Deep Plane Facelift Montreal
Are you noticing sagging skin along your jawline or midface that makes you look older than you feel? Deep plane facelift surgery offers a comprehensive solution to restore youthful facial contours and address advanced signs of aging. Unlike traditional facelift techniques, the deep plane approach repositions underlying tissue for natural, long-lasting results.
Schedule a consultation at Clinique Face MD to discover how this advanced facial plastic surgery can help you achieve your aesthetic goals in Montreal.
What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that addresses facial aging by repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS).
At Clinique Face MD, our medical team performs the extended deep plane facelift technique, which comprehensively addresses both the face and neck for optimal rejuvenation.This procedure, supervised by board-certified facial plastic surgeons in Montreal, lifts descended midface structures and restores youthful facial contours.
Learn more
The extended deep plane technique works below the SMAS layer, releasing key facial retaining ligaments—including the zygomatic ligaments (the strongest facial retaining ligaments), masseteric ligaments, maxillary ligaments, and mandibular ligaments—and repositioning facial fat pads to their more youthful position. By placing tension at the level of the fascia rather than the skin, this technique creates natural-looking rejuvenation that typically lasts 10 to 15 years, with a tension-free skin closure that ensures long-term results.
Benefits of Deep Plane Facelift
The extended deep plane facelift offers comprehensive facial and neck rejuvenation by addressing multiple signs of aging in a single surgical procedure. This advanced technique provides superior, longer-lasting results compared to traditional facelift methods.
Learn more
Restoring Midface Volume and Position
Extended deep plane facelift surgery repositions descended facial tissue to restore natural cheek fullness. As we age, facial fat compartments—particularly the malar fat pad—shift downward due to gravity and weakening of retaining ligaments. This technique lifts structures vertically rather than pulling skin backward, creating a refreshed appearance without the windswept look. By working in the deep plane (the embryologic cleavage plane that separates the superficial soft tissue envelope from deeper facial structures), the procedure achieves maximum mobilization of the malar fat pad and midface tissues.
Correcting Jowls and Jawline Definition
Sagging tissue along the jawline creates jowls that obscure your natural facial structure. The extended deep plane technique addresses the underlying cause by repositioning facial muscles and tissue rather than simply tightening skin. Our facial plastic surgeons release ligaments that tether descended tissue, including the masseteric and mandibular ligaments, for a well-defined jawline and natural facial profile. The technique can also address pseudo-herniated buccal fat that contributes to jowling when necessary.
Smoothing Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines
Extended deep plane facelift surgery smooths nasolabial folds and marionette lines by releasing the maxillary ligament and lifting the underlying tissue causing these creases. The procedure creates harmonious facial proportions and restores natural contours without altering your fundamental appearance. By directly addressing the descended malar fat pad and SMAS, the technique achieves significant improvement in these deep facial creases.
Comprehensive Face and Neck Rejuvenation
The extended deep plane technique performed at Clinique Face MD provides comprehensive rejuvenation of both the face and neck. By extending the dissection into the neck region and addressing cervical retaining ligaments and platysmal bands when present, this approach ensures a seamless transition between the rejuvenated face and neck, creating harmonious, natural-appearing results throughout the lower face and neck regions.
Achieving Long-Lasting, Natural Results
The extended deep plane technique repositions deeper facial structures for results that typically last 10 to 15 years. The comprehensive approach treats the root cause of facial aging by releasing retaining ligaments and repositioning the SMAS and overlying tissue as a composite flap, providing durable rejuvenation that maintains natural expressions while delivering a refreshed, youthful appearance.
At Clinique Face MD, facial rejuvenation is our art and science. Led by Dr. Sami Moubayed, our board-certified surgeons specialize in advanced extended deep plane facelift and neck lift techniques that restore youthful contours while preserving natural expression.
A double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Moubayed is recognized across Canada for his mastery of extended deep plane facelift surgery. With over 3,500 facial procedures performed and 100+ scientific publications, he brings innovation, precision, and an individualized approach that delivers long-lasting, natural results.
Dr. Deane combines Ivy-League fellowship training from the University of Pennsylvania with a refined aesthetic eye. Her expertise in facelift and neck lift, rhinoplasty, and eyelid rejuvenation allows her to harmonize form and function, offering patients elegant, balanced outcomes. Known for her compassionate care and meticulous technique, she provides a patient-centered experience built on trust and understanding.
Deep Plane Facelift Techniques in Montreal
Clinique Face MD offers various facelift approaches tailored to each patient’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. The optimal technique will be determined during your consultation based on your degree of facial aging and desired outcomes.
Learn more
Extended Deep Plane SMAS Facelift
The extended deep plane facelift is the comprehensive facial and neck rejuvenation procedure performed at Clinique Face MD. This advanced approach involves meticulous deep-plane dissection beneath the SMAS with careful identification and protection of facial nerve branches (which run deep to the SMAS and most mimetic muscles). The procedure systematically releases the facial retaining ligaments, including:
- Zygomatic ligaments: The strongest of all facial retaining ligaments, located in the midface region
- Masseteric ligaments: Located at the anterior border of the masseter muscle
- Maxillary ligaments: Released at the nasolabial fold region
- Mandibular ligaments: Addressed along the jawline
- Cervical ligaments: Released in the neck region for comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation
This systematic ligament release allows vertical repositioning of facial structures in a composite skin-SMAS flap for natural, youthful contours. The extended approach comprehensively addresses both the face and neck, ensuring seamless rejuvenation from the midface through the cervico-mental angle.
The technique works in the natural embryologic cleavage plane between the superficial soft tissue envelope (covered by the superficial cervical fascia) and the deeper structural aspects of the face (encompassed by the deep cervical fascia and parotidomasseteric fascia). This approach provides maximum mobilization of descended tissues while maintaining a well-vascularized flap that reduces the risk of complications.
This technique may be combined with CO2 laser resurfacing, radiofrequency treatments, facial fat grafting, or other complementary procedures to optimize results and address individual concerns.
A mini facelift focuses on the lower face and jawline using smaller incisions and less extensive tissue manipulation. This limited incision approach suits patients with early signs of aging who do not require comprehensive midface lifting or the extensive ligament release of the extended deep plane technique. The procedure addresses mild jowling and improves jawline definition with reduced recovery time compared to full extended deep plane surgery.
During your consultation, our team will evaluate whether a mini facelift or extended deep plane technique best suits your aesthetic goals.
Want to learn more about this procedure?
Am I a Good Candidate for Deep Plane Facelift?
Ideal candidates for extended deep plane facelift surgery have moderate to advanced facial aging and seek comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation of both the face and neck. During your consultation at Clinique Face MD in Montreal, our medical team will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine candidacy.
Learn more
Good Candidates Typically Have:
- Sagging midface tissue: Descended malar fat pad and loss of midface volume creating a tired appearance
- Prominent jowls: Sagging tissue along the jawline that obscures facial definition, potentially including pseudo-herniated buccal fat
- Deep nasolabial folds: Pronounced lines running from nose to mouth corners
- Neck laxity: Loose skin, platysmal bands, or loss of distinction between face and neck requiring comprehensive cervical rejuvenation
- Good overall health: No medical conditions that impair healing or increase surgical risks
- Non-smoker status: Willing to quit smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery (smoking increases risk of skin flap necrosis significantly)
- Realistic expectations: Understanding of what facelift surgery can and cannot achieve
- Adequate bone structure: Sufficient facial skeletal support to maintain long-term results
Schedule a consultation to discuss whether extended deep plane facelift surgery is the right choice for your facial rejuvenation goals.
What are the Risks of Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, extended deep plane facelift carries inherent risks that patients should understand before proceeding.
The well-vascularized composite flap created by deep-plane dissection provides increased protection against certain complications compared to other techniques. Through meticulous surgical techniques and comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care, we work to minimize complications.
See Potential Risks
Potential Risks Include:
- Hematoma formation: Occurs in less than 2% of cases and must be addressed promptly to prevent flap necrosis. Risk factors include use of anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain herbal supplements (chondroitin, ephedra, echinacea, glucosamine, ginkgo biloba, goldenseal, milk thistle, ginseng, kava, turmeric, garlic), male gender, and poorly controlled hypertension
- Infection: Occurs in less than 1% of cases; may be superficial or deep, requiring antibiotic treatment or additional intervention
- Scarring: Incisions are carefully placed in the temporal hairline, pre-auricular, and retro-auricular regions to minimize visible scarring, but individual healing varies
- Bleeding and bruising: Common after surgery and typically resolve within two to four weeks
- Facial nerve injury: Temporary or rarely permanent weakness of facial nerve branches affecting facial movement; occurs in less than 1% of cases, similar to other facelift techniques. Areas of particular risk include the temporal branch region, pre-parotid area, and around the buccal fat pad. Muscle relaxants are avoided during surgery to allow monitoring of facial nerve function
- Great auricular nerve injury: Occurs in up to 7% of cases; this sensory nerve courses over the sternocleidomastoid muscle and may cause numbness of the earlobe. This is the most commonly injured nerve during facelift surgery
- Numbness: Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation around the face, ears, or neck
- Skin slough: Occurs in less than 3% of cases, most commonly in the post-auricular location
- Asymmetry: Uneven healing or tissue positioning that may require revision surgery
- Skin irregularities: Contour irregularities or changes in skin texture during healing
- Alopecia (hair loss): Temporary or permanent hair loss around incision sites near the hairline; may be prevented with beveled hairline incisions and avoidance of cautery near the hairline
- Pixie-ear deformity: Caused by tension on the earlobe during skin closure or the healing process; avoided through tension-free closure inferior to the lobule
- Pain: Discomfort during recovery, occasionally lasting longer than expected; most patients report mild peri-incisional pain for three to four days postoperatively
- Dissatisfaction with results: Aesthetic outcomes that do not meet patient expectations despite proper technique
Our team’s extensive training in facial surgery, deep understanding of facial nerve anatomy, and conservative approach help minimize these risks. Each patient is followed closely after surgery with precise instructions to optimize healing and achieve the best possible results. Thanks to our expertise in the deep plane technique and facial nerve anatomy, the risk of nerve-related complications is greatly reduced compared to less experienced practitioners.
Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Montreal
The cost of extended deep plane facelift surgery at Clinique Face MD varies based on surgical complexity, the extent of facial and neck work required, anesthesia requirements, and whether you combine the procedure with complementary treatments like blepharoplasty or additional facial contouring procedures. Extended deep plane facelift in Montreal prices are on our pricing page and include surgeon fees, operating room costs, anesthesia, and post-operative care.
During your consultation, a detailed cost estimate tailored to your treatment plan will be provided. Additional procedures such as fat grafting or laser resurfacing may increase total cost. Many patients find the long-lasting results offer excellent value compared to repeated non-surgical treatments over time.
Learn more
Learn More About Deep Plane Facelift Pricing in Montreal
For a detailed breakdown of the factors that influence pricing, including surgeon experience, surgical techniques, and recovery considerations, explore our comprehensive guide on deep plane facelift cost in Montreal.
How Long is Recovery After Deep Plane Facelift?
Recovery from extended deep plane facelift surgery requires patience as your facial and neck tissues heal and settle into their new position. Comprehensive aftercare instructions will be provided to optimize your healing process and minimize discomfort.
See Recovery Timeline
Recovery Timeline:
- First 24-48 Hours: Expect moderate swelling and bruising around your face and neck. Wear the facelift dressing continuously, keep your head elevated, and apply cold compresses as directed. Most patients experience manageable discomfort controlled with prescribed pain medication. Patients typically return one day postoperatively for drain and dressing removal.
- First Week: Swelling peaks around day three and gradually subsides. Most bruising begins fading during this period. Continue sleeping with head elevated and avoid rigorous activity. Return visits occur at around four days and seven days for wound assessment and suture removal.
- Two Weeks: Many patients return to work and light activities. Visible swelling diminishes significantly, though subtle swelling remains. Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that elevate blood pressure. Most patients feel comfortable socially at this stage.
- Four to Six Weeks: Resume normal exercise routines and all regular activities. Residual swelling continues resolving. Your new facial contours become more apparent as tissues settle. To minimize edema and ecchymosis during this period, patients may be given a low-dose corticosteroid taper, Arnica montana, or bromelain, though definitive data on the efficacy of these measures is limited.
- Three to Six Months: Final results emerge as all swelling resolves and incision lines mature. Your rejuvenated appearance looks natural and refreshed. Photographic documentation typically occurs at nine to twelve months postoperatively.
Most patients see dramatic improvement within two weeks, with continued refinement over the following months. The results of your extended deep plane facelift typically last 10 to 15 years.
Schedule Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation in Montreal
Dr. Moubayed and the team at Clinique Face MD combine surgical expertise with personalized care to deliver natural, long-lasting facial and neck rejuvenation through the extended deep plane technique. If you’re ready to restore youthful contours and address advanced signs of facial aging comprehensively, contact our Montreal clinic today to schedule your consultation and discover how extended deep plane facelift surgery can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Learn More About Deep Plane Facelift in Montreal
How Does Deep Plane Facelift Differ from Traditional Facelift?
Traditional facelift techniques primarily tighten skin without addressing deeper structures, often using superficial SMAS plication. Extended deep plane facelift works below the SMAS layer in the embryologic cleavage plane, systematically releasing facial retaining ligaments (zygomatic, masseteric, maxillary, and mandibular) and repositioning descended tissue vertically as a composite skin-SMAS flap. This comprehensive approach achieves more natural, longer-lasting results than traditional skin-tightening techniques. By placing tension at the fascial level rather than the skin, the extended deep plane technique creates a tension-free skin closure that ensures superior longevity of results.
Can I Combine Deep Plane Facelift with Other Procedures?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine an extended deep plane facelift with other facial surgeries for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Our medical professionals will recommend the most effective combinations based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Blepharoplasty
Pairing an extended deep plane facelift with eyelid surgery brightens tired eyes and smooths the upper and lower lids, creating a refreshed, youthful appearance that complements the lifted midface and rejuvenated lower face and neck.
Neck Lift
While the extended deep plane technique performed at Clinique Face MD comprehensively addresses the neck as part of the facelift procedure, additional focused neck lift procedures can further refine the jawline and address specific concerns such as prominent platysmal bands, ensuring optimal definition and a seamless transition between the face and neck.
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer (fat grafting) can restore volume to areas such as the temples, tear troughs, or other regions that may benefit from additional volumization. This integrates with the facelift’s structural repositioning of the malar fat pad for natural fullness throughout the face.
Will My Deep Plane Facelift Look Natural?
The Face MD team specializes in natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without altering fundamental features. The extended deep plane technique lifts tissue vertically in the natural plane of dissection rather than pulling skin backward, avoiding the windswept appearance of older skin-tightening methods. Your facial expressions remain natural as the technique preserves the innervation of mimetic muscles, and results improve gradually as healing progresses.
How Long Do Deep Plane Facelift Results Last?
Extended deep plane facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years, significantly longer than traditional skin-tightening techniques. The procedure repositions deeper facial structures—including the SMAS layer and malar fat pad—after systematic release of retaining ligaments, rather than simply tightening skin, creating durable rejuvenation. Your face continues aging naturally but maintains a more youthful appearance for many years.
When Can I See My Final Deep Plane Facelift Results?
Initial results appear within two weeks as major swelling subsides, with final results emerging over three to six months. Residual swelling resolves, incision lines fade and mature, and facial contours settle into their final position. Most patients feel comfortable socially within two weeks, though subtle refinement continues throughout the healing period.