Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Thompson, Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon.
A Deeper Lift. A More Natural Result.
When jowls deepen, the midface flattens, and the folds around the mouth no longer respond to dermal fillers or laser treatments, a deep plane facelift can deliver what a non-surgical treatment cannot. A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical lift that repositions the deeper structures of the face for a natural, long-lasting result. Utah Facial Plastics performs deep plane facelift surgery using a drainless technique in about 98 to 99% of cases at our fully accredited operating room in Draper, with consultations and outpatient procedures available at all three offices in Draper, Layton, and Heber City.
On this page you can compare the deep plane facelift with the MACS lift, understand candidacy, recovery, longevity, and cost, and see how our Double Board-Certified and Fellowship-trained Facial Plastic Surgeons approach the procedure.
Explore what's possible for you. Call to learn more 385.469.2550. Financing available.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facelift technique that lifts the deeper structural layers of the face as a single composite unit rather than tightening the skin alone. Working beneath the deeper muscle and support layer, your surgeon releases the retaining ligaments that hold the face down and lifts the structural muscles back into their natural position, then redrapes those deeper tissues together with the skin.
Because the deeper tissues and skin are redraped together rather than pulled tight, there is less tension on the skin closure. That is one of the reasons the results tend to look natural rather than pulled, and it is a strong option for patients who want meaningful, long-lasting improvement from a single procedure.
The improvement runs from the mid-cheek down. It softens the folds around the mouth, lifts the jowls, and refines the jawline and neck, restoring contour rather than simply removing excess skin.
The deep plane technique is more demanding than a traditional facelift. Because it works near the deeper structures and branches of the facial nerve, surgeon experience and specialized anatomical knowledge matter a great deal. You can read more in our overview of what a deep plane facelift involves and how it compares to a traditional facelift.
What Our Facelift Patients Are Saying
Experience the compassionate care and surgical expertise that sets Utah Facial Plastics apart.
"I cannot say enough great things about Utah Facial Plastics and my experience with them. From the very first consultation months before my procedure, the level of professionalism, communication, and attention to detail was outstanding. Every question I had was answered thoroughly, and I always felt informed, prepared, and genuinely cared for long before I ever arrived. My procedure beyond exceeded my expectations. The entire surgical team was incredibly professional, calm, and reassuring."
"I met Dr. Thompson in person for the first time today. I am having a deep plane facelift, fat grafting, lower bleth, a lip revision and TRL treatment tomorrow. I live out of state. I loved their office and Dr. Thompson didn’t rush me, reassured me and answered all of my questions. I feel confident that I will have a good result based on his website pictures and his surgery experience. If you are considering plastic surgery, I think you should schedule a consultation with him."
Serving patients in Heber, Park City, Draper & Layton, UT.
Financing available. Call today 385.469.2550.
Meet The Facial Plastic Surgeons
Our double board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons specialize in advanced facial rejuvenation, including the deep plane facelift. Their extensive experience and refined approach are focused on creating results that look refreshed, balanced, and distinctly you.
Double-Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon & Founder of Utah Facial Plastics.
Dr. Scott Thompson
Double-Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. Specialist in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery.
Dr. Doug Henstrom
Double-Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. Specialist in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery.
Dr. Doug Henstrom
Fellowship-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon. Surgical specialist in otolaryngology, face, head and neck surgery.
Dr. Daniel Hall
Double-Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon & Founder of Utah Facial Plastics
Dr. Scott Thompson
Call Utah Facial Plastics at 385.469.2550. Ask us about our financing options.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
Good candidates are generally adults bothered by aging from the mid-cheek down, where non-surgical treatment can no longer adequately correct the change. Common signs include:
- Pronounced jowling along the jawline
- Deep folds around the mouth that fillers temporarily improve but cannot resolve at a structural level
- Midface descent with flattened cheeks and loss of volume
- Neck laxity, when a combined procedure is appropriate
- Loose skin that more superficial techniques cannot adequately address
Candidacy can start as early as 28. Genetic factors play a bigger role than age in skin and muscle laxity, so your evaluation focuses on the degree of tissue descent and your goals rather than your age.
The best candidates are in good overall health, do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery, and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Your surgeon will review your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors during your evaluation.
In some cases a deep plane facelift is combined with complementary procedures, such as a neck lift, when that better matches your goals. Any additional procedures are discussed during your consultation rather than assumed. When jowling and midface sagging are mild, a mini facelift or MACS lift may achieve the result you want with less downtime. The clearest way to know which is right for you is an in-person evaluation.
Connect with our Patient Care Coordinator team at 385.469.2550.
Deep Plane Facelift vs the MACS Lift
The main difference between these two techniques comes down to how much of the face is addressed and how deep the surgeon works. Both are proven approaches, and the right one for you depends on your anatomy and goals, which your surgeon will assess during your consultation. You can read more about the MACS (mini) facelift here.
| Deep Plane Facelift | MACS (Mini) Facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the work happens | Beneath the deeper muscle and support layer of the face. | In the lower-face support layer, lifted and held with suture suspension. |
| How tissue is moved | The retaining ligaments are released beneath the deeper muscle layer, the structural muscles are lifted back into their natural position, and those deeper tissues are redraped together with the skin. | Shorter incisions with suture suspension lift and reposition the lower-face tissue. |
| Areas addressed | From the mid-cheek down: nasolabial folds, jowls, jawline, and areas around the neck.* | The lower face and jawline. |
| Incisions | Begins at the mid-temple, continues in front of the ear along the hairline, then runs behind the ear into the scalp. | Shorter incisions with fewer posterior extensions. |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia, propofol based. | Local anesthesia, generally an awake procedure. General anesthesia is available upon request. |
| Recovery | About 3 to 4 weeks. | About 2 to 3 weeks. |
| Often best for | Moderate to advanced aging from the mid-cheek down, with deep folds, jowls, and neck laxity. | Earlier jowling and laxity focused on the lower face and jawline. |
* A deep plane facelift does not directly address the neck the way a direct neck lift does.
Because the deep plane technique moves the skin and the underlying tissue together, it places less tension on the skin closure, which supports a natural result. A MACS lift can be a strong fit for patients whose concerns are focused mainly on the lower face and jawline, or who have less extensive laxity. The best technique for any individual depends on facial anatomy, skin quality, health history, and goals.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facelift technique that lifts the deeper structural layers of the face as a single composite unit rather than tightening the skin alone. Working beneath the deeper muscle and support layer, your surgeon releases the retaining ligaments that hold the face down and lifts the structural muscles back into their natural position, then redrapes those deeper tissues together with the skin.
Because the deeper tissues and skin are redraped together rather than pulled tight, there is less tension on the skin closure. That is one of the reasons the results tend to look natural rather than pulled, and it is a strong option for patients who want meaningful, long-lasting improvement from a single procedure.
The improvement runs from the mid-cheek down. It softens the folds around the mouth, lifts the jowls, and refines the jawline and neck, restoring contour rather than simply removing excess skin.
The deep plane technique is more demanding than a traditional facelift. Because it works near the deeper structures and branches of the facial nerve, surgeon experience and specialized anatomical knowledge matter a great deal. You can read more in our overview of what a deep plane facelift involves and how it compares to a traditional facelift.
MACS lift or Mini Facelift
A MACS Lift is a great option for those at any age experiencing early to moderate signs of aging, particularly in the lower face and jawline.
This procedure effectively "lifts" sagging tissues to restore a cleaner jawline and a more energetic appearance with less downtime than a full deep plane procedure. The less invasive approach uses shorter incisions, with subtle lifting and definition that refreshes the face without looking overdone.
Because of its less invasive nature, a MACS Lift is often performed as an awake facelift, using local anesthesia to comfortably numb the treatment area while you remain awake. For patients who prefer to be more relaxed, we can pair this with a light general anesthetic, which allows us to keep the airway fully supported throughout.
This makes the MACS Lift an excellent choice for patients seeking subtle, natural enhancement by lifting the jowls and improving jawline definition, all with a comfortable experience and a smoother recovery.
The Facelift Before & After Gallery
Explore deep plane facelift results from patients across Utah, showcasing the natural contours, refined definition, and refreshed appearance that can be achieved with this advanced facelift technique.
Individual results vary. Photos show actual patients of Utah Facial Plastics and are published with their consent. Results depend on anatomy, skin quality, technique, and health history, and are not a guarantee of outcome.
Interested in learning more? Give us a call today 385.469.2550.
Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Utah
The cost of a deep plane facelift varies based on the extent of the procedure, whether additional procedures such as a neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting are combined, and the operative time involved. Facility fees and anesthesia fees are separate from the surgeon’s fee and vary with the complexity of your procedure.
Because every patient’s anatomy and goals are different, the most accurate way to understand your cost is a consultation, where your surgeon can outline exactly what your procedure involves and provide an individualized quote.
Financing options are available. You can review current programs on our plastic surgery financing page. We accept all major credit cards, and discounts are provided for patients who pay via ACH transfer or cashier’s check.
Have questions? Give us a call at 385.469.2550
The Utah Facial Plastics Approach
Facelift surgery at Utah Facial Plastics is performed by our Double Board-Certified and Fellowship-trained Facial Plastic Surgeons, who specialize exclusively in the face, neck and head. Each surgical plan is customized to your facial aging pattern, face anatomy, skin quality, and goals.
Our Drainless Technique
Our surgeons use a drainless approach for the large majority of patients, about 98 to 99% of the time. Rather than placing external drains after surgery, this method relies on meticulous tissue handling and precise closure to limit fluid collection in the surgical area.
For patients, the benefit is practical. There are no drain tubes to manage at home and no additional appointment for drain removal, which simplifies the early recovery. Whether a drainless approach is right for you is confirmed by your surgeon based on your anatomy and the details of your procedure.
Anesthesia and Surgical Facility
Your procedure is performed in an accredited surgical facility under general anesthesia, propofol based, with continuous monitoring by a dedicated anesthesia team. Most patients are discharged the same day with a full aftercare plan, follow-up scheduling, and direct access to the surgical team during healing. Your surgeon will review the benefits, risks, and recovery with you in detail before you decide to move forward.
What's Recovery Like After a Deep Plane Facelift?
Recovery Timeline
- First few days. Rest with your head elevated, with cold compresses used as directed by your surgical team to help with swelling.
- First week. Activity is limited, and follow-up visits help monitor your healing. Sutures are typically removed at a follow-up visit on your surgeon's recommended schedule.
- Weeks 2 to 4. Swelling and bruising continue to settle, and most patients plan on 3 to 4 weeks before returning to work, social activity, and their regular routine.
- Beyond a month. Your final result continues to refine over the following months as residual swelling resolves and the incisions mature and fade.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled throughout healing. For a fuller walkthrough, see our guide to deep plane facelift recovery. This is the pre and post operative care for a facelift.
Incisions and Scarring
The incision starts at the mid-temple, though the exact starting point varies by patient. It continues in front of the ear along the hairline, then runs back behind the ear into the scalp, so it stays well concealed as it heals. When neck work is included, a small incision under the chin may be added.
Because the deep plane approach lifts the deeper tissues rather than pulling the skin, there is less tension on the incision lines, which supports healing. Your team will give you specific aftercare instructions, including protecting your incisions, avoiding strenuous activity, attending follow-up visits, and reporting anything unusual such as increasing pain, fever, or unexpected swelling. Utah's dry climate and higher-altitude sun exposure make hydration and sun protection especially worth attention during healing.
Recovery is gradual and varies from person to person, depending on the extent of your procedure and whether a neck lift is included. Plan on 3 to 4 weeks for just about everything, from social plans to your regular routine. In the first few days you can expect swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness, which is normal and improves steadily.
Recovery Timeline
- First few days: Rest with your head elevated, with cold compresses used as directed by your surgical team to help with swelling.
- First week: Activity is limited, and follow-up visits help monitor your healing. Sutures are typically removed at a follow-up visit on your surgeon’s recommended schedule.
- Weeks 2 to 4: Swelling and bruising continue to settle, and most patients plan on 3 to 4 weeks before returning to work, social activity, and their regular routine.
- Beyond a month: Your final result continues to refine over the following months as residual swelling resolves and the incisions mature and fade.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled throughout healing. For a fuller walkthrough, see our guide to deep plane facelift recovery, along with our pre- and post-operative care instructions for a facelift.
Incisions and Scarring
The incision starts at the mid-temple, though the exact starting point varies by patient. It continues in front of the ear along the hairline, then runs back behind the ear into the scalp, so it stays well concealed as it heals. When neck work is included, a small incision under the chin may be added.
Because the deep plane approach lifts the deeper tissues rather than pulling the skin, there is less tension on the incision lines, which supports healing. Your team will give you specific aftercare instructions, including protecting your incisions, avoiding strenuous activity, attending follow-up visits, and reporting anything unusual such as increasing pain, fever, or unexpected swelling. Utah’s dry climate and higher-altitude sun exposure make hydration and sun protection especially worth attention during healing.
A Complimentary Medical-Grade Skincare Kit & Insider Membership
Deep plane facelift recovery doesn’t end when surgery is complete. Your complimentary medical-grade skincare kit includes carefully selected products to support your skin as it heals, help calm post-surgical inflammation, and protect your results as you transition back into your routine. You’ll also receive an Insider Membership, with a complimentary Elevated Hydrafacial, Diamond Glow, or BBL HEROic treatment ($550 value) to support your skin as your results continue to evolve. Plus year-long savings on Botox and Dysport, dermal fillers, treatments, and skincare. Our team provides personalized guidance on when and how to introduce each product and treatment throughout your recovery.
Every deep plane facelift recovery is unique. Your timeline will depend on your anatomy, surgical plan, and how your body heals. Our team will walk you through what to expect at every stage. Call Utah Facial Plastics at 385.469.2550 to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Utah Facial Plastics?
When considering a deep plane facelift, surgical expertise matters. Utah Facial Plastics is dedicated exclusively to the face, head, and neck, giving patients access to a team whose training and clinical focus are centered specifically on facial surgery and rejuvenation.
The practice was founded by Dr. Scott Thompson, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with more than 25 years of experience and specialized fellowship training in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Douglas Henstrom is also double board-certified, with residency training at the Mayo Clinic and a highly competitive two-year fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Daniel B. Hall, a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, completed his residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and advanced fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in Silicon Valley. His clinical interests include facelift, neck lift, and other facial rejuvenation procedures.
That specialized expertise has earned Utah Facial Plastics consistent recognition. Dr. Thompson and Dr. Henstrom have each been named Castle Connolly Top Doctors, with Dr. Thompson recognized from 2019–2025 and Dr. Henstrom from 2014–2025. The practice has also been recognized as Best Cosmetic Surgery Office by Best of State, SLC, Davis County, Park City, Northern Utah and and more.
For patients considering a deep plane facelift, this combination of facial-specific training, advanced surgical experience, and independently recognized expertise provides a strong foundation for achieving natural, balanced facial rejuvenation.
My experience with Dr. Thompson couldn’t have been better. I really like my new nose and he not only cared about my nose looking good but also that I ...
Dr. Thompson did a wonderful job on my face! His staff is so friendly and the entire office makes you feel like you are a part of their neighborhood. The ...
I had a great experience at Dr. Thompson’s. I am very happy with the results of my surgery. His staff was very friendly and answered any questions I had.
Dr. Thompson and his staff were really nice and helpful when it came to choosing an implant. I was extremely comfortable with every visit and during the surgery. If I ...
When I first decided to get plastic (ear pinning) surgery, I was excited, nervous, happy, and scared all rolled into one. But when the time came for it to happen, ...
Dr. Thompson did a full facelift procedure on my mother. She was a challenge as she is Native American and has very heavy skin. The work he did was amazing! ...
Have questions? Give us a call at 385.469.2550.
Deep Plane Facelift Results & Longevity
A deep plane facelift improves jawline definition, midface volume, the folds around the mouth, and overall facial contour. The results look natural because they are structural rather than superficial.
Results continue to develop over the months following surgery. Early improvement is visible once initial swelling resolves, and the final result refines as the tissues settle and the skin redrapes over the restored framework.
Results are long-lasting, and many patients enjoy them for ten years or more. The face continues to age naturally over time, so results are best maintained with medical grade skin care, seasonal laser skin treatments, and sun protection. Individual results vary based on skin quality, genetics, lifestyle, and adherence to postoperative care. You can read more about how long deep plane facelift results last, or view our facelift before and after gallery.
Are you ready to get started? Give us a call today 385.469.2550.
Ask about our flexible financing options.
Deep Plane Facelift FAQs
A MACS lift is a shorter-incision, minimal-access technique that lifts and suspends the lower face and jawline, generally under local anesthesia. A deep plane facelift works deeper: the surgeon releases the retaining ligaments beneath the deeper muscle layer, lifts the structural muscles back into their natural position, and redrapes those deeper tissues together with the skin. Because the lift is carried by the deeper tissue rather than the skin, a deep plane facelift addresses more advanced aging from the mid-cheek down with less tension on the skin.
Our surgeons use a drainless approach for the large majority of deep plane patients, about 98 to 99% of the time, so most patients have no drains to manage at home. Your surgeon confirms the safest approach for your case.
Plan on about 3 to 4 weeks for most parts of recovery, including returning to work, social activity, and your regular routine. Swelling and bruising improve steadily along the way, and your final result continues to refine over the following months as residual swelling resolves. Recovery varies from person to person.
Most patients describe more swelling and tightness than sharp pain, particularly in the first few days. Discomfort is managed with medication prescribed by your surgical team and typically improves over the first week.
The incision starts at the mid-temple, though the exact starting point varies by patient. It continues in front of the ear along the hairline, then runs back behind the ear into the scalp. This placement keeps it well concealed, and it typically matures and fades over time.
Results are long-lasting, and many patients enjoy them for ten years or more. The face continues to age naturally over time, so results are best maintained with good skin care and sun protection.
There is no single right age. Candidacy can start as early as 28, and genetic factors play a bigger role than age in skin and muscle laxity. Your surgeon evaluates the degree of tissue descent and your goals rather than a number.
A deep plane facelift is performed under general anesthesia, propofol based, for your comfort and safety. Your surgeon will review the anesthesia plan with you during your consultation.
Your surgeon evaluates your facial anatomy, discusses your goals, and explains which approach is most appropriate, whether that is a deep plane facelift, a MACS lift, or another procedure. You receive an individualized surgical plan with expected recovery and an individualized quote.
Serving Patients Across Utah
Utah Facial Plastics serves patients across the state from three locations.
Draper
Serving Salt Lake City, Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, Riverton, Bluffdale, South Jordan, West Jordan, Lehi, and communities across the southern Wasatch Front and Utah County.
Layton
Serving Bonneville, Clearfield, Kaysville, Syracuse, Clinton, Fruit Heights, South Weber, North Salt Lake City, and communities throughout Davis County and the northern Wasatch Front.
Facelifts in Layton →Heber City
Serving the Park City area, Snyderville, Summit Park, Wanship, Heber City, Midway, Hideout, Kamas, and surrounding mountain communities.
Facelifts Near Park City →Patients travel from across Utah and beyond for deep plane expertise. For those coming from rural Utah or out of state, our patient care team coordinates consultation and follow-up scheduling to limit the number of trips while supporting proper healing and monitoring.
Request a Facelift Consultation
Talk to our Patient Care Coordinator team about your facelift goals and book a consultation at our Heber City, Draper, and Layton offices.
