Is a Deep Plane Facelift Painful?

Most patients describe the recovery as uncomfortable rather than painful. Swelling and tightness are common in the first few days, but your provider will prescribe medication to help manage discomfort. Keeping your head elevated and using cold compresses as directed can also help minimize swelling. Most patients find that discomfort improves steadily over the first week.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You will begin with an initial consultation in Scottsdale or Peoria to create your surgical plan. After the procedure, you will return for follow-up visits so your provider can monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome. The exact number of visits varies, but most patients have several scheduled check-ins during recovery.

How Long Until I See Results?

Many patients begin to notice improvements within a few weeks as swelling decreases. However, the final results of a Deep Plane Facelift typically become more visible around 3 to 6 months after surgery. Because the deeper layers are repositioned, the results continue to refine and settle naturally over time.

Can I Combine a Deep Plane Facelift With Other Procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine their Deep Plane Facelift with complementary facial procedures at our Scottsdale and Peoria locations for enhanced results. Since our focus at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery is facial and oculofacial surgery, your options may include: A neck lift to address sagging beneath the jawline A brow lift to elevate the forehead and soften upper-face lines Facial fat grafting to restore volume in the cheeks or temples Non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers or BOTOX® for subtle support and smoothing During your consultation, we will review your goals and anatomy in detail and help you decide which combinations make the most sense for a balanced, natural outcome.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Deep Plane Facelift?

All surgical procedures include some risk, and it is important to understand these before moving forward. Possible risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, unfavorable scarring, temporary numbness, or prolonged swelling. Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Heringer and following all pre- and post-operative instructions can significantly reduce these risks. We will review all potential complications during your consultation so you feel prepared and informed.

Scottsdale, AZ

Deep Plane Facelift

Introduction

Introduction to Deep Plane Facelift

At Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer the deep plane facelift to patients in Scottsdale and Peoria who want a more comprehensive and long-lasting facial rejuvenation. As an oculofacial surgeon, Dr. Dustin Heringer focuses on advanced surgical techniques that restore natural-looking facial balance rather than creating an overdone appearance. Our goal is to help you look refreshed, confident, and true to yourself.

Many patients come to us because they notice sagging skin, deeper folds, and a tired expression that no longer reflects how they feel. A deep plane facelift in Scottsdale or Peoria can be the right option for individuals seeking significant yet natural results. We are committed to creating a supportive and comfortable experience from your first consultation through recovery.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a surgical technique that lifts and repositions the deeper facial layers, not just the skin. This approach focuses on the SMAS and underlying muscle layer to restore the mid and lower face without creating tension on the skin surface. By working beneath the superficial layers, Dr. Heringer can achieve a more youthful appearance that looks soft, smooth, and long-lasting.

Patients choose a deep plane facelift in Scottsdale and Peoria when they want to address midface drooping, deep nasolabial folds, sagging jowls, and overall facial laxity. Since this method targets the muscle layer, the results are often more natural and stable over time. The procedure is performed using advanced surgical techniques designed to preserve facial expressions and avoid a pulled look.

A deep plane facelift is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on your surgical plan and preferences. We will discuss the details during your private consultation.

What Are the Benefits
of a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift offers several benefits for patients seeking full-face rejuvenation in Scottsdale and Peoria. Some of the most common advantages include:

A more lifted and youthful midface
Softened nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Smoother jawline and improved jowl definition
Long-lasting facial rejuvenation
Natural-looking results due to deeper anatomical repositioning
Less tension on the skin, reducing the risk of an unnatural appearance

Many patients appreciate that this approach targets the underlying muscles and facial tissues rather than relying solely on skin tightening. This helps create a balanced, refreshed outcome that aligns with your cosmetic goals.

Who Are the Best Candidates
a Deep Plane Facelift?

You may be a good candidate for a deep plane facelift in Scottsdale or Peoria if you want meaningful facial rejuvenation without looking overcorrected. The best candidates typically include:

Individuals with moderate to severe sagging in the mid and lower face
Patients with deep facial folds or noticeable jowls
Those who want long-lasting facial rejuvenation
Patients in good overall health are able to undergo surgery
Individuals with realistic expectations and clear cosmetic goals

During your initial consultation, Dr. Heringer will review your facial structure, medical history, and aging concerns. We will help you determine whether a deep-plane facelift is the most appropriate option or if another facial procedure better suits your needs.

Your Facelift Journey with Dr. Dustin Heringer

What’s the first step?

The first step toward a deep plane facelift in Scottsdale or Peoria is scheduling a private consultation at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery. During this appointment, you will meet one-on-one with Dr. Heringer to discuss your cosmetic concerns and what you hope to achieve. We will evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, and overall health to ensure this technique is right for you.

Your provider will also explain the procedure in detail, including incision placement, anesthesia options, recovery expectations, and potential risks. This is the perfect time to ask questions and explore your goals. From there, our team will create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your facial anatomy and desired results.

What to Expect on the Day of Deep Plane Facelift Surgery

On the day of your deep plane facelift surgery, you will arrive at our accredited surgical facility in Scottsdale or Peoria. Once you are checked in, your provider will review your surgical plan and ensure you feel fully prepared. Anesthesia will be administered to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

The surgery involves carefully lifting the deeper layers of the face and repositioning the underlying muscles and tissues. Dr. Heringer will make well-hidden incisions around the ears and, if needed, within the hairline to access the deeper plane. These incisions allow the facial structures to be elevated and secured without putting tension on the skin.

Most deep-plane facelift procedures take several hours, depending on whether additional facial procedures are performed. After surgery, you will spend time in recovery before being released to a caregiver.

Expectation

Your Guide to Post-Facelift Care

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

Recovery after a deep-plane facelift in Scottsdale or Peoria varies depending on your healing process and whether you combine it with other procedures. Most patients experience swelling, tightness, and mild bruising in the first week. Keeping your head elevated and following your post-op instructions can help reduce swelling and support a smooth recovery.

Many patients return to light daily activities within 10–14 days, although strenuous exercise should be avoided until cleared by your provider.

Full results continue to refine as swelling subsides over the following weeks. Your provider will monitor your progress during scheduled follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

It is essential to follow all postoperative guidelines, maintain realistic expectations, and allow your body adequate time to heal for the best results.

How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Scottsdale and Peoria, AZ?

The cost of a deep plane facelift in Scottsdale and Peoria varies based on several factors, including the details of your surgical plan, whether you combine your facelift with other facial procedures, anesthesia fees, and surgical facility costs. Since every patient’s needs are unique, pricing can only be accurately provided during your consultation.

Our team will discuss all costs in detail, including financing options if you prefer to pay over time. We want you to feel fully informed and confident before moving forward.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Heringer?

Dr. Dustin Heringer is an experienced oculofacial surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery, and is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), the American Board of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), and the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). At Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, we prioritize patient safety, comfort, and natural-looking outcomes in everything we do. Dr. Heringer has extensive training in advanced facelift techniques, including the deep-plane facelift, and tailors each surgical plan to each patient’s anatomy and goals.

Our practice provides a welcoming environment, modern technology, and personalized care from consultation through recovery. Many patients in Scottsdale and Peoria choose our office because they value a provider who understands the delicate balance of facial structure, expression, and aesthetics.

Why us?

Deep Plane Facelift FAQ’S

Most patients describe the recovery as uncomfortable rather than painful. Swelling and tightness are common in the first few days, but your provider will prescribe medication to help manage discomfort. Keeping your head elevated and using cold compresses as directed can also help minimize swelling. Most patients find that discomfort improves steadily over the first week.
Yes, many patients choose to combine their Deep Plane Facelift with complementary facial procedures at our Scottsdale and Peoria locations for enhanced results. Since our focus at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery is facial and oculofacial surgery, your options may include:
- A neck lift to address sagging beneath the jawline
- A brow lift to elevate the forehead and soften upper-face lines
- Facial fat grafting to restore volume in the cheeks or temples
- Non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers or BOTOX® for subtle support and smoothing
During your consultation, we will review your goals and anatomy in detail and help you decide which combinations make the most sense for a balanced, natural outcome.
All surgical procedures include some risk, and it is important to understand these before moving forward. Possible risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, unfavorable scarring, temporary numbness, or prolonged swelling. Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Heringer and following all pre- and post-operative instructions can significantly reduce these risks. We will review all potential complications during your consultation so you feel prepared and informed.

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Schedule a Consultation

If you are ready to explore whether a Deep Plane Facelift in Scottsdale or Peoria is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. We will guide you through every step of the process and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery. A more refreshed, youthful appearance is within reach, and we are here to help you achieve your goals with confidence.