Deep plane facelift and how it defies aging
We’re in the peak performance era of cosmetic surgery—where the goal isn’t to look younger, but naturally ageless. Enter the deep plane facelift: once favored by Hollywood’s inner circle, now taking over TikTok as surgeons break down its technique, while viewers obsess over before-and-afters that look almost too natural to be surgical.
Deep plane facelift is not your typical nip-and-tuck. It’s being hailed as the next-generation facelift that delivers natural, long-lasting results—without the telltale “tight” look.
Who has gone under the knife?
Gone are the days when people would hide their cosmetic surgeries. Even fashion designer Marc Jacobs has openly shared his own deep plane facelift journey on Instagram. Behind his new look is board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Jacono, one of the most sought-after names in the field.
People have also been talking about Kris Jenner’s new look, with many speculating that she may have undergone the same procedure. Photos on social media show the 68-year-old matriarch looking nearly as youthful as her 44-year-old daughter Kim Kardashian.
While it’s been confirmed that Jenner did have a facelift performed by Dr. Steven Levine, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York City, the exact details of her procedure remain undisclosed. Due to patient confidentiality laws, Dr. Levine has never specified the type of surgery she received. Still, many believe it was a deep plane facelift given how flawless and natural her results appear.
How is the deep plane facelift different?
First introduced by Dr. Sam Hamra in 1990, the deep plane facelift is known as one of the most advanced ways to lift and redefine the face. Unlike traditional facelifts, which mainly tighten the skin or work on the layer of tissue beneath the skin called the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), this technique goes deeper—literally. Surgeons operate below the SMAS, releasing key facial ligaments and moving the deeper layers of soft tissue.
Because the tension is placed on the fascia (the tough layer beneath the skin) and not the skin itself, the results look smooth and natural—without that overly tight or “windblown” effect.
What makes the deep plane facelift stand out is that it lifts the skin and muscle together as one unit. That means surgeons can reposition the deep cheek fat pads and facial muscles for a more youthful shape without separating the skin from the deeper layers. The result? A lift that looks seamless rather than pulled, plus quicker healing since blood flow to the face stays intact.
The procedure defies some of the most common signs of facial aging:
• Flat or hollow cheeks caused by malar fat pad descent are lifted back to their natural position.
• Those deep nasolabial folds, the smile lines running from your nose to your mouth, get softened as the deeper tissues are repositioned.
• Jowls that blur the jawline, usually from sagging muscles and buccal fat, are tightened to bring back a more defined contour.
• Festoons or malar mounds, the puffy bags that sit under the eyes, can be smoothed out for a fresher look.
• Even facial dimples, which form due to underlying muscle or tissue variations, can be subtly refined.
The changes also tend to last longer, often a decade or more, since the lift targets fibrous tissue that doesn’t stretch back easily over time.
However, the deep plane facelift is a more intricate procedure, as it involves working in areas close to the facial nerves. This complexity carries a potential risk of nerve injury, which is why the surgeon’s skill and experience are crucial in ensuring safety and success. It’s also why the procedure tends to be more expensive—you’re paying for the precision and expertise it demands.
Who’s the best candidate?
A deep plane facelift can be performed on both men and women, and candidates should be in good overall health before undergoing the procedure.
However, deep plane facelift isn’t for everyone, it’s best for those in their 40s to 60s with visible sagging, while others may benefit from less invasive treatments. Still, it’s changing the plastic surgery game by shifting the focus from surface tightening to deep restoration without looking botched or overdone.
