Is a Deep Plane Facelift More Complex Than a Traditional Facelift?

Yes. A deep-plane facelift involves operating beneath the superficial layers of the face to reposition deeper facial structures. Because of this, it requires significantly more experience, advanced training, and surgical judgment than standard facelift techniques. This is why only a small percentage of surgeons routinely perform this procedure.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Painful?

You will not feel any pain during the deep plane facelift surgery, as you will be under anesthesia. After the surgery is complete and the anesthesia wears off, you’ll likely feel some discomfort. You can expect soreness and tightness, especially around the incision areas. You’ll also experience some swelling and bruising. Pain can be managed with pain medication prescribed to you by Dr. Greco or over-the-counter pain medication.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You will need several appointments to complete your deep plane facelift. The number of appointments will be determined during your initial consultation and will be based on the severity of the signs of aging, your aesthetic goals, skin condition, and lifestyle. The first appointment will be your initial consultation, during which you will review the procedure, share your medical history and aesthetic goals, and receive a facial examination. Your next appointment will be for the surgery. You must have a trusted individual available to pick you up from the surgery and monitor your recovery. You’ll receive follow-up appointments with Dr. Greco to remove your sutures, monitor your recovery, change your dressings, and remove drains if applicable.

How Long Until I See Results?

Patients can expect gradual results as they recover from their deep plane facelift, similar to: You will have significant swelling, bruising, and tightness for the first week. Your jawline and the middle of your face will see some visible improvement. The first two weeks involve moderate swelling and bruising. The sutures are removed after around 7-14 days. You’ll notice a cleaner jawline, and the middle of your face will be lifted. After 2-4 weeks, you’ll notice your swelling goes down, and your bruising fades. You’ll look more refreshed and feel more presentable. You may begin gentle exercise after several weeks. After 3-6 months, your skin will have settled even more over the lifted tissue, and your scars will blend in. By the end of several months, your deep tissues will fully settle, your scars will mature, and the lifted contour will be your new, natural-looking baseline.

Can I Combine a Deep Plane Facelift with Other Procedures?

Many people in the greater Philadelphia area combine a deep plane facelift with one or more procedures at Dr. Greco’s office in Bala Cynwyd, PA, such as laser skin resurfacing or structural facial fat grafting . Combining procedures leads to more complete facial rejuvenation, limits recovery time to a single period, and can reduce costs for anesthesia, surgical, and facility fees. You may discuss combining your deep-plane facelift with other procedures with Dr. Greco during your consultation.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Deep Plane Facelift?

Every surgery carries risks, and a deep-plane facelift is no different. Understanding these risks is a vital part of the process. Some possible risks you may face during a deep plane facelift include: Hematoma Infection Scarring Asymmetry in healing Nerve injury Temporary hair loss at incision points Dr. Greco has more than 30 years of experience as a facial surgeon and prioritizes your safety. Please follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to reduce the risk of complications.

Deep Plane Facelift

Philadelphia, PA

Introduction to Facelift Surgery

Many people seeking facial rejuvenation initially think of a traditional facelift. However, for individuals with more advanced signs of aging—particularly sagging in the midface, jowls, and neck—a more sophisticated approach may deliver superior results. The deep plane facelift is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and effective technique for addressing significant facial aging, as it lifts and repositions the deeper facial structures rather than simply tightening the skin.

Because this procedure requires advanced surgical skill and a deep understanding of facial anatomy, it is performed by a relatively small number of highly experienced facial surgeons. At Greco M.D., patients throughout Bryn Mawr, the Main Line, and the greater Philadelphia area seek out Dr. Greco for his decades-long focus on complex facial rejuvenation and his ability to deliver natural, long-lasting outcomes.

Greco

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure designed for individuals with moderate to severe signs of aging. Unlike surface-level facelift techniques, this approach addresses the underlying facial ligaments, muscles, and connective tissues that contribute to sagging and volume descent over time.

During surgery, carefully placed incisions allow the surgeon to release and reposition the four key facial retaining ligaments. By lifting the deeper facial foundation as a unified structure, the overlying skin naturally re-drapes without tension—resulting in smoother contours, restored volume, and a refreshed appearance that avoids an overly tight or artificial look. Because the correction occurs at a deeper anatomical level, results tend to be more durable and age more gracefully.

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?

There are several ways a deep-plane facelift can benefit individuals, especially those with significant signs of aging. At our office in Bala Cynwyd, PA, serving the greater Philadelphia area, our deep plane facelift offers several benefits, including:

Looking more youthful: Get rid of significant signs of aging for a natural-looking, refreshing appearance.

Smooth skin: Get rid of wrinkles and fine lines

Redistribute fat: Lift underlying tissues and restore volume in your cheeks, jawline, and neck.

Long-term results: Deeper tissue treated leads to a more significant change, resulting in making you look more youthful for longer

Increased confidence: Removing dissatisfactory features helps you achieve confidence aligned with your desired appearance

Benefits

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Deep Plane Facelift?

Ideal candidates for a deep plane facelift in Bala Cynwyd, PA, are typically adults in their 40s through 70s with moderate to severe facial aging, including jowling, deep nasolabial folds, midface descent, and loss of jawline definition.

Because this technique involves working beneath the superficial layers of the face, it is best suited for patients seeking long-term correction performed by a surgeon with extensive experience in deep facial anatomy—rather than a surface-level cosmetic improvement.

Candidates

What’s the First Step?

Your Deep Plane Facelift Journey with Dr. Timothy Greco

Your first step is a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Timothy Greco, during which he will evaluate not only your visible signs of aging but also the underlying facial structure that contributes to them.

Dr. Greco’s consultation process reflects his surgical philosophy: precision, selectivity, and long-term planning. Not every patient is a candidate for a deep-plane facelift, and Dr. Greco will recommend this approach only when it offers clear advantages over simpler alternatives. This level of discernment is one reason many patients are referred to his practice after researching—or consulting with—other surgeons in the region.

What to Expect on the Day of Deep Plane Facelift Surgery

Deep plane facelift patients from the greater Philadelphia area should arrive early at our office in Bala Cynwyd, PA, so they have enough time to check in, complete consent forms, and change into a surgical gown. You should have a trusted individual available to pick you up after the surgery and ensure you get home safely, and you must have someone stay with you the night following your procedure.

Dr. Greco will begin the surgery by giving you general conscious sedation and local anesthesia, so you don’t feel any pain. After you’ve been sedated, he’ll proceed with the surgery, which takes approximately 3-5 hours to complete.

When your surgery is complete, you can expect to wake up feeling groggy, swollen, and bandaged around the treated areas, and you may have some drains to remove fluid. Dr. Greco will give you and the person helping you detailed instructions on monitoring your health, taking pain medication, and keeping your head elevated.

Facelift

Expectations

Patient Reviews

I had a midplane face lift as well as a lip lift and a brow lift with Dr. Greco in October. I have known Dr. Greco for many years, having had botox and fillers with him in the past. His level of expertise and artistic sensibility gave me a beautiful outcome. Even though I trust him implicitly, I was still nervous about such a major procedure. But I am so thrilled that I listened to his advice. Not only was the actual surgery relatively uncomplicated, but the aftercare was also unbelievable. He called to check on me daily and his staff were compassionate and very caring. My daughter is getting married in November and I’m delighted that I had the work done. My friends and family are amazed at the natural results. Several of them have already seen him for consults. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My mother, who is my harshest critic, thinks the outcome is just beautiful. He definitely achieved everything we discussed and transformed my face back to the shape it was when I was much younger. His pricing is very fair as well. He’s been doing this work for a long time and keeps refining his technique. I highly recommend Dr. Greco to anyone who is considering improving the appearance of their face. He loves what he does and it shows.

– Beth Cutler

Greco

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

Individuals in the greater Philadelphia area experience recovery times ranging from a couple of weeks to several months after a deep-plane facelift. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized schedule with instructions on how to ensure your recovery is as quick and comfortable as possible.

We recommend the following recovery steps:

Rest often, and sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
Do not partake in strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or intense activities for 2 weeks.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and smoking
Do not use harsh skincare products on the treated area

How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of a deep plane facelift in Philadelphia varies from patient to patient.

The factors that affect the cost include the extent of the facelift, such as how significant your signs of aging are and how many areas are being treated, the type of anesthesia administered, and whether you combine the deep plane facelift with one or more other procedures.

You will receive a quote during your consultation with Dr. Greco, so you’re aware of the cost of your deep plane facelift.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Greco?

Deep plane facelift surgery is among the most technically demanding procedures in facial plastic surgery and is not routinely performed by most cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Greco is recognized as one of a limited number of surgeons within the greater Philadelphia region with decades of focused experience performing advanced facial rejuvenation techniques at this level.

With more than 30 years dedicated exclusively to facial plastic surgery, Dr. Greco brings a depth of anatomical expertise that directly impacts safety, precision, and results—particularly when operating in the deeper planes of the face where nerves, blood vessels, and structural ligaments reside.

While pricing for a deep plane facelift may be higher than some local alternatives, this reflects the level of specialization, surgical time, and experience required to perform the procedure correctly and consistently. Patients who choose Dr. Greco often do so because they value long-term outcomes, natural movement, and the confidence that comes from placing their care in the hands of a surgeon who routinely performs complex facial procedures—not one who offers them occasionally.

Dr. Greco is board-certified and affiliated with the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), and the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Why us?

Deep Plane Facelift FAQ’s

You will not feel any pain during the deep plane facelift surgery, as you will be under anesthesia.

After the surgery is complete and the anesthesia wears off, you’ll likely feel some discomfort. You can expect soreness and tightness, especially around the incision areas. You’ll also experience some swelling and bruising. Pain can be managed with pain medication prescribed to you by Dr. Greco or over-the-counter pain medication.
You will need several appointments to complete your deep plane facelift. The number of appointments will be determined during your initial consultation and will be based on the severity of the signs of aging, your aesthetic goals, skin condition, and lifestyle.

The first appointment will be your initial consultation, during which you will review the procedure, share your medical history and aesthetic goals, and receive a facial examination.

Your next appointment will be for the surgery. You must have a trusted individual available to pick you up from the surgery and monitor your recovery.

You’ll receive follow-up appointments with Dr. Greco to remove your sutures, monitor your recovery, change your dressings, and remove drains if applicable.
Patients can expect gradual results as they recover from their deep plane facelift, similar to:
- You will have significant swelling, bruising, and tightness for the first week. Your jawline and the middle of your face will see some visible improvement.
- The first two weeks involve moderate swelling and bruising. The sutures are removed after around 7-14 days. You’ll notice a cleaner jawline, and the middle of your face will be lifted.
- After 2-4 weeks, you’ll notice your swelling goes down, and your bruising fades. You’ll look more refreshed and feel more presentable. You may begin gentle exercise after several weeks.
- After 3-6 months, your skin will have settled even more over the lifted tissue, and your scars will blend in.
- By the end of several months, your deep tissues will fully settle, your scars will mature, and the lifted contour will be your new, natural-looking baseline.
Many people in the greater Philadelphia area combine a deep plane facelift with one or more procedures at Dr. Greco’s office in Bala Cynwyd, PA, such as laser skin resurfacing or structural facial fat grafting. Combining procedures leads to more complete facial rejuvenation, limits recovery time to a single period, and can reduce costs for anesthesia, surgical, and facility fees.

You may discuss combining your deep-plane facelift with other procedures with Dr. Greco during your consultation.
Every surgery carries risks, and a deep-plane facelift is no different. Understanding these risks is a vital part of the process.

Some possible risks you may face during a deep plane facelift include:
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Scarring
- Asymmetry in healing
- Nerve injury
- Temporary hair loss at incision points
Dr. Greco has more than 30 years of experience as a facial surgeon and prioritizes your safety. Please follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to reduce the risk of complications.

Dr. Timothy Greco, renowned facial plastic surgeon, in his Philadelphia, PA office.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether it’s your first skin-related procedure in Philadelphia or you’re an experienced patient, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Greco in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Prepare to explain your facial goals, medical history, and receive a physical examination of the areas you wish to treat. Dr. Greco will inform you of the procedure, the costs, and the instructions you will follow to ensure you are prepared for a safe surgery and a smooth recovery. You may ask questions or raise concerns at any time.