What is a Customized Deep Plane Facelift?

Dr. Moradi performs customized deep plane facelifts, combined with fat transfer, to achieve a natural, dramatically refreshed look. 

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What is a Deep Plane Facelift? Is it Better?

In a deep plane facelift in San Diego, Carlsbad and Oceanside with Dr. Moradi, incisions are placed strategically to ensure minimal scarring that are hidden along the natural creases of the ears.

The muscles and fascia (the thin casing of connective tissue surrounding facial muscles) are tightened to achieve a lasting, natural-looking result. The neckbands beneath the chin are repaired, and the muscles are treated to create a lift in the mid-neck. Fat cells are harvested from the abdomen or love handles, purified, and transferred to the face to recreate youth's soft, appealing fullness. 

Importance of Precision in Suturing for a Natural Deep Plane Facelift

Taking your time when suturing a facelift is crucial, as it is the most focused part of the procedure. The goal is to achieve natural-looking results with no visible signs of surgery. By meticulously suturing with care and precision, the incision site can be seamlessly closed, creating an almost undetectable outcome.

Minimizing tension during the suturing process is key to achieving this near-invisible incision, ensuring that the facelift appears as though no procedure has occurred.

The sutures are placed in the subcuticular plane, where sutures are weaved just below the skin's surface. This technique prevents visible suture lines on the skin, leaving no telltale signs of surgery.

Real Patient Recovery After a Deep Plane Facelift

Before & After Deep Plane Facelift in Carlsbad, Vista & Oceanside

Before & After Deep Plane Facelift in Carlsbad, Vista & Oceanside

Before & After Deep Plane Facelift in Carlsbad, Vista & Oceanside

What is the Procedure for a Deep Plane Facelift?

  • Anesthesia: The patient is administered general anesthesia or intravenous sedation for comfort.
  • Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions around the ears, extending into the hairline, allowing access to the deeper facial tissues.
  • Lifting and Repositioning: The deep plane, which includes the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue, is carefully lifted and repositioned to correct sagging and restore youthful contours.
  • Excess Skin Removal: Any excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is redraped smoothly over the newly lifted contours.
  • Closing Incisions: The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures, minimizing visible scarring.
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Deep Plane Facelift Before & After

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Preparing for Your Custom Deep Plane Facelift in San Diego

To ensure patient safety, we will review your medications and work with your doctors if you need to stop taking any medicine. Blood thinners should be stopped for several weeks before your procedure, as well as blood-thinning supplements like vitamin E, ginkgo, or others. Before your surgery, eat nutritious meals with healthy proteins, vegetables, fruits, and grains, avoid alcoholic beverages, and stay hydrated. You will have prescriptions to fill before your surgery and should arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you the first night or longer if you wish. Arrange your home so you have everything you need to rest and recover.

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Learn About a Deep Plane Facelift from Dr. Moradi

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A Transformational Facelift Journey

What to Expect During the Recovery?

Initially, it is normal to expect some bruising and swelling, which varies from patient to patient. Your face will feel tight. Sleep on your back to avoid putting pressure on your repositioned tissues. You will need some patience, as in the early stages of healing, you won’t look or feel completely normal.

After the first week, things change radically. The swelling fades, and your newly refined facial look emerges – a gratifying experience! You will need to avoid vigorous physical activities for about four weeks, but you are encouraged to take gentle walks.

Avoid any activity that could put pressure or cause an impact on the facial tissues until healing is complete. 

Follow-up Care at Moradi MD

Our team of professionals will work with you to ensure your recovery is uneventful and will see you several times in our offices following your surgery. We are focused on providing the highest level of patient-focused care before, during, and following your surgery.

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Innovative Facial Lifting with Moradi MD

If you’re seeking an alternative to a traditional facelift with shorter downtime, consider a custom deep plane facelift. The results are natural-looking, and the recovery is rapid – a significant difference from older, traditional facelift procedures, which merely removed excess skin and had an unnatural-looking outcome that did not last. 

Schedule a consultation with double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Moradi to determine if this is the right treatment option for you.

Deep Plane Facelift Techniques

A skilled OR team and anesthesiologist are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes in a meticulous procedure like a facelift. Their expertise and support enhance both the surgical process and the overall success and safety of the operation.

Deep Plane Facelift Surgery


The deep-plane technique involves entering at the origin of the zygomaticus major muscle, which helps elevate the mid and lower face safely.

Deep Plane Facelift Basics with Dr. Moradi

Facelift Procedure at MoradiMD
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Deep Plane Facelift FAQ

How is a deep plane facelift different from a traditional facelift?

Who is the ideal candidate for a deep plane facelift?

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

What are the potential risks of a deep plane facelift?

How is a deep plane facelift different from a traditional facelift?

A deep plane facelift repositions the deeper facial muscles and connective tissues rather than relying on skin tightening alone. This allows for more natural movement, longer-lasting results, and avoids the tight or pulled appearance often associated with older facelift techniques. The midface, jawline, and neck are rejuvenated as a cohesive unit rather than treated superficially.

Who is the ideal candidate for a deep plane facelift?

Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing moderate to advanced facial sagging, jowls, or neck laxity who want comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation. Patients should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations. During consultation, Dr. Amir Moradi evaluates facial anatomy, skin quality, and aging patterns to determine whether a deep plane approach is the best option.

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

Deep plane facelift results are considered among the longest-lasting in facial plastic surgery, often maintaining improvement for 10–15 years or more. While aging continues naturally, patients typically look significantly younger than they would have without surgery, with results that age gracefully over time.

What are the potential risks of a deep plane facelift?

As with any surgical procedure, a deep plane facelift carries some risk. Possible complications may include bleeding, infection, temporary nerve weakness, asymmetry, scarring, or prolonged swelling. Serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon. Dr. Moradi minimizes risk through meticulous surgical technique, careful patient selection, and comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, all of which are reviewed in detail during consultation.

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