midface, jawline, or neck, along with skin that has started to lose elasticity. This technique often suits patients who have tried non-surgical treatments without getting the results they wanted. During your consultation, Dr. Antony evaluates your facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals to determine whether a deep plane facelift in Raleigh & Cary, NC is the best technique for you.

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Why Choose Dr. Antony for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Dr. Antony's dual training in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery means she understands both facial function and form. She treats each face as its own composition, planning every repositioning of tissue to preserve what makes your features recognizably yours. That level of precision, built over more than twenty years in practice, is exactly what a procedure this demanding requires.

Your Consultation

Your consultation begins with a conversation about your goals, followed by an exam of your facial skin, muscle tone, and bone structure. Dr. Antony reviews your medical history and recommends the facelift technique best suited to your pattern of aging. You'll leave with a clear picture of the procedure, your recovery timeline, and cost.

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How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a deep plane facelift in Raleigh & Cary, NC depends on the extent of correction needed, whether other procedures are performed at the same time, and facility and anesthesia fees. Because every case is different, an accurate quote can only be given after a consultation with Dr. Antony. Financing options are available to help spread the investment over time.

What to Expect During Deep Plane Facelift Surgery

Anesthesia and Incision Placement

The procedure is performed under anesthesia or IV sedation for your comfort. Incisions are placed within the hairline and natural creases around the ear, so they heal discreetly as hair grows back over them.

Repositioning the Deeper Tissues

Once the incisions are made, Dr. Antony repositions the SMAS layer and the deeper facial ligaments, restoring support to the cheeks and jawline. This step is what sets the deep plane technique apart from methods that only tighten the skin's surface.

Skin Redraping and Closure

With the underlying structure restored, any excess skin is trimmed and redraped over the new contour without tension. Fine sutures close the incisions to keep scarring to a minimum.

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Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

Swelling and bruising are common during the first one to two weeks, with noticeable improvement once they subside. Because the deep plane technique places less tension on the skin, many patients find healing more comfortable than expected, though some numbness or tightness near the treated areas is normal early on. Light activities can usually resume within one to two weeks, while more strenuous exercise waits four to six weeks. Dr. Antony provides a personalized recovery plan and follows up closely to monitor your healing.

Deep Plane Facelift Results

Initial results appear as swelling resolves, with the final outcome settling in over several months as tissues fully heal.

Because the deep plane technique restores structural support rather than tightening skin alone, results tend to age naturally and often last 10 to 15 years.

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Complementary Procedures

  • Neck Lift: Often performed alongside a deep plane facelift to fully restore a defined jawline and smooth neck contour.
  • Brow Lift: Elevates a heavy or sagging brow line to create better balance with a rejuvenated lower face.
  • Eyelid Surgery: Addresses drooping eyelids or under-eye puffiness that a facelift alone does not correct.
  • Facial Fat Grafting: Restores lost volume in the cheeks and temples using the patient's own fat for a softer, fuller result.
  • Liquid Facelift: A non-surgical option using dermal fillers and BOTOX to maintain results between surgical procedures or as a standalone treatment.

Deep Plane Facelift FAQs

What are the risks of a deep plane facelift?

Will a deep plane facelift make me look like a different person?

How long does the surgery take?

Will I need to stay overnight after surgery?

Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?

Is a deep plane facelift painful?

At what age should I consider a deep plane facelift?

How long after surgery will it be before I look healed?

What are the risks of a deep plane facelift?

As with any surgery, risks can include infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, and temporary facial weakness from nerve proximity. Dr. Antony's experience with this technique helps minimize these risks, and she'll review them in detail at your consultation.

Will a deep plane facelift make me look like a different person?

No. This procedure restores your face's natural support structures while preserving what makes you look like you. Most patients look like a refreshed, well-rested version of themselves.

How long does the surgery take?

Surgery time varies based on your anatomy and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. Dr. Antony will give you a more specific estimate during your consultation.

Will I need to stay overnight after surgery?

Most facelift patients go home the same day with a caregiver, though your specific plan depends on the extent of your procedure. Dr. Antony's team will review aftercare arrangements with you in advance.

Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. It's frequently paired with a neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery for more complete rejuvenation in a single surgery.

Is a deep plane facelift painful?

Most patients find the discomfort manageable with prescribed medication, and many report less tightness than expected given the depth of the technique.

At what age should I consider a deep plane facelift?

There's no set age for this procedure. Candidacy depends more on the degree of facial aging, skin quality, and personal goals than on a specific number, though most candidates fall between 40 and 60.

How long after surgery will it be before I look healed?

Every patient heals a little differently. After the first 2 weeks where you are required to wear the face and neck support garment continuously, you can switch to wearing the garment at home or at night. Because Dr. Antony uses newer medications during the surgery to reduce bruising, swelling and bleeding, most patients are mostly healed by 2-3 weeks and feel comfortable out in public. However, it is recommended to book your surgery at least 4-6 weeks prior to any major life event to allow for healing.

Take the Next Step With Dr. Antony

If you're ready to restore your face's natural contours with precision and artistry, the Antony Institute in Raleigh and Cary invites you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Antony. Schedule your consultation today to take the first step toward a refreshed, authentically you look.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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