What Is a Deep Plane Facelift? Dr. Rafizadeh Explains the Most Natural Facelift Technique

If you’ve been researching facelift options in New Jersey, you’ve likely come across the term “deep plane facelift.” It’s one of the most talked-about techniques in facial rejuvenation — and for good reason. But what exactly is a deep plane facelift, and is it right for you? Dr. Farhad Rafizadeh, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in Morristown, NJ, breaks it all down.

Understanding Facial Aging: Why Facelifts Are Necessary

To understand why deep plane facelifts work, it helps to first understand what happens to our faces as we age. According to Dr. Rafizadeh, the changes occur so gradually that we don’t notice them day to day. Over time, the skin loses its recoil and elasticity. The plumpness in the cheeks, eyelids, and lips diminishes. Facial tissues migrate downward from the midface to the lower face, causing jowls to develop. The face, which once had a youthful triangular shape, gradually becomes more rectangular.

This downward migration happens in areas where the skin is not tightly attached to deeper tissues — particularly around the natural furrows of the face. As Dr. Rafizadeh explains, “The downward migration makes the face appear more rectangular.” The goal of any facelift technique is to reverse this: to bring tissues back to their original location, restore midface fullness, and recreate that more youthful triangular shape.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

Facelift techniques have evolved over decades, going progressively deeper into facial tissue planes. The deep plane facelift operates at a level beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) — the muscular layer of the face — allowing the surgeon to reposition tissues more comprehensively than surface-level techniques.

The most aggressive version of this approach is the subperiosteal facelift, which goes all the way down to the bone. While these deep dissection techniques can yield impressive results, they also come with tradeoffs: longer recovery times, more swelling, and a higher risk of complications.

Dr. Rafizadeh’s Personalized Approach: Not One-Size-Fits-All

After decades of performing and observing facelift procedures, Dr. Rafizadeh has developed his own refined philosophy — one that sets him apart from surgeons who perform the same deep plane technique on every patient.

“Most surgeons are like cooks in that they follow a recipe in a book and they do the same procedure on every patient,” he explains. “For example, there are surgeons who do deep plane facelifts or high SMAS lifts exclusively. To get the best results and the quickest recovery, one needs to understand what works for that individual patient.”

Dr. Rafizadeh’s technique is built on a deep understanding of facial anatomy — including how it varies between patients based on ethnicity, sex, age, diet, and lifestyle. Some patients need more extensive dissection; others can achieve excellent results with less invasive techniques. Knowing which approach is appropriate for each individual is, as he puts it, “the main secret.”

Why Less Dissection Often Means Better Results

A counterintuitive truth in facelift surgery is that more extensive procedures don’t always lead to better outcomes. Dr. Rafizadeh notes that some of the most visible, unnatural-looking facelifts are the result of overly aggressive techniques that don’t account for the patient’s individual anatomy.

“It would be a travesty to do the same exact procedure for every patient and cause unnecessarily long recovery and unnatural results. This is why we see so many bad facelifts that are even visible from far away.”

His approach prioritizes the “least invasive procedure to accomplish a great result” — and only escalating to deeper dissection when it is truly warranted. This philosophy leads to shorter recovery times, more natural-looking outcomes, and fewer complications.

SMAS Facelift vs. Deep Plane Facelift: What’s the Difference?

Many patients ask about the difference between a SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift. In short:

• SMAS Facelift: Works on the muscular layer (SMAS) of the face, lifting and tightening it to support overlying skin. This is the most common modern facelift technique and can produce excellent, natural results with faster recovery.
• Deep Plane Facelift: Goes deeper, releasing ligamentous attachments beneath the SMAS to allow for greater tissue repositioning. Particularly effective for patients with more advanced facial descent or significant jowling.

Dr. Rafizadeh is experienced in both approaches and tailors his technique based on each patient’s anatomy, degree of aging, and desired outcome. Patients who have undergone SMAS facelifts with Dr. Rafizadeh consistently report natural, refreshed results — with no bruising in some cases and recovery times as short as two to three weeks.

Real Patient Results: What to Expect

Dr. Rafizadeh has earned a 4.8-star rating on RealSelf with over 130 reviews. His patients consistently describe results that look natural and youthful — not “done.” Common feedback includes:

• Looking 10–15 years younger while still looking like themselves
• Minimal to no bruising during recovery
• Scars that heal so well they’re nearly invisible
• Recovery allowing return to public activities within 2–3 weeks
• Results that are described as “sculpted” with restored cheekbones and a defined jawline

One RealSelf reviewer noted: “I look like myself 10-15 years ago. All of my scars healed so nicely, I can barely see them. I have had several people ask me if I switched moisturizers or got some kind of new facial!”

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

Whether a deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, or a less invasive variation is right for you depends on a thorough, individualized consultation. Dr. Rafizadeh takes the time to analyze the entire face and discuss your goals before recommending a surgical plan. He evaluates:

• The degree of facial descent and jowling
• The quality and elasticity of your skin
• The distribution of facial fat
• Your ethnic background and anatomical variations
• Your lifestyle, recovery availability, and desired outcome

Schedule a Consultation in Morristown, NJ

If you’re considering a facelift and want results that look naturally refreshed — not overdone — Dr. Farhad Rafizadeh offers personalized consultations at his practice in Morristown, New Jersey. With over three decades of experience and a patient-first philosophy, he can help you determine which facelift technique will give you the most beautiful, lasting results with the shortest possible recovery.

Call us at (973) 267-0928 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.

People Also Ask

Common Questions Patients Search About Facelift Surgery

How long does it take to look normal again after a facelift?

Most Northern New Jersey facelift patients look presentable in public around the 10–14 day mark, particularly with a little concealer for residual bruising. The polished, fully-rested result comes in over 3 months as subtle swelling resolves and incision lines fade. Patients who have surgery under local anesthesia with light sedation (Dr. Rafizadeh's standard approach) tend to look fresher faster than those who had general anesthesia.

How long do facelift results last?

A well-executed deep plane or SMAS facelift typically lasts 10–15 years before patients consider a refresh. The face continues to age — the facelift turns the clock back roughly 10 years, but does not stop time. Patients who maintain skin health (sun protection, medical-grade skincare, occasional non-surgical maintenance) tend to extend the visible lifespan of the result substantially.

Should a 70-year-old get a facelift?

Yes, when health allows. Many of Dr. Rafizadeh's North Jersey facelift patients are in their late 60s, 70s, and 80s — the operation is well tolerated at this age when performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, which avoids the cognitive and physiologic burden of general anesthesia. The right question isn't “am I too old” but “am I healthy enough,” and the answer is usually yes.

Is a deep plane facelift better than a SMAS facelift?

Not universally — the right operation depends on the patient. A deep plane facelift releases ligaments that anchor the cheek and midface, producing more dramatic midface elevation; it's well suited to patients with significant midface descent and deeper nasolabial folds. A SMAS facelift is excellent for jowls and the lower face when the midface still has good support. Dr. Rafizadeh chooses the technique based on the patient's anatomy, not a fixed preference.

What is recovery like from a deep plane facelift?

The first week is the most involved: bandages for 24–48 hours, then gradual de-swelling. Bruising peaks days 3–5 and fades by days 10–14. Most patients are back to non-public activities within a week and to social activities by week three. Numbness around the ears and jawline is normal for several weeks and resolves on its own. Dr. Rafizadeh's deep plane patients in Morristown typically describe the recovery as “more tedious than painful.”

What causes a Joker smile or windswept look after a facelift?

The “Joker smile” comes from over-aggressive horizontal pulling of the skin, and the “windswept” look comes from pulling skin and deep tissue in the same direction. Both are technique problems, not facelift problems. Dr. Rafizadeh lifts the deep layers vertically (which mimics how the face descends with age) and the skin in a more horizontal direction; that separation is what produces a natural result. Patients who look pulled or operated were almost always lifted in a single vector with too much tension.

How will I look 3 weeks after a facelift?

At three weeks most North Jersey patients look refreshed and natural in public. Subtle residual swelling along the jawline and beneath the chin softens through weeks 4–8. Incisions are pink and continuing to fade. Patients can wear makeup, attend events, and go back to most workouts (other than heavy lifting and contact sports) by this point. The face will still look incrementally better at 3 months than at 3 weeks.

Sources & References

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2. Jacono AA, Alemi AS, Russell JL. "A Meta-analysis of Complication Rates Among Different SMAS Facelift Techniques." Aesthet Surg J. 2019;39(9):927–942. PubMed
3. Rohrich RJ, Pessa JE. "The fat compartments of the face: anatomy and clinical implications for cosmetic surgery." Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;119(7):2219–27. PubMed
4. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "Facelift Surgery." plasticsurgery.org
5. American Board of Plastic Surgery. "Verify Certification." abplasticsurgery.org
6. RealSelf. "Dr. Farhad Rafizadeh — Patient Reviews." realself.com