What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
Unlike traditional facelifts, which primarily focus on tightening the skin and superficial tissues, the deep plane facelift addresses the deeper facial structures, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) and other underlying tissue layers. This allows for a more significant lift and improvement, particularly in the lower face area. The deep plane facelift also keeps skin and muscle layers attached and does not disrupt the blood supply to skin, which keeps skin looking natural and not pulled. It is the most advanced facelift for a natural result.
If you experience advanced facial aging with sagging, loose skin, you may be a candidate for this procedure. Dr. Sam Rizk, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who operates out of his upscale Park Avenue office, has developed an advanced technique for his deep plane facelift procedure that is an excellent treatment option for better facial definition, smoother skin, and a more youthful appearance. His facial rejuvenation treatment has earned him repeated recognition as one of New York’s best plastic surgeons by both Castle Connolly and New York Magazine. His advanced deep‑plane facelift employs a preservation method that minimizes skin undermining and maintains the natural blood supply for faster healing, making it a sought‑after option for Dr. Rizk’s Manhattan patients who struggle with severe drooping that cannot be addressed through less‑invasive treatment options.
Why Choose a Deep Plane Facelift?
Patients travel from across the world to benefit from Dr. Rizk’s extensive experience in deep plane facelift surgery. The vertical deep plane facelift is the latest, most advanced facelift that Dr. Rizk teaches globally and performs live at conferences all over the world. Dr. Rizk is a different-level expert in facelift surgery who teaches other experts how to improve their techniques. The reasons why this surgical procedure is popular include:
Long-Lasting Results:
One of the major advantages of the deep plane facelift is its ability to provide lasting results. Because the deep facial structures are repositioned, the results tend to remain visible for a much longer period than traditional facelifts, which can begin to show signs of sagging or loosening after a few years.
Natural-Looking Outcome:
The deep plane facelift lifts the deeper tissues while preserving natural facial expression. This technique avoids the “windswept” or overly tight appearance that sometimes results from more superficial procedures. The deep plane facelift maintains the face’s natural contours, ensuring a youthful yet realistic outcome.
Improved Lower Face Contouring:
Deep plane facelifts are particularly effective for those with sagging in the lower face. The procedure provides a more comprehensive lift to the jowls and lower cheeks, making it ideal for individuals who require extensive rejuvenation in these areas.
How Does a Deep Place Facelift Differ?
During your consultation with Dr. Rizk, he will advise you in detail on how to prepare pre- and post-surgery. An anesthetic will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the deep plane facelift procedure, a surgery that follows the same style as a traditional facelift. There are, however, some key surgical differences between these facial lifting surgeries.
Complexity of the Procedure:
The deep plane facelift is a more intricate procedure than a traditional facelift, requiring a high level of skill and experience. Dr. Rizk has to navigate deeper facial structures, ensuring that the dissection and lifting are done precisely to avoid complications. This complexity also makes the recovery process a bit longer and more involved.
Increased Risk and Recovery Considerations:
Due to the deeper tissues being manipulated, there are increased risks associated with the deep plane facelift, including potential nerve damage, bleeding, and longer recovery times. The procedure is more invasive, which means that patients need to be prepared for a more extended period of healing and aftercare.
Precise Techniques for Avoiding Nerve Damage:
One of the key challenges during the deep plane facelift is avoiding damage to the facial nerves, controlling muscle movement. Dr. Rizk takes great care to protect these nerves during surgery to avoid complications like facial asymmetry or loss of movement.
Real Patient Results
5 th Ave plastic New York plastic surgeon chose Dr Rizk and underwent deep plane facelift / necklift/ browlift and blepharoplasty and sent her picture 3 months post . It’s a testament that plastic surgeons chose Dr Rizk for their facelifts.
*Results may vary.
History 55 yo female only 1 week after deep plane facelift / temporal browlift / rhinoplasty : chin implant revision and anterior jawline fat transfer. My goal is to not only turn back the clock but to create facial balance which is the essence of beauty.
*Results may vary.
History 54 yo RHONH cast member underwent extended deep plane facelift / rhinoplasty shown 3 days post surgery . Will update more pictures as she continues on her healing journey but note incredible jawline definition.
*Results may vary.
62 yo patient is shown 2 weeks after deep plane facelift. You could see jawline definition and a cleaner jowl area even with the swelling.
*Results may vary.
45 year old female patient who underwent deep plane vertical facelift and is shown 1 year after surgery . Note hidden incisions behind ear tragus cartilage enables patient to pull hair back with minimal hidden scars . Note jawline definition .
*Results may vary.
45 year old female who is shown one day after revision facelift/neck lift done with deep plane vertical approach.
*Results may vary.
Patient is 1 week after deep plane facelift / necklift and we show this with sutures around ears because patients often ask us how will we look at 1 week. Note jawline definition and sutures hidden in ear and hairline to allow ponytail without visible scar.
*Results may vary.
40 yo patient shown 2 weeks after deep plane facelift / deep necklift and rhinoplasty . She looks natural and has a better jawline than she ever had even when she was in her 20’s. Incisions are healing and will continue to improve. Healing varies individually – some patients bruise & swell more than others. No drain was used and tissue sealant was used to reduce bruising and swelling.
*Results may vary.
66 yo patient looking amazing 6 months after deep plane facelift / deep necklift / platysmaplasty / temporal browlift and fat transfer to cheek area / lower eyelids . Patient has great jawline and youthful cheeks looks 20 years younger.
*Results may vary.
*Results may vary.
See more patient photosAre You a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
While many are interested in this procedure, it is important to note that patients do still need to meet certain requirements to achieve the finest surgical outcome. These requirements may include:
- No pre-existing medical conditions that may impede healing
- Realistic expectations, and wanting the surgery for yourself and not because someone else wants you to have it
- A nonsmoking, healthy lifestyle
- Have visible signs of loose and sagging skin that can benefit from the procedure
What Is Recovery Like?
Post-surgical swelling and bruising are more pronounced after a deep plane facelift due to the deeper layers being manipulated. Full recovery can take several weeks, and patients need to follow strict aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Video Testimonials
Dr. Larry Rosenthal hails Dr. Sam Rizk as the “Picasso” of facial aesthetics on Fox 5
Possible Risks and Complications
All surgical procedures present possible risks and complications. It is therefore vital that you follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure these risks are minimized and healing is optimized. The deep plane facelift is an invasive procedure and surgery risks include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Infection
- Scarring
Dr. Risk will discuss the possible risks and complications with you in detail prior to your operation.
Dr Rizk In The Media
Dr. Rizk was voted by his peers as a Top Doctor in 2025 – For the 21th consecutive year!
Connolly Best Doctor
Dr. Rizk featured in Town & Country Magazine as one of the masters of the subtle lift and tweak that will turn back time
Voted by peers to New York Magazine’s 2013 Top Doctors
New Advances in Facelifting Techniques by Dr. Sam Rizk
The Role Of The Hidden Platysma Muscle In Neck And Facial Aging
The Use Of Fibrin Sealant In Short Scar Facelift
Short Scar Face-Lift Text by Dr.Rizk
Celebrity plastic surgeon & deep plane faceliftk
Jennifer Aniston’s fans rail at her face: ‘Looks like freak’
Plastic surgeon believes Jen Anniston had a major procedure on her face
Scheduling Your Deep Plane Facelift
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rizk to find out more about his facelift treatment options and whether you are a candidate for the deep plane facelift procedure.
Dr. Rizk believes:
“Dr. Rizk had developed his own techniques and published his methods for customizing procedures to the patient’s facial structure and degree of aging, as opposed to a one size fits all approach. As more and more younger patients, including men, are requesting cosmetic facial procedures, Dr. Rizk believes that his newer techniques are better tailored to them. To that end, Dr.. Rizk authored some landmark articles on facelift, rhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty surgery, describing new techniques to be applied differently to younger versus older patients.”
Awards & Certifications
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By Dr. Sam S. Rizk, M.D., FACS.
Dr. Rizk is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty surgery and is a recognized expert on the latest advances in facial plastic surgery techniques. He performs a range of facial plastic surgeries at his New York practice.