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Deep Plane Facelift

Gravity and time affect the deep structures of the face. A deep plane facelift corrects these changes at the source. Mountain West Plastic Surgery combines this advanced technique with meticulous care to restore your facial profile.

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The Aesthetic Society logo in rose gold.
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Logo of American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Board of Plastic Surgery logo and tagline

Smooth Lines, Tighten Contours

Deep Plane Facelift at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa

The deep plane facelift is a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. This advanced technique releases and repositions the muscle and fat layers of the face as a single unit.

This method avoids the tension associated with older techniques. It allows for a smoother and more natural jawline and neck.

At Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Kalispell, MT, our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Michelle Spring and Dr. Michael Hromadka, bring a blend of artistry and extensive experience to this advanced procedure, ensuring you reach your rejuvenated contours with the utmost precision and care.

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Facelift at a Glance

  • Procedure Type: Surgical lifting of the midface, jawline, and neck.
  • Primary Purpose: To correct jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and neck laxity.
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia.
  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
  • Recovery: 2 weeks for social downtime; 4 to 6 weeks for full activity.

Rejuvenation That Goes Deeper

Older facelift techniques often focus on separating the skin from the muscle and tightening them individually. This creates a risk of a tight or "windswept" look because the skin carries the tension.

The deep plane technique releases the ligaments that tether the facial tissues. This allows the surgeon to lift the muscle (SMAS) and skin together. We move these layers as a unit to restore volume to the cheeks and define the jawline without stretching the skin. The result is a face that looks like you, but refreshed.

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The Surgical Process

What Happens During a Deep Plane Facelift?

We prioritize safety and comfort throughout your surgical journey.

We begin with an honest conversation. We examine your facial structure and discuss your goals. We provide a transparent breakdown of costs and recovery timelines so there are no surprises.

On surgery day, you will be placed under anesthesia by a board-certified provider. Your surgeon makes discreet incisions around the ear and into the hairline. They carefully release the retaining ligaments and reposition the facial tissues to a more youthful position as a complete unit, ensuring a more natural-looking final result.

The Aesthetic Society logo in rose gold.
Quad A logo in copper color.
Logo of American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Board of Plastic Surgery logo and tagline
The Aesthetic Society logo in rose gold.
Quad A logo in copper color.
Logo of American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Board of Plastic Surgery logo and tagline
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Combining a Deep Plane Facelift With Other Procedures

A deep plane facelift addresses gravity and sagging. It does not address skin texture or the upper face. We often combine the deep plane lift with other treatments to achieve comprehensive results.

Eyelid Surgery

This removes excess skin and fat bags from the eyes to match your refreshed face.

Brow Lift

This elevates a heavy brow to open the eyes and smooth the forehead.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

We may use laser treatments to erase fine lines, sun damage, and age spots that surgery cannot remove. This improves the overall "glow" of your skin.

Turning Back Time

What conditions does a Deep Plane Facelift address?

The deep plane facelift is designed to correct significant signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face.

  • Jowls: Sagging tissue along the jawline.
  • Deep Nasolabial Folds: The "smile lines" running from the nose to the mouth.
  • Midface Volume Loss: Flattened cheeks due to descending fat pads.
  • Platysmal Bands: Vertical cords or loose skin on the neck (turkey neck).
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Meeting in the Middle

What areas of the face can a Deep Plane Facelift address?

A deep plane facelift focuses on three key zones.

  1. The Midface: It restores the natural curve of the cheek.
  2. The Lower Face: It sharpens the jawline and chin definition.
  3. The Neck: It tightens the underlying muscles to create a smooth, youthful neck angle.

A More Natural Look

What are the benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift offers distinct advantages over traditional SMAS lifts.

Natural Movement

The skin is not pulled tight. Your face retains its natural expressiveness. You can smile and speak without feeling restricted.

Midface Rejuvenation

This technique effectively lifts the cheek fat pads back to their youthful position. This softens the deep grooves around the nose and mouth.

Longer Lasting Results

The structural changes made during a deep plane lift are robust. The results typically last significantly longer than traditional lifts because the tension is placed on the muscle, not the skin.

Better Scar Healing

There is no tension on the skin edges. This allows the incisions to heal as very fine lines that are difficult to see.

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Choosing Your Treatment

Am I a candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Candidates for this procedure typically notice sagging in the lower face and neck that non-surgical treatments can no longer correct.

You may be a good candidate if you have jowls, loose neck skin, or a loss of volume in your cheeks.

We require all patients to be in good overall health. We will review your medical history in detail during your consultation to ensure surgery is safe for you.

The Healing Process

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

We believe in being transparent about the recovery process. A deep plane facelift is a significant surgery that requires dedicated downtime.

The First Week

You will experience swelling and bruising. This is normal. You will wear a supportive head wrap to minimize swelling. Our VIP team will check on you frequently to ensure your comfort.

Weeks Two and Three

Most bruising fades by the second week. Many patients feel comfortable going out in public with light makeup after 14 days.

Full Recovery

You can usually return to the gym and strenuous activity after 4 to 6 weeks. We will provide you with a detailed recovery guide so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

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Long-Term Outcomes

Deep Plane Facelift Results

You will see an immediate improvement in your jawline and neck contour. The final results will emerge as the swelling resolves completely over several months.

Patients typically enjoy their results for 10 to 15 years. The procedure resets the clock on facial aging. You will continue to age from this new set point naturally.

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Patient Focus

Why Choose Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa for a Deep Plane Facelift?

At Mountain West, we combine elite surgical skill with an accessible, high-touch patient experience.

Experience smooth and firm skin with our expert care, where sagging becomes a thing of the past. Transparency is at the heart of what we do—receive clear, itemized quotes with no hidden fees.

Our VIP Concierge service manages all surgery logistics, so you can focus solely on your recovery. With surgeons specializing in advanced facial aesthetics, rest assured you're in capable hands for top-notch results.

We prioritize your privacy by providing a discreet and comfortable environment during your transformation journey.

Meet Our Surgeons

The combination of surgical skill and decades of experience sets Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka apart from other plastic surgeons not just in Kalispell, but throughout Montana and the Northwest. Assisted by Kristy Ehrmantraut, PA-C, their surgical physician assistant, Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka are known for their down-to-earth personalities and for spending the time to truly understand their patients’ goals.

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Meet dr. Hromadka

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Meet dr. Spring

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Choose Mountain West

Curious about facelift surgery at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa? Our skilled surgeons can help you look as vibrant as you feel. To explore your options, schedule a consultation online or call us at (406) 609-0210.

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Deep Plane Facelift Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients report feeling "tight" rather than in severe pain. We provide medication to manage discomfort during the first few days. The deep plane technique causes less trauma to the skin, which often results in less surface pain than older methods.

We will ask you to stop taking certain supplements and blood thinners two weeks before surgery. You should also arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Yes. The deep plane facelift often includes work on the neck. We can remove excess fat under the chin and tighten the platysma muscle to improve the neck angle.

Yes. The deep plane technique is excellent for men. It prevents the "pulled" look that can distort beards or sideburns. We adjust the incision placement to preserve natural hair growth patterns.

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For our valued patients traveling from Whitefish, Missoula, Great Falls, and Helena, we offer a seamless and supportive out-of-town patient experience, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind from your first inquiry through your complete recovery.