Deep Plane Facelift
Deep Plane Facelift
in Houston
Considering a facelift? Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Athré performs the deep plane facelift in Houston to provide a longer-lasting and more natural-looking result compared with older techniques.
“Couldn't be any more pleased! I came in with a mindset of what I was expecting and they surpassed my expectations!”
-Julie P. (Houston, TX), facial plastic surgery patient
The Advantages of Deep Plane Lift
“In my opinion, the best facelift result is smooth and natural and stands the test of time. The deep plane technique provides reliable results that can look good for years to come.”– Dr. Athré
With a deep plane facelift, Houston patients should expect the primary advantages to include:
- Natural-looking result without an over-pulled/windswept look
- Ability to completely rejuvenate the midface, jawline, AND neck
- Longevity – longest duration
- Definition of the jaw
- The only lift that will rejuvenate the smile line (nasolabial fold)
- The only lift that will allow concurrent rejuvenation of the midface and lower eyelid region (unlike a traditional facelift)
Although a deep plane facelift involves more extensive dissection and requires working near important facial nerves, this does not necessarily mean that it carries greater overall risk than other facelift techniques. Outcomes and safety depend on many factors, including the patient’s anatomy and health, the surgical approach, and the surgeon’s training and experience. Because the deep plane technique requires a detailed understanding of facial anatomy and specialized surgical expertise, choosing a surgeon with substantial experience performing the procedure is especially important.
Before & After Photos
Facelift Gallery
About Deep Plane Facelift
What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane face and neck lift is a cosmetic surgery that creates a plane deep to the SMAS layer and platysma layer to lift dropped tissues of the face and neck.
The plane that is created in the face is also created in the neck. The SMAS layer of the face is continuous with the platysma layer in the neck. Dissection in the neck is performed deep to the platysma, resulting in a deep plane neck lift as well. The deep plane is the plane deep to the platysma and the SMAS.
Dr. Athré’s advanced anesthesia techniques allow the deep plane facelift to be performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation to minimize bruising and swelling and minimize downtime experienced by patients.
Advanced Technique
A deep plane facelift is one of the most technically demanding facelift procedures and one of the most challenging to perform under local anesthesia.
For these reasons, many surgeons shy away from deep plane or sub-SMAS facelifts. But if you want to maximize the longevity of your facelift, a deep plane facelift is likely your best option. Seek out a surgeon with experience in this technique.
Deep Plane vs. Other Facelifts
Many surgeons offer types of lifts called “Band-Aid Lifts” or “Lunchtime Lifts.”
By lifting the skin from the underlying layers, pulling the skin back, trimming the skin, and closing the incision, the immediate results can look quite good. This is a skin-only facelift, or cutaneous facelift. However, skin-only lifts last only 6 months to 1 year.
Traditional SMAS lifts performed by other surgeons (AKA SMAS suspension techniques) usually just pull the SMAS layer. Without releasing the underlying attachments and allowing the SMAS to be repositioned without tension, traditional SMAS suspension lifts may not last as long and may produce less natural-looking results.
The RT Mini Facelift also lifts a portion of the SMAS layer and is designed for patients with mild signs of aging. In essence the RT Mini Facelift is a mini deep plane lift.
Ideal Candidates for Deep Plane Facelift
The most important characteristic for a deep plane facelift patient is medical history. Patients need to be healthy and have good control of chronic medical problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Athré to discuss your goals and determine if this procedure aligns with your desires.
Deep Plane Facelift Video Guides
Knowledge Base and Patient Journeys
Facelift Expert Reveals how to Heal in 10 Days of a Facelift: Elixir MD - Does it make a difference?
I Had a 4D Facelift with Dr. Athré and It CHANGED My Life!
Ali's Facelift Patient Journey
What's Included in Pricing Package
Adding additional procedures is so common that Dr. Athré offers a 4D Facelift™, which essentially is the combination of a deep plane face and neck lift, fat transfer, and a skin resurfacing procedure to target all the primary signs of aging in the face (loose skin, volume loss, and skin textural changes).
In Dr. Athré’s practice, a deep plane facelift includes a deep plane neck lift and some fat transfer. Many of Dr. Athré’s patients also pursue other procedures such as:
Deep Plane Face / Neck Lift Cost
A deep plane facelift and neck lift are highly advanced procedures that reposition deeper facial tissues for natural, long-lasting results. Most patients can expect about 2 weeks of recovery before returning to normal activities.
Cost is influenced by surgical complexity, your anatomy, and what’s included, often combining face and neck lifting with fat transfer to achieve a balanced, comprehensive outcome.
Deep Plane Face / Neck Lift
$35,000 Starting Range
- + Facility Fees ($2,750)
- + Anesthesia (Local $1,500), (General $4,800)
Why Dr. Athré?
Dr. Raghu Athré is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon known for combining technical precision with a highly individualized approach to patient care.
With a background in both engineering and reconstructive surgery, he approaches each procedure with a focus on structure, function, and long-term facial balance, not just surface-level results. Every patient’s experience begins with a thorough consultation designed to understand aesthetic goals, functional concerns, and personal priorities. Dr. Athré takes the time to walk patients through each step and clearly explain all treatment options, both surgical and nonsurgical, so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Located in Houston’s Heights area on Ella Boulevard, Dr. Athré serves patients throughout Houston and the surrounding region. His approach attracts patients looking for precise, natural-looking results and a clear, well-structured treatment process.
Deep Plane Facelift FAQs
See below for frequently asked questions about deep plane facelifts.