True facial rejuvenation requires a surgical approach that honors the intricate architecture of the face. Dr. De La Cruz utilizes the advanced deep plane facelift technique to provide a rested appearance that looks entirely natural and feels like a return to your true self.
In the world of facial plastic surgery, the deep plane facelift stands as the gold standard for patients seeking profound, long-lasting transformation. Unlike traditional facelifts that simply lift the skin, Dr. De La Cruz utilizes the deep plane approach to reposition the deeper facial structures as a single unit. By releasing the tension at the foundation of the face, he achieves natural-looking results that reflect your inner vitality. Choosing De La Cruz Plastic Surgery means selecting a plastic surgeon who balances clinical mastery with a sculptor’s eye for natural beauty.
Addresses midface sagging, deep nasolabial folds, and jowls by lifting deeper facial structures.
Most patients return to social activities in 10–14 days.
Typically 4–5 hours performed under general anesthesia.
Results often last 10–15 years, significantly longer than a standard SMAS facelift.
A deep plane facelift is an advanced procedure that goes beyond the surface to treat the root causes of facial aging. While a traditional facelift primarily tightens the skin and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the deep plane technique involves entering the deeper layers of the face. In this space, the surgeon releases the retaining ligaments that hold facial tissue in a descended position, allowing for a comprehensive lift of the mid face, cheeks, and jawline.
This surgical procedure is often combined with a neck lift to resolve loose neck skin and restore a defined jawline. Because the skin is never pulled independently of the underlying muscles, a true deep plane facelift avoids the "windswept" look, instead providing a soft, youthful appearance and preserving your unique natural expressions.
On the day of your plane facelift, you will be cared for in our accredited facility. The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure your total comfort and safety. Dr. De La Cruz makes precise incisions that are meticulously hidden within the natural creases around the ear and the hairline.
The facial tissue is then carefully elevated at the deep plane level. By working beneath the SMAS layer, the plastic surgeon can reposition the facial muscles and fat pads to their original, more youthful position. The platysma muscle in the neck is also addressed to correct neck laxity. Once the deeper structures are secured with internal sutures, the excess skin is trimmed and the incisions are closed with artisan precision, ensuring minimal scarring.
The deep plane facelift addresses the significant signs of aging that occur in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. These include:
Unrivaled Natural Results
Because the deep plane facelift avoids putting tension on the skin, the final results appear seamless. You will not look like you’ve had surgery; rather, you will look like a refreshed version of yourself with youthful contours and tighter skin.
Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation
This technique is unique because it addresses both the face and the neck simultaneously. By lifting the deeper tissues, Dr. De La Cruz can restore a defined jawline and a smooth neck profile that complements the lifted appearance of the cheeks and mid face.
Longer-Lasting Transformation
A deep plane lift is physically more secure than traditional facelifts. Because the underlying structures are repositioned and the tension is placed on the deeper structures rather than the skin, the results typically endure much longer than the outcome of a standard SMAS facelift.
The ideal candidate for deep plane facelift surgery is someone experiencing visible signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin and neck laxity. While many patients are in their 50s or 60s, younger patients are increasingly seeking this advanced procedure to proactively address volume loss and early jowling. Candidates should be in good health, have realistic expectations, and have a clear medical history. During your consultation, Dr. De La Cruz will conduct a thorough assessment to evaluate your skin quality and facial structure and ensure this is the best facial rejuvenation method for you.
The recovery process following a deep plane facelift is often more comfortable than patients anticipate. While you will experience some swelling and bruising, prescribed pain medication is typically only needed for the first few days. To ensure a smooth recovery, Dr. De La Cruz will recommend keeping your head elevated even while sleeping to reduce swelling.
Dr. De La Cruz and his medical team will monitor your healing process closely with regular follow-up visits. Most patients feel confident returning to social settings within two weeks. We advise avoiding strenuous activity and excessive sun exposure for several weeks to protect the skin quality and ensure the incisions heal into nearly invisible natural creases.
The final results of your deep plane facelift surgery will emerge as the last of the swelling dissipates, typically within 3 to 6 months. You will see a dramatic restoration of your youthful appearance, with a crisp jawline and high, full cheeks. Because the deep plane approach respects the underlying muscles, your natural beauty shines through, allowing for a rested appearance that looks entirely authentic.
These natural results are built to last. While your facial structure will continue to age naturally, you will always look significantly younger than you would have without the surgical procedure. It is a transformation that restores not just your youthful contours, but your confidence in how you present yourself to the world.
Choosing a surgeon for an extended deep plane facelift requires a specialist who understands the deep anatomy of the facial nerves, muscles, and other tissues. Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who treats facial rejuvenation as a delicate balance of science and art. His commitment to safety and his mastery of facelift techniques ensure that every patient receives a bespoke experience. At our Houston practice, we prioritize your natural beauty and provide a luxurious, supportive environment for your entire journey.
An SMAS facelift involves tightening the muscle layer and the skin separately, often leading to tension on the skin. A true deep plane facelift goes beneath the SMAS to lift the deeper tissues as one unit, which results in a more natural-looking result and a longer-lasting lift.
While any surgical procedure carries risks, facial nerve injury is extremely rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. De La Cruz has a profound mastery of the deep plane facelift technique and takes every precaution to protect the facial nerve throughout the surgery.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine their deep plane facelift surgery with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a brow lift, or fat grafting to address volume loss and achieve total facial rejuvenation.
While traditional facelifts may need a touch-up after 5 to 7 years, the results of a deep plane facelift routinely last 10 to 15 years due to the structural nature of the lift.
There is no specific "best" age; it depends on when you begin to notice significant signs of aging that bother you. We see excellent results in both younger patients in their 40s and more mature patients in their 70s.
