Does the deep plane facelift help with face shape?

The deep plane facelift procedure does re-position the cheek fat pads higher and slightly wider, however it does not add volume to these areas. The deep plane facelift is a lifting procedure and the goal is to re-position the tissue into it youthful position, usually upward and outward. After the procedure you will feel like it also augmented the cheek volume, however that is the result of post-operative swelling. Over the course of the next few weeks to months the cheek volume will reduce, usually back to the pre-surgical state. Volume could always be augmented after the procedure with fillers like Voluma or Lyft. As far as the smasectomy goes, it is surgeon dependent. I use a smasectomy to enter the deep plane and I find it makes a smoother transition when fixating the SMAS into its new position, but this is all just personal preference. I hope this helped, good luck!! 

The aging face is a result of tissue laxity and gravity.  The deep plane facelift is essentially an
extended SMAS facelift.  It goes deeper
and allows for more mobilization of the deep fascial tissues for better
repositioning.  Since the cheek fat pad
also drops with the rest of the tissues, it is lifted to give volume to the
"cheekbones" which gives a more youthful appearance.  Typically, the deep plane facelift, if done
well, helps you to look like yourself, just younger.  Yes, it may help lift the flat face.


Grant A. Fairbanks, MD