Deep Plane Facelift
Phoenix, AZ
Most people who come into our Glendale office aren't looking to change who they are; they just want to look as energetic as they feel. They’ve noticed that while fillers can help with small lines, there’s a certain point where adding more "volume" just makes the face look heavy or unnatural.
That’s where the Deep Plane Facelift comes in. As an ENT and facial plastic surgeon in Phoenix, I’ve moved away from older techniques that simply pull the skin tight. Instead, we’re repositioning the actual foundation of your face. It’s about restoring the architecture, not just smoothing the wallpaper.
Many patients avoid facelifts because they fear looking "frozen" or like they’re caught in a permanent wind tunnel. This happens when a surgeon relies on skin tension to create a lift. At Warrington Facial Plastic Surgery, our deep plane facelift protocol is designed to eliminate that tension entirely. By working beneath the muscle layer, we can move the entire facial structure back to its original home, leaving the skin to lay flat and tension-free. You’ll still look like you—just you on your very best day.
At our practice near Phoenix Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced surgical technique that repositions the deep layers of facial tissue (the SMAS) and fat pads as a single unit. Unlike traditional lifts that separate the skin, this method releases key ligaments to allow for a vertical, gravity-defying restoration of the midface, jawline, and neck.
| Feature | Details |
| Approximate Cost | $15,000 - $25,000+ (Varies by complexity) |
| Downtime | 10–14 days (Socially ready) |
| Pain Level | Mild to moderate; mostly a "tight" or "heavy" sensation |
| Duration of Results | 10–15 years |
While people often think a facelift only fixes the "cheeks," the deep plane facelift technique is a comprehensive tool for the entire lower two-thirds of the face:
The primary benefit of a Deep Plane Facelift is longevity and naturalism. Because we aren't pulling on the skin, the results don't "snap back" as quickly as traditional methods.
This procedure is ideal for patients in their 40s to 70s who have significant sagging in the midface and jawline. However, I’m very selective about who I clear for surgery.
Who is NOT a good fit:
Let’s talk about the "ouch factor." Most patients are surprised to learn that a Deep Plane Facelift isn't particularly "sharp" in terms of pain.
The Sensation: Instead of pain, you’ll feel a significant "snug pressure" or a heavy, woody sensation around your ears and jawline for the first few days. It feels a bit like wearing a headband that’s a size too small.
Numbing & Safety: We perform this under deep sedation or general anesthesia in a state-of-the-art surgical suite. Once you’re asleep, I use long-acting local anesthetics to "numb the field," so when you wake up, you’re usually feeling quite comfortable and sleepy rather than in acute distress.
The "Restaurant Ready" timeline is usually shorter than people expect. With a Deep Plane Lift Phoenix patients typically feel ready to go out quicker, because there is less trauma to the skin’s surface.
The "Ugly Phase": You’re going to look a bit like a chipmunk for the first 72 hours. Your face will feel wide, and your features might look a little "off" due to the swelling. This is completely normal.
The Reveal: By week three, the "wow" factor starts to kick in. You’ll see a crisp jawline and lifted cheeks.
Longevity: While we can’t stop the clock, a deep plane lift sets it back significantly. Most Phoenix Deep Plane Facelift patients enjoy their results for 12 to 15 years before they even consider a "refresh."
Investing in a specialist’s expertise is a long-term play. Prices in Phoenix and Glendale typically range from $15,000 to $25,000.
The variables include:
We offer financing through CareCredit and Alle to help make this investment in yourself more manageable.
It pays to see a facial plastic surgeon who knows the "inside" as well as the "outside." As a board-certified ENT, I’ve spent my entire career navigating the intricate nerves and vessels of the face and neck.
My Clinical Opinion: I’ve seen many "mini-lifts" or "skin-only" lifts fail after just two years because they didn't address the underlying ligaments. I transitioned to the deep plane technique because I refuse to give my patients a result that won't last. My dual training allows me to perform this deeper, more complex dissection safely, ensuring your facial nerves are protected while your features are elevated.
We hide the incisions in the natural creases around the ear and into the hairline. Once healed, they are typically very difficult to find, even if you wear your hair up.
A mini lift usually only addresses the skin or a small portion of the muscle. It’s a "quick fix." The deep plane lift is a structural renovation that lasts years longer and looks much more natural.
Not at all. It feels like a tiny "tug" or a tickle. Most patients find it a huge relief because the skin starts to feel less tight afterward.
Yes, though I often recommend letting certain fillers dissolve first so I can see your true natural anatomy before we plan the surgical lift.
You’ll need to wait about 4 to 6 weeks to ensure the incisions around your hairline are completely sealed and strong enough to handle the chemicals.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Warrington or call our Glendale office today to schedule your private facial analysis.
