Have you noticed sagging skin around your jawline or midface? Are you ready to do something about it? Facelifts are a popular solution, but you may not know which facelift procedure fits your goals.
Do you need a full facelift? A mini lift? What about the deep plane technique? You’ll want to understand them all before you make a decision. You need to know what works best for various issues, what lasts, and what fits your face.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the deep plane and mini facelift differ, what kind of results to expect, and how to choose the right path for your aesthetic goals.
What are the Differences Between the Two Procedures?
Both the deep plane facelift and the mini facelift improve signs of aging, but they do it in very different ways.
Tissue Depth and Lifting Method
A deep plane facelift works below the SMAS layer, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system.
It lifts the deeper tissues, facial muscles, and underlying structures, not just the skin. This allows for more natural-looking results, especially in the midface, jowls, and nasolabial folds.
A mini facelift is more surface-level and focuses on repositioning the SMAS without going as deep. It’s often done using plication, where the SMAS is folded and tightened. This is why it’s sometimes called a mini lift.
Mini lifts target the lower face but don’t address the midface or deeper facial tissues.
Incision and Surgical Approach
A deep plane lift typically involves longer incisions, often around the hairline, behind the ears, or under the chin. These give the plastic surgeon more access to the underlying layers.
A mini facelift uses smaller incisions and often focuses on limited areas, which can mean a quicker recovery and less post-op downtime.
Duration and Anesthesia
The deep plane technique is more involved. It’s a longer surgical procedure and usually requires general anesthesia. Depending on your facial plastic surgeon’s approach, the mini facelift often takes less time and may be done with local anesthesia or sedation.
Results and Longevity
A deep plane facelift often provides long-lasting results, especially when done by a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. It addresses sagging skin, excess skin, and deeper facial aging concerns with more lasting improvement.
A mini facelift can offer a more youthful appearance with less downtime, but it may not last as long. It’s best for those with mild skin laxity and fewer signs of aging.
How to Choose Between the Deep Plane or Mini Facelift Surgeries
Here’s how to know which type of facelift makes sense for you.
Are you a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
This may be the surgery you want if you desire long-lasting change, your jowls are more noticeable, you see sagging in the midface, or your nasolabial folds have deepened. You may have excess skin or loose facial muscles around the jawline and lower face.
A deep plane lift may be the right choice if you’re looking for stronger structure, more defined lines, and natural-looking results.
Are you a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?
This may be the right choice if your signs of aging are mild.
Maybe you see early sagging, but it’s mostly in the lower face. You want a light refresh, something subtle. Maybe you’re not ready for a full facelift, or you’re not interested in general anesthesia or a long post-op recovery.
The lift pairs well with other treatments like fillers, brow lift, rhinoplasty, neck lift, lip lift, or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for a more complete look.
Differences in Recovery Time
Healing looks different depending on the facelift technique you choose. Here’s what to expect with each option so that you can plan your time and set clear expectations.
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery
A deep plane facelift is a more involved surgical procedure, meaning a longer recovery. You may notice swelling and bruising for the first 7 to 14 days. Most plastic surgeons remove sutures after about a week.
It can take two to three weeks before you feel comfortable returning to normal activities. Full healing, including facial rejuvenation in the midface, may take several months, which is normal. The deeper the repositioning, the longer your body needs to settle.
You’ll need support during those first few post-op days. However, the longer-lasting results often make the wait worth it.
Mini Facelift Recovery
A mini facelift has a lighter recovery timeline. Most patients see quicker recovery, with swelling that resolves in less than a week.
You might return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days. This is one reason it’s common for patients with early signs of aging or mild skin laxity to start here.
Potential Risks and Complications Comparison
Every facelift procedure has risks. Knowing what they are and how they differ can help you make smarter choices.
Deep Plane Facelift Risks
Because the deep plane techniques work below the SMAS layer, they involve more than skin-level lifting.
They target deeper tissues, including underlying muscles, which raises the risk of nerve injury. A mistake near the facial muscles or nerve branches can affect how your face moves or feels.
There’s also a higher chance of hematoma, a buildup of blood under the skin that may require drainage. You may notice this in the first few post-op days, especially if you return to activities too soon.
Scarring can occur around the hairline or behind the ears, especially if you’re prone to poor wound healing or smoke during recovery. Even though the incisions are placed carefully, healing is personal.
These risks make your choice of facial plastic surgeon even more critical. Look for someone who is board-certified, preferably double board-certified, and has experience in deep plane facelift recovery and surgical technique.
Mini Facelift Risks
A mini facelift is less invasive. It uses smaller incisions and works closer to the SMAS without deep repositioning, lowering the risk of nerve injury.
But it’s still plastic surgery, and complications can happen. Scarring, uneven healing, or minor symmetry are possible, especially if your skin laxity is moderate and the lift is too light to handle.
There’s also a risk of being underwhelmed. If your aesthetic goals include midface, nasolabial folds, or visible sagging in the lower face, this lift may not go deep enough to meet them.
Ready for a Facelift Consultation With Dr. Jay Calvert?
You don’t need to figure it all out on your own. If you’re leaning toward a mini facelift or considering the deep plane approach, the next step is to talk with a trusted surgeon.Dr. Jay Calvert is a board-certified plastic surgeon with deep expertise in advanced facelift techniques. Book your consultation today if you’re ready for expert guidance and a personalized plan.