Facial rejuvenation
The Gold Standard in Facial Rejuvenation

Deep Plane
Facelift

Natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation performed by a craniofacial-trained surgeon with microsurgery expertise.

The Procedure

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift is the most advanced technique in facial rejuvenation, widely regarded as the gold standard by leading plastic surgeons. Unlike traditional facelifts that merely tighten the skin, this approach lifts the skin, SMAS layer, and underlying muscles as a single unit — producing results that look natural, feel natural, and last significantly longer.

Deep plane facelift anatomy illustration showing skin, SMAS, and deep plane layers

Beyond the Surface

Traditional facelifts focused on tightening the skin, which often led to an over-pulled or unnatural appearance. The deep plane technique goes beneath the SMAS layer to release key retaining ligaments — the platysma, mandibular, and zygomatic ligaments — allowing the deeper facial structures to be repositioned naturally.

This comprehensive approach restores volume to the midface, softens nasolabial folds, enhances cheekbone definition, and creates a smoother, more defined jawline — all without the "pulled" look associated with older techniques.

10+
Years of Results
Natural
Looking Outcomes
Faster
Recovery Time
Minimal
Visible Scarring
Facial rejuvenation results concept

"The goal is not to look different — it's to look like the best version of yourself."

Your Surgeon

Dr. Kongkrit ChaiyasateMD, FACS

Dr. Chaiyasate is Double Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and The American Board of Surgery. With specialized fellowship training in craniofacial surgery and reconstructive microsurgery, he brings an unparalleled depth of anatomical knowledge to every procedure.

His extensive experience in craniofacial reconstruction — working with the most complex facial anatomy — translates directly to superior outcomes in aesthetic facial surgery. The deep plane facelift demands a surgeon who understands facial anatomy at its deepest structural levels, and Dr. Chaiyasate's microsurgical training provides the precision and dexterity that this advanced technique requires.

Craniofacial Fellowship Trained
Reconstructive Microsurgery Expertise
Double Board Certified (ABPS & ABS)
Center of Craniofacial, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Microsurgery
Visit Main Practice Website
Dr. Chaiyasate performing surgery with surgical loupes
Why Deep Plane

Benefits of the Deep Plane Technique

Natural-Looking Results

By lifting deeper tissues rather than just the skin, the outcome appears organic and refreshed — never pulled or overdone.

Long-Lasting Outcomes

Results typically last 10 years or more because the structural layers of the face are repositioned, not just the skin.

Smoother Recovery

The skin retains its blood supply during surgery, leading to reduced bruising, less swelling, and faster healing.

Midface Rejuvenation

Restores volume to flattened cheeks, softens nasolabial folds, and enhances cheekbone definition for a lifted, youthful appearance.

Jawline Definition

Strategic ligament release creates a cleaner, more sculpted jawline and addresses jowling without surface tension.

Neck Improvement

The deep plane approach extends to the neck, addressing laxity and banding for a comprehensive rejuvenation from chin to collarbone.

Microsurgery precision
Microsurgical Precision

Why Craniofacial Training Matters

The deep plane facelift demands an intimate understanding of the facial nerve, retaining ligaments, and deep tissue planes. Dr. Chaiyasate's craniofacial fellowship and microsurgery training provide the anatomical mastery and sub-millimeter precision that this advanced technique requires.

Dr. Chaiyasate in the operating room
Is It Right for You?

Ideal Candidates

The deep plane facelift is best suited for individuals experiencing moderate to significant facial aging who desire comprehensive, long-lasting results. During your consultation, Dr. Chaiyasate will assess your unique anatomy and goals to determine the optimal approach.

Moderate to significant facial sagging or laxity
Volume loss in the midface and cheeks
Jowling along the jawline
Neck laxity or banding
Deepening nasolabial folds
Desire for natural, long-lasting results
What to Expect

Recovery Timeline

Week 1–2

Initial Recovery

Mild swelling and bruising are expected. Most patients manage discomfort with prescribed medication and rest at home.

Week 2–4

Visible Improvement

Swelling significantly subsides. Many patients feel comfortable returning to light social activities and non-strenuous work.

Week 6–12

Continued Healing

Residual numbness resolves. The face continues to settle into its new contours as deeper tissues heal and integrate.

Month 3–6

Final Results

Full results become visible. The face appears naturally rejuvenated with restored volume, defined jawline, and smooth contours.

10+ Years

Lasting Beauty

Deep plane results endure far longer than traditional facelifts, aging gracefully and naturally over the years.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

A traditional facelift primarily tightens the skin, which can lead to an unnatural, pulled appearance. The deep plane technique lifts the skin, SMAS layer, and underlying muscles as a single unit, and releases key retaining ligaments. This produces a more natural, comprehensive result that addresses the midface, jawline, and neck simultaneously.

Deep plane facelift results typically last 10 years or more — significantly longer than traditional techniques. Because the procedure repositions the deeper structural layers of the face rather than just tightening the skin, the results age naturally and gracefully over time.

Most patients return to light social activities within 2–3 weeks. Initial swelling and bruising peak around days 3–5 and steadily improve. Because the deep plane technique preserves the skin's blood supply, many patients experience less bruising than with traditional facelifts. Final results are typically visible at 3–6 months.

No. The deep plane technique is specifically designed to avoid the pulled or windswept look associated with older facelift methods. By lifting the deeper structures rather than relying on skin tension, the result is a refreshed, natural appearance that preserves your facial identity and expressions.

The deep plane facelift requires an intimate understanding of facial nerve anatomy, retaining ligaments, and deep tissue planes. Dr. Chaiyasate's craniofacial fellowship training and reconstructive microsurgery expertise provide him with unparalleled knowledge of these complex structures, enabling safer surgery and superior aesthetic outcomes.

Ideal candidates typically experience moderate to significant facial sagging, volume loss in the midface, jowling, or neck laxity. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Chaiyasate will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate approach for your unique situation.

The deep plane facelift comprehensively addresses the midface (cheeks and nasolabial folds), lower face (jowls and jawline), and neck. It restores cheek volume, smooths deep creases, defines the jawline, and improves neck contour — all in a single procedure.

Request a Consultation

Get in Touch

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted regarding your consultation request. Your information is kept strictly confidential.

36800 Woodward Ave, Suite 112, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Consultation office
Begin Your Journey

Schedule Your
Consultation

Every face is unique. During your private consultation, Dr. Chaiyasate will assess your facial anatomy, listen to your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

Call (947) 274-8300

Contact Information

Office Location

36800 Woodward Ave
Suite 112
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Consultations

By Appointment