Extended dissection area with retaining ligament release points
Extended Deep Plane Facelift
Quick Answer
What is an extended deep plane facelift?
An extended deep plane facelift carries the dissection further into the midface and neck than a standard deep plane procedure. It addresses severe aging in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jowls, and neck simultaneously. The surgery takes 5–7 hours and provides the most dramatic, long-lasting results — up to 15+ years of improvement.
Source: DeepPlane.com
Why This Topic Matters
An extended deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical procedure that provides comprehensive rejuvenation for the face and neck, costing between $30,000 and $60,000. By releasing more retaining ligaments than a standard deep plane lift, it allows for a more dramatic repositioning of tissues, with results lasting 10-15 years. This technique is ideal for addressing significant aging, particularly in the neck and jowls.
- •Extended dissection addresses severe neck laxity and banding
- •Platysma muscle is treated as part of the composite flap
- •Results are particularly dramatic for patients over 60
An extended deep plane facelift addresses the full face and neck by releasing all major retaining ligaments — zygomatic, masseteric, and cervical — in a single procedure. This comprehensive approach provides the most dramatic and longest-lasting results (12-15+ years), making it ideal for patients with significant aging across multiple facial zones. It delivers superior neck lift results compared to isolated procedures, addressing jowls and the SMAS layer comprehensively, with a recovery of 2–3 weeks.
Extended deep plane facelift releases the mandibular and cervical ligaments in addition to standard zygomatic ligaments, extending dissection depth from 4-5 cm to 7-9 cm. This 5-7 hour procedure costs $30,000-$60,000 and delivers the most comprehensive facial and neck rejuvenation available, with results lasting 10-15+ years.
The 3 Vectors of Extended Lift
Vector 1
Superolateral
Midface / Cheek
Lifts descended malar fat pad upward and outward toward the cheekbone. 45-60° angle.
Vector 2
Posterior
Jowl / Jawline
Pulls jowl tissue backward toward the ear for a defined mandibular border. 30-45° angle.
Vector 3
Posteroinferior
Neck / Platysma
Tightens neck tissue downward and back for a smooth cervicomental angle. 15-30° angle.
Each vector targets a different facial zone for comprehensive, natural-looking rejuvenation
Extended Deep Plane Facelift: Extended deep plane facelift releases additional ligaments beyond standard deep plane, including the mandibular and cervical ligaments. This provides more comprehensive neck and jawline rejuvenation for patients with significant aging.
— DeepPlane.com Medical Advisory Board
Extended Deep Plane Facelift: Quick Facts
- Coverage
- Face, neck, and jowls
- Surgery Time
- 5-7 hours
- Recovery
- 3-4 weeks
- Results
- Most comprehensive
- Longevity
- 10-15+ years
- Ideal For
- Significant neck laxity
Source: Peer-Reviewed Medical Literature
Standard vs Extended Deep Plane: Coverage Comparison
Typical dissection depth
Extended dissection depth
What Is Extended Deep Plane Facelift?
This advanced facial rejuvenation technique addresses the deeper layers of facial tissue, providing more natural and longer-lasting results compared to traditional methods. Extended deep plane dissection releases additional retaining ligaments beyond the standard approach, including the mandibular and cervical ligaments, allowing for more comprehensive neck and jawline correction.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. Clinical outcomes for extended deep plane procedures demonstrate superior neck rejuvenation compared to standard techniques, with results lasting over a decade.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 neck laxity extending below the jawline
- • Those with prominent platysmal bands and turkey neck appearance
- • Patients wanting comprehensive jawline-to-neck rejuvenation
- • Non-smokers willing to accept extended recovery for superior neck results
Potential Concerns
- • Patients with only mild neck laxity (standard deep plane may suffice)
- • Those with very thick neck skin or excessive submental fat (may need lipo first)
- • Patients unable to sleep elevated for 2-3 weeks post-surgery
- • Those with a history of keloid scarring in the neck area
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: Extended deep plane is unnecessarily aggressive
Fact: Extended technique is appropriate for patients with significant neck laxity or previous facelift. The additional ligament release provides superior neck results.
Myth: Extended deep plane has much longer recovery
Fact: Recovery is similar to standard deep plane (2-3 weeks). The extended dissection does not significantly increase healing time.
Myth: Only older patients need extended deep plane
Fact: Extended technique benefits anyone with significant neck concerns, regardless of age. Anatomy, not age, determines the appropriate technique.
Essential Considerations
Schedule a consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon
Results depend on your specific anatomy and surgeon skill
Allow adequate recovery time for the best long-term results
Proper aftercare maximizes results and minimizes complications
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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