The new style of facelift
A deep plane facelift can produce an extremely natural-looking result far different from the pulled, overly tight look that was often achieved with older techniques. In a deep plane facelift, the soft tissues of the face are re-positioned, rather than just removing excess skin and tightening it. If you’re interested in a deep plane facelift in NYC, contact us to book a consultation with Dr. Mesa.
What is a deep plane facelift?
The deep plane is a layer of tissue that separates the facial muscle structure. A deep plane facelift addresses a specific layer of the facial muscle structure (SMAS). When the soft tissues below this layer are released from the underlying muscles and repositioned, the entire facial structure is lifted. The tissues are re-anchored at your youthful, natural position, creating results that bring back the face of your youth — not a pulled, tight, or “worked on” appearance.
Who is a candidate for a deep plane facelift?
If you’re a generally healthy non-smoker and are not currently suffering from a condition or disease that could make surgery unsafe, you’re likely a good candidate for this advanced facelift technique. Dr. Mesa will evaluate your medical history and work with your other medical professionals to determine if this surgery is appropriate for you.
If you’re struggling with any of the following, you will love the results of this advanced approach to restoring a youthful facial appearance:
- Jowls
- Deep creases and lines
- Double chin
- Sagging upper neck
- Drooping cheeks
What are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift:
A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure designed to address signs of aging in the lower face and neck region. Some common benefits of a deep plane facelift include:
- Natural-Looking Results: Deep plane facelifts typically produce more natural-looking results compared to traditional facelift techniques. This is because they reposition deeper layers of tissue, restoring a more youthful appearance without creating a pulled or tight look.
- Long-lasting Results: Deep plane facelifts often provide longer-lasting results compared to other facelift techniques. By addressing deeper tissue layers, the effects of aging are corrected more comprehensively, leading to results that can endure for many years.
- Improved Jawline Definition: This procedure can significantly improve the definition of the jawline and reduce the appearance of jowls. By lifting and repositioning the underlying tissues, a more youthful and well-defined jawline can be achieved.
- Reduction of Mid-Facial Sagging: Deep plane facelifts can effectively address sagging in the mid-face region, including the cheeks and nasolabial
- Enhancement of Neck Contour: By lifting and tightening the deeper layers of tissue in the neck area, deep plane facelifts can improve the contour of the neck, reducing the appearance of sagging skin and vertical neck bands.
- Minimal Scarring: While all surgical procedures involve some degree of scarring, deep plane facelifts are designed to minimize visible scarring. Incisions are typically made discreetly along the hairline and natural creases of the face, helping to conceal any post-operative marks.
- Customization: Deep plane facelifts can be tailored to address each patient’s specific concerns and anatomy. Surgeons can adjust the technique to achieve the desired outcome while ensuring natural-looking results that complement the patient’s facial features.
Can a deep plane facelift be done
under local anesthesia wthout general anesthesia?
Patients frequently ask whether their facelift can be done without general anesthesia, as they are afraid of the risks of going to sleep (general anesthesia) or twilight anesthesia (IV sedation), as well as the nausea, vomiting, weaknesses, and headaches associated with anesthesia post-procedure. Dr. Mesa specializes in performing deep plane facelift under local anesthesia.
His approach is significantly different than many surgeons, as he performs the procedure with the patient wide awake under local anesthesia, without any twilight anesthesia or general anesthesia. The procedure is painless and the recovery is faster because it avoids all the side effects associated with general anesthesia or IV sedation.
What does the surgery entail?
Every deep plane facelift performed by Dr. Mesa is 100% customized. In general, the surgery involves the release of the muscle and fat layers rather than removing excess skin and suturing it. The ligaments that tether the deeper tissues are released and then anchored to create a tension-free outcome.
What is the recovery time?
A deep plane facelift not only produces a far more natural look, but also has a faster healing time. Most people feel and look well enough to return to work or other activities within two weeks, while other facelift techniques require much more time. Full recovery will require up to six weeks, and the incisions will fade over the months ahead.
Is a deep plane facelift
better than a regular facelift?
This technique is far more complex to perform than a traditional facelift, and requires advanced surgical skills and an exceptional degree of knowledge of the facial muscle structure. Less than 5% of surgeons use this technique, making Dr. Mesa unique in his ability. When under his care, you can expect a result that is remarkably natural and refreshed. You’ll look like you, just years younger. Your jawline, neckline, and cheekbones will be restored without creating tension on the skin, allowing for faster healing and far less risk of creating visible scarring.

Why choose
Dr. Mesa
for a deep plane facelift?
All board-certified plastic surgeons are educated, but they vary significantly in skills and advanced training. Dr. Mesa is a Harvard-educated surgeon who has dedicated his professional career to the art of plastic surgery, with three fellowships in aesthetic and plastic surgery. Dr. Mesa has pioneered new approaches to facial plastic surgery, and been asked to present his techniques to others in his field of practice. His extraordinary skill level, warmth, care, and devotion to his patients have led to his reputation for excellence, and hundreds of excellent reviews. With offices in NYC, New Jersey, and Miami, new patients come to Dr. Mesa from local areas, as well as other states and countries.
Deep Plane Facelift Frequently Asked Questions
A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that addresses the deeper layers of facial tissue, specifically the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer. Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily tighten skin, a deep plane facelift repositions the underlying muscle and fat layers to create more natural-looking results. This technique avoids the pulled or overly tight appearance often associated with older facelift methods.
Deep plane facelift results are typically long-lasting, often enduring for 10-15 years or more. Because this technique addresses deeper tissue layers rather than just skin, the results tend to be more durable than traditional facelift methods. Individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and skin quality can influence the longevity of results.
Most patients feel and look well enough to return to work within two weeks after a deep plane facelift. Full recovery typically takes up to six weeks, with incisions continuing to fade over the following months. The recovery time is generally faster than traditional facelift techniques because the procedure creates less tension on the skin.
The primary benefits include natural-looking results, long-lasting effects, improved jawline definition, reduction of mid-facial sagging, enhanced neck contour, and minimal scarring. The procedure can be customized to address each patient's specific concerns while maintaining natural facial harmony and avoiding the "worked on" appearance.
The cost of a deep plane facelift is typically higher than traditional facelift procedures due to the complexity and advanced surgical skills required. Pricing varies based on factors such as the surgeon's expertise, geographic location, and the extent of surgery needed. Dr. Mesa provides detailed cost information during your consultation.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. However, the deep plane technique often results in less visible scarring and faster healing compared to traditional methods. Dr. Mesa will discuss all potential risks and complications during your consultation and provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize complications.
Deep plane facelifts are designed to minimize visible scarring. Incisions are typically made discreetly along the hairline and natural creases of the face to conceal any post-operative marks. The technique's reduced tension on the skin also contributes to better healing and less noticeable scarring compared to traditional facelift methods.
The deep plane facelift addresses the root causes of facial aging by repositioning deeper tissue layers rather than just tightening skin. This approach creates more natural-looking results that last longer and heal faster. The technique requires advanced surgical skills and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, making it a premium option for facial rejuvenation.
Every deep plane facelift performed by Dr. Mesa is 100% customized to the patient's needs. The surgery involves releasing muscle and fat layers rather than simply removing excess skin. The ligaments that tether deeper tissues are released and then re-anchored to create a tension-free, natural outcome that restores youthful facial positioning.
Dr. Mesa is a Harvard-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon with three fellowships in aesthetic and plastic surgery. Less than 5% of surgeons perform the deep plane facelift technique, making Dr. Mesa's expertise exceptional. He has pioneered new approaches to facial plastic surgery and has been invited to present his techniques to other professionals in the field.
Verified Customer Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My experience with Dr. Mesa was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment you walk into his office, you’re treated with genuine care, attention, and respect. The staff is top-notch the front desk, the CMAs, and Christina especially, are all amazing. You feel like you’re walking into a second home, not a medical office.
I came to Dr. Mesa because I was feeling a disconnect. I work out six days a week, my body was tight and strong, but my face and neck weren’t matching up. I started noticing sagging in my lower face and neck, a loss of elasticity that I just couldn’t reverse on my own. It bothered me, not because I wanted to look different, but because I wanted my outside to reflect how I felt inside, vibrant, strong, and confident.
I had been seeing Dr. Mesa for about 13 years, and finally, he said it was time to do something. I trusted him completely. I never even asked for the full breakdown. I just showed up for surgery, knowing I was in expert hands.
He performed a deep plane facelift and deep plane neck lift, all under local anesthesia. And let me tell you painless. Yes, really. The entire process was smooth and comfortable, and I never once felt uneasy.
Recovery was actually… enjoyable. Yes, I missed the gym, but Dr. Mesa’s team had me busy with massages, follow-ups, and self-care routines. They truly cared about my mental and emotional well-being, not just the physical results. They understood my lifestyle and made sure I felt supported every step of the way.
Now, 34 days later, I look in the mirror and see the version of myself I always felt on the inside. My face is tight, lifted, but natural, no one noticed I had surgery, just that I looked refreshed. Some thought I’d had PRP (which I joked about), but let’s be honest PRP doesn’t give you this kind of result!
This has been an unforgettable experience, and one I’m so grateful for. If you’re on the fence, just do the consultation. You’ll know right away that Dr. Mesa is the real deal, a true artist, an expert surgeon, and a kind soul with an incredible team behind him.
Thank you, Dr. Mesa, for giving me back a face that matches my energy and spirit. You’ve truly changed my life.
I would recommend their office 10000000 times!!!!

Verified Customer Reviews
- Had an amazing experience with Dr. Mesa and his staff! From consultations, the procedure, post op massages and follow ups they have been nothing but supportive and willing to work around my hectic schedule. Dr. Mesa was involved throughout the whole journey and made a customizable plan for me that allowed me to still work and go on vacation while getting the procedure done, ensuring the best results. His prices are reasonable and he delivers what he promises! Anyone considering buccal fat or chin lipo should highly consider a consultation with him!Read MoreRead Lesshadjer bakir11/19/2025

