Deep Plane Facelift Surgeon

As one of Houston's top facelift surgeons, Dr. Etai Funk, MD, FACS commonly performs deep plane facelift surgeries for patients. The most important aspect of a facelift is to undergo the type of facelift that results in an enhanced, refreshed appearance and provides you with the most aesthetic outcome. A common type of facelift asked about among our Houston patients during their facelift consultation is a deep plane facelift.

When it comes to facelift and necklift procedures, patients can be easily overwhelmed by some of the terminology used because it does require an understanding of anatomy. The platysma (forms the bands in your neck when you show your teeth) is a muscle that extends from the collar bone to the jawline and then into the face as the SMAS which is the extension of the platysma muscle in the face). There are ligamentous attachments to the SMAS and platysma that are released with the deep plane facelift.

The deep ligamentous attachments to the SMAS are released to achieve more lift and a longer-lasting facelift. This also puts less tension on the skin which avoids the windswept appearance and promotes better scarring. Although the deep plane facelift is a more involved facelift, the extra dissection makes the difference with a longer-lasting, more natural, and impressive facelift.

Houston Deep Plane Facelift Before & Afters View Deep Plane Facelift Before & Afters

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What is recovery like?

Recovery from the deep plane facelift is typically 2-3 weeks.  

Is the deep plane facelift the right facelift for me?

Ultimately, this should be a discussion between you and a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. Specifically for Dr. Funk, patients schedule a consultation at his Houston office and Dr. Funk assesses not only what each patient wants to achieve but what features can be enhanced best and will attain the most aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting result with minimal downtime.

A deep plane facelift is reserved for those patients with moderate to severe jowling, significant neck skin laxity, muscle banding, and midface descent. This lift not only addresses the jowls and neck, but also lifts the midface slightly to achieve aesthetically pleasing higher cheekbones.

This facelift procedure is commonly performed on patients in their sixties.

How much younger will I look after a facelift?

With the deep plane facelift, the ligaments are released and the SMAS is suspended to enhance the jawline, treat the jowls, and the skin laxity in the neck. This type of facelift will make patients look about 10-15 years younger.

 

Types of Facelifts

FaceliftDetailsPatientRecovery
Mini Lift The Minilift is a type of facelift that redefines the jawline and helps with mild jowling. The incision does not extend into the sideburn or significantly into the hairline behind the ear.  Patients in their mid 40's Typically 7-10 days
SMAS Facelift The SMAS is the fascia that lies under the skin and over the facial muscles. This is the tissue that is suspended to provide the long term effects of a facelift. Once the SMAS is suspended, the skin is redraped and trimmed to fit the initial incisions. Patients in early 50's   Typically 10-14 days
Deep Plane Facelift A deep plane facelift is reserved for those patients with moderate to severe jowling, significant neck skin laxity, muscle banding, and midface descent. This lift not only addresses the jowls and neck, but also lifts the midface slightly to achieve aesthetically pleasing higher cheekbones Patients in their 60's Typically 2-3 weeks
Vertical Facelift Some patients develop jowling while at the same time have a deflated appearance above the jowls and below the cheek. In these patients, the SMAS and fat that have resulted in jowling have descended from this area. A vertical lift suspends this SMAS and fat from the jowls in a vertical direction into the deflated area. This also can help with mild neck skin laxity   Typically 14 days

 

Everyone's face ages in a different manner and therefore there is not one specific type of facelift or procedure that is universal for each patient. Dr. Funk takes pride in the diverse repertoire of facelift techniques he possesses.

The most important aspect of a facelift is to undergo the type of facelift that results in an enhanced, refreshed appearance and provides you with the most aesthetic outcome. During your consultation in his Houston office, Dr. Funk will analyze your face and neck extensively and discuss the aging process and the unique features of your face that can be improved with surgery. Your face is unique and deserves a unique type of facelift designed specifically to give you a refreshed youthful appearance. View more on Dr. Etai Funk's credentials and experience as one of Houston's top facelift surgeons.

 

Common Facelift Questions

What will my facelift consultation be like with Dr. Funk?

When visiting our Houston office for a facelift consultation, you will meet with Dr. Funk to discuss your concerns regarding your neck, jowls, jawline, and midface.  Whether you are considering a neck lift, facelift, or mini facelift. Dr. Funk will concentrate on the areas you want to focus on improving. 

Dr. Funk will then examine your face and neck and assess the best treatment option.  Photographs will be taken and you and Dr. Funk will sit in his office reviewing these photographs and making digital changes to provide an approximation of what a facelift or neck lift will do for your jowls and jawline.  

For more on our facelift surgery process from consultation to recovery, see our process.

How long will my deep plane facelift last?

Dr Funk's facelifts typically last approximately 12 years before a small touch up may be needed. Nevertheless, your face and neck will appear more refreshed and enhanced 12 years after your facelift, than they did before your facelift.

Will I look pulled or windswept after a facelift?

A facelift should result in a natural, unoperated appearance that enhances your current facial features. A facelift improves jowling, skin laxity, deep wrinkles and folds, and enhances the jawline. A facelift in which the vectors are pulled straight back without a vertical component may result in a windswept or pulled appearance?

What kind of facelift does Dr. Funk perform most often?

The type of facelift or neck lift you may require will depend on your anatomy, how your face and neck have aged, and your desires.  Most of Dr. Funk's facelift patients are in their late 50's or 60's and have significant neck laxity, jowls, and sometimes muscle banding in the neck. Therefore, Dr. Funk often performs a deep plane facelift with a vertical vector and may address the neck muscle and fat depending on the severity of the anatomy there.

If I have had a previous facelift, can I have another facelift or necklift?

Many of Dr. Funk's patients have had previous face or neck work. You may be unhappy with your previous surgery or just feel that you have aged since your last facelift and require further rejuvenation. Dr. Funk finds these surgeries challenging but frequently finds he can improve the scars, and still provide a nice lift with a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Will people know if I have a facelift?

Friends and family who are unaware that you had a facelift may make comments such as, "You look refreshed." "Did you lose weight?" "Have you changed your hair?" Dr Funk prides himself on providing natural and unoperated aesthetic results. The goal in cosmetic surgery is to provide an improvement in your appearance without anyone knowing you had surgery!

Am I candidate for a Facelift?

If you have noticed increased jowling, a saggy neck, or flat cheeks and feel as though your entire face has started to descend and lose volume, you may be a candidate for a facelift or neck lift.  Of course, this is assuring you do not have an existing major medical issues that would preclude you from undergoing anesthesia and surgery.  Facelift patients must be patient regarding their results.  Recovery after a facelift is usually 2-3 weeks until you are social and final results may take 3-6 months until all the swelling has subsided.

Can you combine facial procedures?

It is not uncommon for a facelift patient to undergo other concomitant facial procedures during their facelift surgery.  These frequently may include liposuction of the neck, upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery for lower eyelid bags, brow lift, and laser resurfacing.  During your consultation, Dr. Funk will discuss your concerns and if you are amenable, will help make some recommendations to other areas that will benefit the overall appearance of your face and neck. This way, you can choose the best option or combination of surgeries that will provide the most aesthetically pleasing result for your face and neck.

Does Dr. Funk see facelift patients from outside of the Houston area?

Yes. Patients come to Houston from cities both small and large in Texas to see Dr. Funk because of his credentials, experience, reviews, and natural-looking results. See our Areas Served section with information for South Texas and International/Traveling Patients.