You want results for your face that last. If you’re looking into a deep plane facelift, you might care about how long those changes will last. You’ve seen the sagging, the jowls, the pull of time across the jawline and midface. You want a fix that feels real and looks natural.
A deep plane facelift works in the deeper layers, where aging starts. But how long does that change hold? What happens after one year? Or five?
In this guide, you’ll learn how long a deep plane facelift can last, what affects its staying power, and what to expect during the healing process.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift, and How Is It Different?
A deep plane facelift works below the surface. Instead of pulling the skin tight, this surgical procedure lifts the deeper layers, where age first shows. It targets the ligaments, connective tissue, and facial muscles that have shifted over time.
During surgery, the plastic surgeon releases these deeper structures. They lift and reposition the facial tissues under the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). That’s where the strength of your face lives. Lifting from this foundation, your jawline, midface, and lower face return to a youthful appearance.
This differs from a SMAS facelift, which only lifts the layer. It also differs from a mini facelift, which focuses on minor surface sagging near the jowls and hairline. Those methods help, but often for less time and with less depth.
The deep plane facelift technique creates natural-looking results that last. It avoids the pulled look. It softens creases, lifts nasolabial folds, and restores shape across the facial structure, without the tension some other types of facelifts leave behind.
How Long Does a Deep Plane Facelift Last?
When done right, a deep plane facelift holds its shape for 10 to 15 years. That’s because it works under the skin, where age works: deep in the facial tissues, around the ligaments, and beneath the SMAS layer.
In the first year, you’ll focus on healing. Incisions fade, swelling decreases, and the facial structure settles into place. By year three, you’ll likely be at your peak, with your jawline, midface, and lower face firm and lifted and with a more youthful appearance.
By year ten, changes begin again. The aging process continues, but more gently. The lift softens. Lines like marionette lines or nasolabial folds may slowly return, but without the sudden drop-off seen in fillers or other cosmetic procedures.
The deep plane technique gives lasting results compared to a traditional or mini facelift. It holds the deeper layers in place, connective tissue, facial muscles, and soft volume where it counts. That’s why patients often wait a decade or more before even thinking about a second procedure.
Healing takes time, especially in the first week. But the payoff lasts years.
Some choose light tweaks later, such as a neck lift, a brow lift, or small enhancements using injectables. That’s optional. The foundation remains strong when built by an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon using the deep plane facelift technique.
Time will always leave its mark, but with this deep plane facelift procedure, it does so more slowly and with a lot more grace.
Factors That Affect the Longevity of a Facelift
A deep plane facelift can offer long-lasting, natural-looking results. However, how long those results will last depends on several key factors. Here’s what shapes how your face ages after cosmetic surgery, and how to keep your results looking their best.
Skin Quality
Firm skin holds shape while loose skin slips faster. If your skin has good bounce, fewer spots, and hasn’t taken too much sun, your results will likely last longer. Thinner or sun-damaged skin ages quickly, even after a well-done facelift procedure.
Sun Exposure
Frequent exposure to UV rays breaks down collagen and facial tissues, causing the skin to thin and lose structure. Even after facelift surgery, continued sun damage can speed up aging, leading to fine lines, sagging, and a dull look. Daily sun protection helps extend your facelift results.
Lifestyle Habits
Smoking, lack of sleep, poor diet, and chronic stress can all affect how your skin heals and ages. Smoking, in particular, damages blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow, which impacts healing and long-term skin health. A balanced lifestyle, good food, hydration, and stress management help preserve your youthful appearance.
Genetics
Your genes play a big role in how your face changes over time. Some people experience earlier sagging, while others keep a defined jawline and firm midface for years. While facial plastic surgery resets the clock, your natural facial structure and family history still influence how your results age.
Surgeon’s Skill and Technique
A facelift lasts longer when done right. How your surgeon lifts the deeper layers, handles ligaments, and makes clean incisions affects how your face settles and stays. A board-certified facial plastic surgeon with deep experience in the deep plane facelift technique can give results that last and look like you.
Dr. Jay Calvert, for example, uses the deep plane facelift technique, which allows for better repositioning soft tissues beneath the SMAS, a key layer in long-term lift. This leads to smoother contours and longer-lasting, more natural-looking results.
Surgical Environment
The place where you have surgery matters. A certified, well-equipped surgical facility or private surgery center provides a clean, calm setting. That translates to fewer risks, better healing, and more consistent outcomes. Top-tier environments are designed to support advanced procedures like deep plane facelift surgery.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery Period
What you do after the surgery has a lasting impact. Following your surgeon’s guidance during recovery, especially during the first week, can prevent complications and help your face settle into its new position properly. This includes managing pain medication, limiting movement, avoiding the sun, and attending all follow-ups. Small things like skipping your aftercare plan can shorten the lifespan of your facelift.
Get a Deep Plane Face Lift Consultation Today
You’ve learned what makes the deep plane facelift different. You know how it works, how long it lasts, and what affects the results.
The right surgeon makes all the difference. One who knows the layers, works with care, and gives you results that hold and heal well.
If you’re ready for a face that looks rested, the next step is a conversation.Book your private consultation with Dr. Jay Calvert today!