Deep Plane Facelift
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
Signs of aging can leave you feeling less like yourself when you look in the mirror. Declining collagen production, time in the sun, and the natural effects of gravity can lead to sagging along the jawline, hollowing in the cheeks, and facial skin that’s lost its youthful bounce. If you’re seeking a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, a deep plane facelift offers advanced correction by repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue.
This sophisticated facelift technique lifts below the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to provide meaningful, long-lasting rejuvenation that honors your unique features.
Dr. Michael Spann is one of the few surgeons in Arkansas with 20+ years of deep plane facelift experience. Each procedure is carefully designed around your unique anatomy and the specific ways your face has aged. Known for natural, refreshed results that preserve your authentic expressions, Dr. Spann provides facelift patients with artistry, expertise, and trust.
Releases facial ligaments and lifts the deeper SMAS layer for more authentic results
Performed under general anesthesia at our accredited surgery center
Advanced recovery support; patients typically resume social activities within 2-3 weeks
Results often last longer than traditional facelifts
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial plastic surgery technique that addresses shifts in the deeper tissues that lead to signs of aging in the mid and lower face. During a deep plane facelift, Dr. Spann repositions deeper structures of the face, including facial muscles, connective tissue, and the SMAS layer. Unlike traditional facelifts that tighten only skin or superficial layers, this method works beneath the facial retaining ligaments to release and lift sagging facial tissue.
The deep plane facelift technique creates more natural-looking results by restoring volume and structure in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. It is especially effective for facial rejuvenation in patients with noticeable skin laxity, deep smile lines, and facial aging that can't be fully addressed with other facelift techniques.
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation and pre-operative planning. Dr. Spann will carefully assess your facial anatomy and goals, educate you about his surgical techniques, and ensure you understand the recovery process and have realistic expectations of the results you can expect to achieve.
A deep plane facelift is an outpatient procedure performed in our AAAASF-accredited surgery center. It is performed using general anesthesia as well as nerve blocks to ease discomfort in early recovery. Dr. Spann makes discreet incisions around the ears and sometimes under the chin. Through these entry points, he gently elevates and repositions the deeper layers of facial tissue, including the SMAS layer and facial ligaments.
By releasing key ligaments and lifting the platysma muscle, deep plane facelift surgery allows for smoother transitions between facial zones and avoids the overly tight or stretched appearance common in more superficial procedures. The result is a more harmonious and long-lasting youthful appearance.
Patients often wonder how the deep plane facelift differs from older methods. Here’s a clear comparison:
By working at a deeper level, the deep plane technique rejuvenates the entire face in a more natural, structural way, rather than relying on surface tension.
This advanced facial surgery is designed to correct:
A deep plane facelift can also be tailored to include eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or fat transfer for a more cohesive, well-rested appearance.
The deep plane facelift technique offers both aesthetic and emotional rewards. Because it lifts the deeper SMAS layer and repositions the underlying soft tissue, this facelift method avoids skin tension and promotes a more natural appearance. It also offers enhanced durability. Many deep plane facelift results last a decade or more.
Patients often report not only physical improvements but also renewed confidence and a better reflection of how they feel inside. Unlike traditional facelifts, which may create a more surface-level lift, this comprehensive facial rejuvenation method enhances structural support across multiple planes.
Ideal candidates for a deep plane lift are patients in good overall health who are seeking substantial facial rejuvenation. You may be a good fit if you have moderate to severe facial aging, sagging facial tissue, or want longer-lasting results than other facelift techniques typically offer.
Dr. Spann will evaluate your medical history, anatomy, and aesthetic goals to ensure that this surgical procedure aligns with your needs. As a facial plastic surgeon deeply familiar with the deep plane facelift technique, he and his team will walk you through your options clearly and compassionately.
Following deep plane facelift surgery, most patients experience swelling and bruising that improves significantly in the first 7–14 days. Full recovery may take several weeks, and Dr. Spann provides detailed guidance and support throughout. You’ll be asked to keep your head elevated, avoid heavy lifting, and follow all post operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications.
We use proactive comfort measures, including tension free skin closure, long-acting anesthetics, and individualized aftercare, to support your recovery.
Early improvements appear within weeks, with full results developing over several months as tissues settle. Unlike more superficial techniques, a deep plane facelift works to reposition the facial tissue structurally, not just cosmetically.
You can expect a smoother jawline, lifted cheeks, and a more balanced, youthful appearance that still feels fully your own. Most patients enjoy long-lasting improvement, often for 10 years or more, especially when paired with healthy skin care and sun protection.
Dr. Michael Spann is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in both reconstructive and aesthetic facial surgery. As one of the few Arkansas surgeons trained in the deep plane facelift technique, he combines technical mastery with a strong sense of aesthetic nuance.
At our boutique practice locations in Little Rock and Fayetteville, your experience is never rushed. Dr. Spann and his team provide one-on-one guidance, attention to detail, and genuine care throughout your transformation. Whether you're exploring facelift surgery for the first time or seeking a revision, you can trust you're in thoughtful, expert hands.
When performed by a qualified facial plastic surgeon, the deep plane facelift has a strong safety profile. Dr. Spann works carefully around the facial nerve branches and uses refined surgical techniques to reduce the risk of nerve injury or complications.
While a SMAS facelift tightens the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, the deep plane lift technique goes beneath it to release and reposition the deeper layers. This provides smoother, longer-lasting results and better correction of deep creases like nasolabial folds.
As with any surgical procedure, a deep plane facelift carries some risks, including swelling, bruising, infection, and the potential for facial nerve injury, though this complication is rare in experienced hands. Because the deep plane technique works beneath key facial structures, it requires detailed knowledge of anatomy to avoid affecting facial movement or sensation. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with specific training in deep plane facelift surgery is essential to minimize these risks.
Most patients resume light activity in 7–10 days and return to social engagements within 2–3 weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks to ensure proper healing.
Absolutely. Dr. Spann customizes every facelift to your unique facial anatomy, ensuring a natural-looking result that complements your facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Yes, this procedure often includes neck lifting by addressing platysma muscle laxity and excess tissue. If needed, a dedicated neck lift can be performed at the same time for a more complete rejuvenation.
The cost of your surgery will vary based on its complexity and any additional procedures performed. During your initial consultation, we will provide a comprehensive quote and discuss financing options. Little Rock Plastic Surgery offers flexible payment solutions through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
