By Dr. Arthur Jabs — Washington, D.C.’s Deep Plane Facelift Expert
A Natural, Long-Lasting Approach to Facial Rejuvenation
A deep plane facelift is the most advanced and natural technique available for restoring youthful facial contours. Unlike older facelift methods that rely on tightening the skin or folding the SMAS layer, a deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the deeper structural tissues of the face as a single unit. The result is a soft, elegant, and timeless rejuvenation, never pulled, tight, or artificial.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Washington, D.C. region for more than three decades, I have refined my deep plane approach to focus on natural harmony, individualized results, and long-term structural support.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
The term “deep plane” refers to a precise anatomical layer beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). In this deeper layer lie the:
- Facial ligaments
- Midface fat pads
- Musculature responsible for drooping
- Support structures that define youthful cheeks and jawlines
Traditional facelifts lift the skin and tighten or fold the SMAS holding it with sutures.
A deep plane facelift goes beneath the SMAS, releasing the ligaments holding it and lifting the cheek, nasolabial folds, and jawline as one anatomical unit.
This technique provides:
✔ Midface elevation
✔ Reduction of nasolabial folds
✔ Sharper jawline and neckline
✔ Natural cheek projection
✔ Long-lasting results (10–15+ years)
The skin is draped gently, never pulled tightly, because tension is carried by the lifted deeper structures.
Why Deep Plane Facelifts Look More Natural
A deep plane facelift avoids the undesirable “pulled” or “windblown” look because:
1. The Skin Isn’t Doing the Work
Most of the lifting occurs in the deeper layers.
2. The Midface Is Actually Repositioned
This is the only facelift technique that effectively restores the cheek.
3. Ligament Release = Smooth Nasolabial Fold Improvement
Releasing the zygomatic and masseteric ligaments softens folds naturally instead of stretching the skin over them.
4. Better Blood Supply to the Skin
Deep plane dissection preserves vascularity, improving healing and scar quality.
5. The Lift Follows Natural Anatomical Vectors
The face is repositioned along its youthful directions, not vertically pulled.
Who Is a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
You may be a candidate if you notice:
- Drooping cheeks
- Loss of midface volume
- Jowls
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Laxity along the jawline
- Loose neck skin with vertical bands
- A tired or sagging facial appearance
Ideal ages range from 40s to 70s, but candidacy depends more on anatomy than age.
Men and women both benefit greatly from this approach.
Deep Plane vs SMAS vs Mini Facelift
Deep Plane Facelift
- Lifts beneath the SMAS
- Best correction of midface, jowls, and nasolabial folds
- Most natural results
- Longest-lasting outcomes
SMAS (High SMAS or SMAS Plication)
- SMAS is tightened or folded and held with sutures
- Good for moderate aging
- Limited midface improvement
- Less durable
Mini Facelift
- Limited incisions and limited lifting
- Ideal for mild jowls
- Shorter-lasting results (2–4 years)
If you want midface improvement and jawline definition, the deep plane facelift is the most powerful option.
My Deep Plane Facelift Surgical Technique
My approach focuses on three principles:
1. Anatomical Precision
Deep dissection is performed beneath the SMAS and facial fat pads, allowing full ligament release while preserving vital structures.
2. Customized Vectors
Each face has unique vectors of descent. I restore the natural direction of youthful lift, not a forced or vertical appearance.
3. Natural Harmony
The deep plane facelift addresses:
- Cheek projection
- Jawline sculpting
- Neck contour
- Skin redraping
- Fat grafting when needed
The goal is to rejuvenate without altering your identity.
Incisions & Scar Healing
Incisions are placed discreetly:
- Along the hairline (when needed)
- Inside the tragus of the ear
- Around and under the earlobe
- Behind the ear
Because the skin is under minimal tension, scars heal exceptionally well.
Scar Timeline:
- 1 week: Incisions sealed and sutures dissolve
- 1 month: Pink, but fading
- 3 months: Very faint
- 6–12 months: Faint and barely visible
Recovery Timeline
Day 1–3
- Swelling
- Mild bruising
- Tightness under the chin
- No need for drains since I use fibrin glue to hold the tissue together, which also decreases bruising
Week 1
- Sutures dissolve
- Light walking encouraged
Week 2
- Back to mild normal activities
- Makeup allowed
- Increase exercise
Week 3–4
- Most swelling resolved
- Patients appear “camera-ready”
Month 2–3
- Final sculpted contours are visible
Deep plane lifts generally have smoother, more predictable recoveries.
Results: How Long Do They Last?
Deep plane results typically last 10–15+ years.
Factors affecting longevity:
- Genetics
- Skin quality
- Sun exposure
- Weight stability
- Smoking history
Most patients enjoy a decade-plus of youthful, natural contour.
Combining Procedures
A deep plane facelift can be complemented by:
- Upper/lower eyelids
- Brow lift
- Facial fat grafting
- Erbium laser or Croton oil resurfacing
- Chin augmentation (select cases)
Combined procedures create balanced rejuvenation.
Complications & Safety
Deep plane surgery requires expertise. Complications that can occur in all facial rejuvenation procedures include:
- Hematoma (non-life-threatening blood clot)
- Nerve injury (veryrare)
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Scarring
- Prolonged swelling
My extensive experience minimizes these risks through:
- Meticulous hemostasis
- Artisse fibrin glue to limit swelling and speed healing
- Preserved anatomy
- Conservative vectoring
- Modern postoperative protocols
Cost of Deep Plane Facelift in Washington, D.C.
Typical range:
$20,000–$30,000+ USD
Includes:
- Surgeon fee
- Anesthesia
- In office Quad A certified operating facility
Revision cases or combined procedures may be higher.
Why Choose Dr. Arthur Dean Jabs
- Board-certified plastic surgeon
- 30+ years of experience
- Hundreds of facelift procedures performed
- Deep plane specialist
- Customized surgical planning
- Natural aesthetic philosophy
- Exceptional scar placement
- Strong record of revising facelifts done elsewhere
- Serving Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Schedule a Consultation
When you schedule a Deep Plane Facelift consultation at Cosmetic Surgery Associates, you will receive a personalized evaluation with photographic analysis, anatomical assessment, and a customized surgical plan tailored to your specific anatomy and goals.
