Deep Plane Facelift with Cheek Lift: Deep plane facelift inherently includes midface/cheek lifting as the technique repositions the malar fat pad and releases the zygomatic ligaments. This comprehensive approach restores youthful cheek volume and contour.
— DeepPlane.com Medical Team
Deep Plane Cheek Lift: Quick Facts
- Target Area
- Mid-face, cheek volume
- Technique
- SMAS repositioning
- Results
- Natural cheek elevation
- Duration
- 10-15 years
- Recovery
- 2-3 weeks
- Ideal For
- Flat or sagging cheeks
Source: Published Clinical Research
Midface lift: malar fat pad and SOOF repositioning with deep plane technique
Deep Plane Facelift with Cheek Lift
Quick Answer
Does a deep plane facelift lift the cheeks?
Yes — the deep plane facelift is one of the most effective procedures for cheek lifting. By releasing the zygomatic ligament and lifting the malar fat pad, it restores youthful cheek volume and projection without implants or fillers. This repositions tissue rather than adding volume, creating natural-looking cheek definition that lasts 10–15 years.
Source: DeepPlane.com
What Is a Deep Plane Cheek Lift?
A deep plane cheek lift is a surgical procedure that repositions the malar fat pad and releases the zygomatic ligaments to restore youthful cheek volume and contour, costing between $15,000 and $35,000. The results of this 4-6 hour surgery last 10-15 years, offering a permanent solution to midface sagging and volume loss. This guide explains the benefits over temporary fillers.
- •Restores cheek volume by repositioning the malar fat pad
- •Offers permanent results lasting 10-15 years
- •Costs $15,000 - $35,000 as part of a full deep plane facelift
A deep plane cheek lift specifically targets midface descent by releasing the zygomatic retaining ligaments and vertically repositioning the malar fat pad. This restores youthful cheek projection and reduces nasolabial fold depth without the over-filled appearance that dermal fillers can create. The procedure can be performed as part of a full deep plane facelift or as an isolated midface procedure.
Understand how this technique addresses midface and cheek sagging for complete facial rejuvenation.
Three Facial Zones Addressed
Deep plane facelift with cheek lift addresses all three zones of the face for harmonious rejuvenation.
Forehead & brow area. Addressed with brow lift if needed, not the primary focus of cheek lift.
Primary target. Cheeks, nasolabial folds, malar fat pad repositioned to youthful position.
Jawline & neck. Jowls corrected and jawline redefined as part of the comprehensive lift.
What Is with Cheek Lift?
This advanced facial rejuvenation technique addresses the deeper layers of facial tissue, providing more natural and longer-lasting results compared to traditional methods. The procedure repositions the SMAS layer along with the overlying skin, creating a more comprehensive lift without the pulled or windswept appearance.1
Board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in this technique have extensive training in facial anatomy and can achieve results that look natural while addressing significant signs of aging including jowls, nasolabial folds, and neck laxity. Deep plane cheek lift releases the zygomatic retaining ligaments to reposition the malar fat pad to its natural, youthful anatomical position, with a recovery of 2–3 weeks.3
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost varies significantly based on several factors:
- Surgeon Experience: Board-certified specialists typically charge $20,000-$50,000
- Geographic Location: Major cities like NYC and LA have higher costs
- Facility Fees: Hospital vs. accredited surgical center
- Anesthesia: General vs. local with sedation
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for this procedure typically share these characteristics:
Good Candidates
- • Patients with significant midface descent and flattened cheeks
- • Those with deep nasolabial folds from cheek volume loss
- • Patients wanting natural cheek projection without implants
- • Non-smokers with adequate cheek tissue for repositioning
May Not Be Suitable
- • Patients with very thin facial tissue and minimal fat pads
- • Those seeking only subtle cheek enhancement (fillers may suffice)
- • Active smokers or those with poor wound healing history
- • Patients with autoimmune conditions affecting facial tissue
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical References
- [1]Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(1):53-61(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
- [2]Rohrich RJ, et al. Current Concepts in Deep-Plane Face Lifting. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021;148(5):1025-1038(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
- [3]Barrera A. Refinements in the deep-plane facelift technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):290-301(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
- [4]Swanson E. Outcome analysis in 93 facial rejuvenation patients treated with a deep-plane face lift. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;127(2):823-834(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
Key Facts
Common Misconceptions
Myth: Cheek lift requires separate incisions
Fact: Deep plane technique addresses cheek descent through the same incisions used for the facelift, without additional scarring.
Myth: Fillers can achieve the same cheek lift as surgery
Fact: While fillers add volume, they cannot reposition descended tissue. Deep plane actually lifts the cheek pad to its youthful position.
Important Takeaways
Consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for personalized advice
Your anatomy, skin thickness, and healing ability affect outcomes
Allow adequate recovery time for the best long-term results
Follow all post-operative instructions carefully
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Yakup Duman
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
Board-certified Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery specialist with 20+ years of experience. Specializes in deep plane facelift at Merkez Prime Hospital, Istanbul. Medical Reviewer for DeepPlane.com.
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