As we age, it’s natural for our skin to lose elasticity, leading to sagging, deep creases, and a loss of youthful volume—especially in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. For many, these changes start the search for a facial rejuvenation solution that delivers lasting, natural-looking results. Two of the most commonly discussed options are the traditional facelift and the deep plane facelift.
While both procedures aim to turn back the clock, they differ significantly in technique, longevity, recovery, and outcome. At Bitner Facial Plastic Surgery in Layton, Utah, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Bitner specializes in advanced facelift techniques, including the deep plane facelifts, and tailors each treatment to your unique facial anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll break down the simple question of what is a facelift and the differences between a deep plane facelift cost compared to the average cost of facelift traditional so you can better understand your options and feel confident in your surgical journey.
What Is a Facelift (Traditional)?
Many people wonder what is a facelift and what does it actually address? The traditional facelift, also known as the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift or High SMAS facelift, has long been considered the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. This procedure targets sagging skin and soft tissue in the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck (essentially lifting everything from the eyes to the collarbones). This is done by lifting the skin and repositioning the SMAS layer—the fibrous tissue beneath the skin and fat that supports facial muscles.
Key Features:
- Targets: Mid to lower face, jawline, and neck
- Technique: Lifting and tightening the SMAS layer; removing or redraping excess skin
- Incisions: Usually hidden in the hairline, around the ears, and possibly under the chin
- Recovery Time: About 2 weeks
- Results: Noticeable smoothing and tightening of sagging skin and jowls
The traditional facelift improves the appearance of deep creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds), sagging jowls, and neck laxity. While it can create a refreshed look, its results may sometimes appear overly tight or pulled if not executed with finesse. That’s where Dr. Bitner’s expertise and artistic eye shine—he ensures that all facelift procedures produce a smooth, natural result that complements your facial expressions rather than restricts them.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
The deep plane facelift is a more advanced and technically demanding procedure that goes beyond the SMAS layer. Instead of lifting the skin and just a small portion of the SMAS layer near the ears, the deep plane facelift technique lifts both the SMAS and the skin together and then elevating beneath the SMAS layer far out into the cheeks beyond the anterior boundary of the parotid gland. This elevation (beneath the SMAS layer and above pareto-masseteric fascia in the layer known as the “deep plane”) allows for the release and repositioning of deeper ligaments and attachments that contribute to facial sagging, especially in the midface.
Key Features:
- Targets: Midface, cheeks, jowls, lower face, jawline, and neck
- Technique: Lifting the skin, fat, and SMAS together, releasing deep facial ligaments
- Incisions: Similar to a traditional facelift, often placed discreetly around the ears and hairline
- Recovery Time: About 2 weeks (when using the preservation modification the recovery can be even shorter than the recovery from a more traditional SMAS facelift)
- Results: More natural, much longer-lasting lift; enhanced cheek volume and smoother transitions
Because the deep plane technique addresses the root causes of facial aging beneath the surface, it produces exceptionally natural and rejuvenated results without the tight or windblown look. For anyone asking what is a facelift truly meant to achieve, the deep plane approach offers a more profound lift by restoring youthful cheek contours and enhancing overall facial harmony—especially for patients in their 50s, 60s, or beyond.
Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between these two techniques can help you determine which is best suited for your goals. Let’s break it down:
1. Depth of Tissue Manipulation
- Traditional Facelift: Lifts skin and the SMAS layer separately. The SMAS is tightened, but deeper facial ligaments remain untouched.
- Deep Plane Facelift: Moves the skin and SMAS as a single unit, allowing for release and repositioning of deep ligaments that contribute to facial sagging.
Why it matters: By addressing deeper structures, deep plane facelifts achieve a more comprehensive lift that includes the midface—something a traditional facelift may struggle to improve.
2. Naturalness of Results
- Traditional Facelifts: Can sometimes create a pulled or tight appearance if not performed with a conservative hand.
- Deep Plane Facelifts: Produces a softer, more natural rejuvenation. Cheek volume is restored without fillers or fat grafting in many cases.
Why it matters: Patients who want to look refreshed, not “done,” often prefer the deep plane facelift for its graceful enhancement.
3. Longevity of Results
- Traditional Facelift: Results can last 7–10 years, depending on individual aging and lifestyle factors.
- Deep Plane Facelift: Results often last 10–15 years, thanks to the deeper structural adjustments.
Why it matters: A deeper lift means a longer-lasting lift, giving you more value over time.
4. Surgical Complexity
- Traditional Facelifts: Technically easier to perform and more commonly offered by general plastic surgeons.
- Deep Plane Facelifts: Requires specialized training and skill. Only a handful of surgeons nationwide perform this technique regularly and with consistent success.
Why it matters: Dr. Bitner is one of those elite surgeons. With a practice devoted exclusively to facial plastic surgery, he combines his surgical precision with an artistic sensibility, ensuring each facelift done using almost exclusively the deep plane technique is personalized and safe.
5. Recovery and Downtime
- Traditional Facelifts: 2 weeks for most social situations, a little longer for very visible important events.
- Deep Plane Facelifts: most patients feel comfortable in public after two weeks, some even less. Dr. Bitner uses the preservation modification with limited delamination of the soft tissue layers. This results in even less bruising than traditional facelift techniques despite the deep plane elevation.
Why it matters: The deep plane facelift requires more understanding and expertise by the surgeon of the facial anatomy, especially of the facial nerve, to be performed safely. But, patients find the deep plane results are much more natural and have dramatically longer-lasting results.
6. Cost
- Deep Plane Facelift Cost: The deep plane facelift is a more advanced and comprehensive technique, which can affect pricing. It often includes deeper tissue work and longer-lasting results, making it one of the higher-end options.
- Traditional Facelift Cost: A traditional facelift may involve less extensive work compared to the deep plane approach, which can result in a lower overall cost.
Why it matters: Understanding the average cost of facelift procedures helps you plan ahead. These prices vary based on the surgeon’s experience, location, and whether additional procedures like a brow lift or eyelid surgery are included.
Why Choose Dr. John Bitner for Your Facelift?
Dr. John Bitner is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with nearly 16 years of experience. His practice is solely dedicated to facial procedures, allowing him to focus deeply on the nuances of facial aging, balance, and beauty. Dr. Bitner is known not just for his surgical excellence, but for his warm, supportive approach to patient care.
When you choose Dr. Bitner, you can expect:
- A highly personalized consultation where he listens carefully to your goals
- Thoughtful recommendations based on your facial anatomy and desired outcomes
- An artist’s eye for symmetry, proportion, and natural aesthetics
- A caring and professional team that supports you before, during, and after surgery
- Long-lasting, beautiful results that enhance your natural beauty—not change who you are
Who Is a Good Candidate for Each Type of Facelift?
Traditional SMAS Facelift:
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Desire a less lifted, yet less natural result that may involve “swooping” in the cheeks due to diminished power to lift in the upper cheek (mid-face)
- Want a procedure that doesn’t last as long as a deep plane lift
- OK, let’s be honest, a traditional SMAS facelift is inferior in pretty much every way to a deep plane facelift….
Deep Plane Facelift:
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are in your late 40’s, to 70s with moderate to severe facial aging
- Want the most natural and comprehensive results
- Are looking to restore cheek volume and to smoothen deep folds
- Are healthy enough to undergo a slightly more involved procedure and recovery
Dr. Bitner will guide you in choosing the procedure that best suits your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle during your consultation.
Complementary Procedures to Enhance Results
Whether you choose a traditional or deep plane facelift, Dr. Bitner may recommend additional procedures to achieve optimal facial harmony. These might include:
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): To address puffy or sagging eyelids
- Brow Lift: To lift a heavy or drooping brow
- Fat Grafting: To restore youthful volume in areas like the temples, under-eyes, and cheeks
- Neck Lift: this is included as part of a facelift. In fact, a facelift is a bit of a misnomer. The more correct term is a face and neck lift.
- Skin Treatments: Such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels to improve tone and texture
These options can be discussed and customized as part of your comprehensive rejuvenation plan, and may be added to your average cost of facelift depending on your individual goals.
A Supportive and Uplifting Experience from Start to Finish
At Bitner Facial Plastic Surgery, you’re not just another patient—you’re a partner in a transformative journey. Dr. Bitner and his team take the time to get to know you, understand your vision, and walk you through every step of the process with compassion and confidence. Their priority is making you feel cared for, respected, and empowered.
From your initial consultation through your final follow-up, you’ll feel supported by a team that truly listens and delivers exceptional care. That’s why so many of Dr. Bitner’s patients not only return but refer their friends and loved ones.
Ready to Restore Your Confidence?
Choosing a facelift—especially a deep plane facelift—is an important decision. But with the right surgeon, the results can be life-changing. If you’re ready to explore your options, understand what is a facelift truly designed to do, review your deep plan facelift cost, and learn more about how facial rejuvenation can help you look as vibrant as you feel, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. John Bitner today.
Let us help you rediscover the best version of yourself—refreshed, confident, and beautifully you.
Contact Us
Bitner Facial Plastic Surgery – Layton, Utah
(801) 525-8727
www.drjohnbitner.com
Request your consultation online today!