Deep Plane Facelift & Necklift
Advanced structural facial rejuvenation that repositions deeper SMAS and ligament layers to restore youthful contours naturally with zero skin tension.
Overview
Deep plane facelift and necklift surgery represents the pinnacle of comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation. Unlike traditional skin-tightening facelifts that risk an artificial, flattened, or 'wind-swept' appearance, the deep plane technique enters beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to release key retaining ligaments. By freeing these deep tethering points, Dr. Garrett Ni gently elevates sagging cheeks, repositions descended malar fat pads, smooths deep nasolabial folds, re-establishes a clean, crisp jawline, and eliminates platysmal neck banding—all without placing tension on the skin.
Who It Is For
Ideal candidates are women and men in their 40s to 70s experiencing midface descent, heavy jowling, loss of jawline definition, or severe neck laxity and platysmal banding, who desire enduring, authentic rejuvenation that honors their natural facial character.
Key Anatomical Zones
Releasing the zygocutaneous ligaments unlocks midface descent, enabling true vertical elevation of the cheek fat pad.
Frees the jowl complex so the jawline can be smoothed without tension or pulling at the earlobes.
Realigns and re-suspends platysma muscle bands to construct a sharp, youthful 90-degree neckline.
Skin redrapes naturally over freshly sculpted structural muscle foundations, keeping ear cartilage completely undistorted.
Dr. Ni’s Approach
Dr. Garrett Ni’s double board-certified surgical background bridges rigorous Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery residency at Temple University Hospital (Chief Resident) with prestigious Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship training at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and Mount Carmel aesthetic practices. Having performed extensive microvascular reconstructions, Dr. Ni has an encyclopedic understanding of facial nerve pathways and deep facial anatomy. His technique releases deep facial ligaments to elevate the SMAS layer vertically into its anatomical origin, while the overlying skin is simply redraped with zero tension, ensuring scars heal into virtually invisible hairline lines.
Surgical & Anatomical Technique
The surgery begins with delicate incisions concealed behind the tragus of the ear and within the retroauricular hairline. Dr. Ni enters the sub-SMAS plane in the midface and neck, methodically releasing the zygomatic, masseteric, and mandibular retaining ligaments. The platysma muscle is tightened midline via a small submental incision (corset platysmaplasty) and suspended laterally to the mastoid fascia. Skin edges are closed with microscopic, tension-free sutures.
The Experience
Your private consultation in our Mount Carmel office involves a high-resolution 3D facial structural analysis. Dr. Ni assesses bone support, soft tissue volume, SMAS thickness, and neck vector balance to customize your surgical plan.
Performed in an accredited outpatient surgical facility under general anesthesia or deep twilight sedation. You rest comfortably in a private recovery suite before being discharged to the comfort of your home or luxury recovery hotel with our concierge team.
Recovery Timeline
A lightweight protective head dressing is worn for the first 24-48 hours. Most patients experience mild tightness rather than sharp discomfort. Fine hairline and periauricular sutures are removed at day 7. Most patients comfortably return to social lunches, professional meetings, and public outings within 10 to 14 days.
Light compression wrap, head elevated. Swelling peaks at 72 hours with minimal discomfort.
Delicate periauricular sutures removed in-office. Bruising begins fading into light yellow.
Most patients return to social settings, office work, and light walking with light concealer.
Remaining subtle edema clears, revealing a razor-sharp jawline and luminous midface lift.
Why Choose Dr. Garrett Ni
Double board-certified by the ABFPRS and ABOHNS, dedicated exclusively to the face and neck.
Fellowship-trained at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and Mount Carmel facial plastic aesthetic practices.
Master of microvascular facial anatomy, ensuring safety and precision around facial nerves.
Concierge postoperative care with direct surgical team communication and personalized recovery protocols.
What It Treats
- Prominent jowls along the lower jawline border
- Cheek descent and flattened midface projection
- Deep nasolabial folds and down-turned oral commissures
- Platysmal neck bands, turkey neck, and submental laxity
- Blunted cervicofacial angle between chin and throat
Key Benefits
- True structural repositioning with zero skin tension or 'pulled' look
- Lasting rejuvenation that endures for 10 to 15+ years
- Sharp, youthful jawline and neck definition
- Preserves natural facial expressions and authentic individuality
- Virtually undetectable scars hidden along ear cartilage creases
- Restores midface volume naturally without over-injecting synthetic fillers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Deep Plane Facelift & Necklift.
Schedule Your Private Consultation
Consult personally with Dr. Garrett Ni at our Mount Carmel practice to discuss your aesthetic goals and receive an individualized surgical plan.