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Experience Dr. Shuster’s age-defying deep plane facelift in Fort Lauderdale

It can be distressing to look in the mirror and no longer see the beautiful, youthful face that you used to so easily recognize. With a deep plane facelift, Dr. Shuster’s core mission is to help patients reclaim their vitality by restoring the facial contours while preserving individuality and spontaneous expression. By addressing the deeper facial layers holistically, the deep plane facelift has the potential to rewind the clock by 12-15 years, producing natural-looking, sustainable changes that promote a more positive self-image.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) is a network of fibrous connective tissue that runs beneath the facial skin and attaches to the underlying facial muscles, forming the scaffolding for the face. During a deep plane facelift, the SMAS layer is elevated above the underlying muscles through the release of anchoring ligaments. By lifting the SMAS rather than just pulling it tight, a deep plane facelift produces a natural-looking and lasting outcome that preserves authenticity while dramatically reducing the signs of aging. 

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) is a network of fibrous connective tissue that runs beneath the facial skin and attaches to the underlying facial muscles, forming the scaffolding for the face. During a deep plane facelift, the SMAS layer is elevated above the underlying muscles through the release of anchoring ligaments. By lifting the SMAS rather than just pulling it tight, a deep plane facelift produces a natural-looking and lasting outcome that preserves authenticity while dramatically reducing the signs of aging. 

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What are the benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?

Patients love their natural-looking, elegant outcomes after a deep plane facelift. Benefits include:

  • Results in less skin trauma than with other types of facelifts
  • Improves definition in the jawline, neck, and cheeks
  • Smooths nasolabial folds
  • Enhances skin circulation
  • Patients are less likely to seek out a revision procedure
  • Scarring is minimized and well-hidden
  • Elevates self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Eradicates jowls
  • Reduces submental fullness
  • Rewinds the clock on aging

Who is a good candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Patients in and beyond the Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, FL areas who are frustrated by sagging skin, jowls, a loose jawline, and other signs of aging may derive ample benefits from a deep plane facelift, especially if they are 50 years of age or older and are seeking lasting, dramatic improvements. The patient’s overall health, skin quality, and expectations will all play a role in determining their candidacy. Dr. Shuster does not perform facelift surgery for patients who smoke, as smoking can significantly interfere with surgery as well as the healing process after the procedure.

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A Deep Plane Facelift at a glance:

What does it address? 

A deep plane facelift not only improves the appearance of the cheeks, jowls, and jawline but it can also address nasolabial folds and marionette lines around the mouth.

How long will results last?

Changes with a deep plane facelift can last longer than those from a conventional SMAS facelift, typically providing lasting rejuvenation for 12-15 years. 

How long is the recovery period?

The initial healing phase of a deep plane facelift can last up to three weeks. Patients will usually wear a compression garment, neck support, and drains for several weeks.

Potential complications

A deep plane facelift has the same risk profile as a traditional SMAS facelift, with potential complications such as bleeding, infection, nerve injury, asymmetry, and scarring, among others. Risks can be greatly minimized by choosing a qualified, board-certified specialist such as Dr. Shuster in Fort Lauderdale. 

Technical considerations

A deep plane facelift releases four key ligaments (the zygomatic retaining ligament in the upper cheek, the masseteric retaining ligament in the midface, the mandibular retaining ligament in the jaw, and the cervical retaining ligament in the neck), allowing Dr. Shuster to gently lift and reposition the entire facial structure for a truly remarkable transformation.

What does it address? 

A deep plane facelift not only improves the appearance of the cheeks, jowls, and jawline but it can also address nasolabial folds and marionette lines around the mouth.

How long will results last?

Changes with a deep plane facelift can last longer than those from a conventional SMAS facelift, typically providing lasting rejuvenation for 12-15 years. 

How long is the recovery period?

The initial healing phase of a deep plane facelift can last up to three weeks. Patients will usually wear a compression garment, neck support, and drains for several weeks.

Potential complications

A deep plane facelift has the same risk profile as a traditional SMAS facelift, with potential complications such as bleeding, infection, nerve injury, asymmetry, and scarring, among others. Risks can be greatly minimized by choosing a qualified, board-certified specialist such as Dr. Shuster in Fort Lauderdale. 

Technical considerations

A deep plane facelift releases four key ligaments (the zygomatic retaining ligament in the upper cheek, the masseteric retaining ligament in the midface, the mandibular retaining ligament in the jaw, and the cervical retaining ligament in the neck), allowing Dr. Shuster to gently lift and reposition the entire facial structure for a truly remarkable transformation.

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How is Dr. Shuster’s surgical approach unique?

Dr. Shuster is dedicated to providing a customized and meticulously detailed approach to every procedure. To achieve the best results, he invests his time in studying the patient’s unique facial anatomy and structure to understand their idiosyncrasies and requirements. His one-of-a-kind treatment plan focuses on a natural-looking transformation that ensures patients look just like themselves after surgery, only more refreshed, revitalized, and renewed. For patients in and beyond Hollywood, FL, Dr. Shuster utilizes his own cutting-edge technique called the “stealth lift” to minimize scarring and erase any signs of cosmetic tampering. 

Enhancing your results with facial fat transfer

In addition to common signs of aging such as midface sagging, loss of definition in the jawline, and jowling, patients may also suffer from an overall loss of facial fat volume, which can lead to a gaunt, depleted facial appearance. Dr. Shuster can counter this concern by performing a facial fat transfer procedure at the time of your deep plane facelift. The treatment involves harvesting fat cells from an area of excess (the abdomen, hips, or thighs). Once the fat cells have been purified and sterilized, they can then be injected into the cheeks, temples, lips, and jaw region to create more supple, youthful contours. 

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What can I expect from the treatment process?

Your deep plane facelift is performed in a hospital setting, as Dr. Shuster feels this is the safest and most appropriate location for intricate, complex aesthetic procedures. He is on staff at the Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, FL, and the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach.

A deep plane facelift usually takes 2-4 hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that the patient feels no pain or discomfort throughout the process. Once you are unconscious, Dr. Shuster will create inconspicuous incisions within the hairline and encircling the ears, ensuring scarring will later be virtually invisible. He will then release the deep facial ligaments, allowing him to firm, elevate, and reposition the connective tissue layers beneath the skin. 

Once he has remodeled the facial tissue to enhance youthfulness and natural beauty, he will close the incisions with fine sutures and place the patient in the recovery suite for observation. 

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Recovery after a Deep Plane Facelift

The first few days

After surgery, you will need a friend, family member, or helper to drive you home and assist you for the first 24-48 hours. You can apply ice packs to the face and neck for several days to help minimize swelling. Sleep on your back with your head elevated. Any drains will be removed within 1-2 days.

The first few weeks

During this phase of the healing process you will be resting and recuperating, avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. However, it is advisable that you begin to take gentle walks, as this can encourage healthy circulation and may also boost your mood. Continue to sleep with the head elevated. Swelling and bruising will peak within around 4-5 days and then gradually begin to disappear. Patients can usually resume driving and wearing makeup within 7-10 days.

The first month

Within 3-4 weeks, most patients can safely resume moderate exercise, as swelling and bruising have greatly diminished by this point. Dr. Shuster will be there every step of the way to ensure your recovery is successful and stress-free.

Tips on maintaining your Deep Plane Facelift Results


Deep plane facelift results can easily last over a decade but it is important that you do your part to maintain your new look. You can extend the longevity of your surgical results by:

  • Carefully following all of Dr. Shuster’s postoperative instructions
  • Utilizing sunblock and wearing sunglasses and a sunhat on a regular basis
  • Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen
  • Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol
  • Following a physician-recommended skincare regimen at home
Fort Lauderdale plastic surgeon Dr. Bernard Shuster

Why Choose Dr. Shuster for a deep plane facelift in Fort Lauderdale?

Dr. Bernard A. Shuster is a masterful, board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience performing customized procedures for the face, breasts, and body. Named Best Plastic Surgeon by Newsweek, Dr. Shuster is beloved by patients and peers alike for his incredible breadth of knowledge, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and warm, compassionate demeanor. 

Where other surgeons routinely overoperate, Dr. Shuster insists on a “less is more” approach that promotes natural beauty and elegance while still minimizing aesthetic imperfections. Miami area patients who undergo a deep plane facelift with Dr. Shuster are thrilled when they look in the mirror and see their old familiar vitality and energy have returned to their features. Call Dr. Shuster today to get started with your private, in-depth consultation.

Choosing Dr. Bernard Shuster – A lauded pioneer in the painstaking field of aesthetics

A world-class surgical approach

Dr. Shuster is continuously evolving as a surgeon and aesthetic visionary, incorporating advanced, progressive techniques while adhering to the highest standards of safety.

A personalized treatment plan

No two people are alike and neither should their treatment plans be. Dr. Shuster takes the time to curate a one-of-a-kind surgical plan that corresponds to your anatomy, comfort levels, and wishes.

A trusted surgical team

Dr. Shuster has worked successfully and synergistically with the same team for over 14 years, having selected among the most knowledgeable and skilled medical professionals in the industry to assist him. 

A lifelong dedication to excellence

Dr. Shuster is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon with more than two decades of expertise. As a third-generation physician, he was exposed to the artistic and medical aspects of the plastic surgery industry from a young age.

Customized, nuanced results

Dr. Shuster practices active listening to truly understand your unique aesthetic goals, which he then translates into a co-created treatment plan that achieves your individual vision for a beautiful and lasting transformation.

Deep Plane Facelift FAQ 

What areas of the face can be addressed with a deep plane facelift?

Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?

Can a deep plane facelift improve the appearance of the neck?

Is a deep plane facelift painful?

What are the risks involved with a deep plane facelift?

What areas of the face can be addressed with a deep plane facelift?

A deep plane facelift is ideal for targeting the lower face and upper neck, erasing signs of aging in the cheeks, jawline, and submental region. With this technique, nasolabial folds and marionette lines can also be minimized.

Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Dr. Shuster can perform additional facial procedures such as a brow lift or blepharoplasty to complement your deep plane facelift results. Fat transfer is also commonly performed in conjunction with a facelift to enhance facial volume and fullness.

Can a deep plane facelift improve the appearance of the neck?

Yes, somewhat. Repositioning the deeper layers of connective tissue and muscles in the face indirectly improves the look of the jawline and submental area. For patients who have more pronounced aging concerns in the neck, Dr. Shuster also performs state-of-the-art neck lift surgery.

Is a deep plane facelift painful?

Since all surgeries are invasive by nature, patients can usually expect some discomfort during the recovery process. However, the surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia, meaning that you will not feel anything until it is over. Once in the recovery phase, Dr. Shuster will prescribe pain medications to help reduce any soreness. Most patients can switch to over-the-counter painkillers within a few days after their procedure.

What are the risks involved with a deep plane facelift?

One of the best ways to reduce risks is to seek out a board-certified aesthetic expert such as Dr. Shuster. This being said, all surgeries come with inherent risks, which can include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, and nerve injuries.

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