ADVANCED FACIAL REJUVENATION

Deep Plane Facelift in Richmond, VA: Designed to Restore, Not Change

Facelift surgery in Richmond, VA, can address changes in the cheeks,
jawline, and lower face that develop as facial tissues descend with
age. At Montante Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, Dr. Steven Montante
offers deep plane facelift surgery to reposition deeper facial
structures rather than relying primarily on skin tightening.

Facial aging involves more than loose skin. Changes in tissue position,
volume, and skin quality can affect the contours of the cheeks,
jawline, and neck. A deep plane facelift addresses selected structural
changes with the goal of creating a refreshed appearance while
preserving each patient’s natural facial characteristics.

A DEEPER APPROACH

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a surgical facial rejuvenation technique that works beneath the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, or SMAS, to release and reposition deeper facial tissues that have descended with age.

By addressing the underlying tissues, the deep plane approach allows the skin to be redraped without depending on excessive skin tension to create the desired contour.

This approach may improve jowling, cheek descent, and lower-face definition. The extent of improvement depends on individual anatomy, skin quality, and the surgical plan.

Facelift surgery should complement your natural features.

Successful facial rejuvenation involves more than reducing visible wrinkles. The relationship between the cheeks, jawline, lower face, and neck is considered when determining which changes may benefit from surgical correction.

FACIAL AGING

What Can a Deep Plane Facelift Address?

Deep plane facelift surgery may improve several visible signs
of facial aging associated with the descent of deeper tissues.

Jowls & Jawline

Repositions descended facial tissues to improve the transition between the lower face and jawline.

Cheek Descent

Addresses changes in midface tissue position that can contribute to a heavier or less defined appearance.

Deep Facial Folds

May soften the appearance of certain nasolabial folds and
marionette lines related to facial tissue descent.

Face & Neck Balance

Improves lower-face contours. When neck laxity is also a concern, a neck lift may be considered as part of the surgical plan.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Mini Facelift: What’s the Difference?

Not every patient requires the same extent of facelift surgery.
The most appropriate approach depends on where facial aging has
occurred, the degree of tissue laxity, and the changes a patient
hopes to achieve.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift addresses deeper facial tissues and may be considered when more extensive cheek descent, jowling, or lower-face laxity requires correction.

This approach focuses on repositioning underlying structures rather than relying primarily on tightening the skin.

Mid & Mini Facelift

A more limited facelift may be appropriate for selected patients whose concerns are concentrated in specific areas of the face or who have less extensive tissue descent.

Learn more about the differences between mid and mini facelift surgery and the concerns these approaches may address.

A mini facelift is not simply a deep plane facelift performed on a smaller scale. These terms describe different aspects of surgical planning, and techniques can vary. A consultation helps determine which approach is appropriate for your anatomy.

The purpose of facial rejuvenation is to address the changes that concern you while respecting your individual facial anatomy.

INDIVIDUALIZED SURGICAL PLANNING

Dr. Montante’s Approach to Facelift Surgery

Facial aging varies from patient to patient. Some individuals experience significant jowling and cheek descent, while others are primarily concerned with changes along the jawline or neck.

Dr. Montante evaluates skin quality, facial volume, tissue position, and the relationship between the face and neck when discussing surgical options.

The goal of the consultation is to identify which concerns can reasonably be improved through surgery and whether a deep plane facelift or another approach is appropriate.

IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Am I a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Deep plane facelift surgery may be an option for patients seeking correction of facial tissue descent and lower-face laxity that cannot be adequately addressed through
nonsurgical treatments.

Candidacy is determined through an examination of your anatomy, medical history, overall health, and expectations.

  • Moderate to significant facial or jawline laxity
  • Jowling or reduced lower-face definition
  • Descending cheek tissues or deeper facial folds
  • Good overall health for elective surgery
  • Ability to follow preoperative and postoperative instructions
  • Willingness to avoid nicotine as directed
  • Realistic expectations about surgical results and recovery

YOUR CONSULTATION

Creating an Individualized Facelift Plan

Your consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your
concerns, review your medical history, and understand
which surgical options may be appropriate.

Your Concerns

Identify the areas of your face and neck that concern you, along with the changes you hope to achieve.

Your Anatomy

Dr. Montante evaluates facial structure, skin quality, tissue position, volume, and neck anatomy.

Your Surgical Options

Discuss the recommended technique, expected recovery, potential risks, and whether complementary procedures should be considered.

YOUR SURGERY

What Happens During a Deep Plane Facelift?

The surgical approach is planned according to each patient’s
facial anatomy and the areas requiring correction.

Facelift incisions are generally positioned around the ears and may extend into adjacent hair-bearing areas, depending on the planned correction.

During a deep plane facelift, deeper facial tissues are released and repositioned to address tissue descent. The overlying skin is then redraped, and excess skin
is removed as appropriate.

The exact incision pattern, anesthesia plan, and extent of surgery depend on the procedure being performed. Dr. Montante will explain these details during your
consultation.

What to Expect

  • A surgical plan based on your anatomy
  • Incisions positioned to help minimize visible scarring
  • Repositioning of deeper facial tissues
  • Redraping of the overlying skin
  • Anesthesia appropriate for the planned procedure
  • Discussion of risks and postoperative care

HEALING & RECOVERY

Recovery After Deep Plane Facelift Surgery

Recovery is gradual, and individual healing times vary.
Your postoperative instructions and activity restrictions
will depend on the extent of your procedure.

1–2

First 1–2 Weeks

Swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness are common during early healing. Rest and activity restrictions are important during this period.

2+

Around 2 Weeks

Some patients feel comfortable resuming selected routine activities as visible swelling and bruising improve. Clearance for work, exercise, and other activities is
individualized.

3+

Following Weeks & Months

Residual swelling, firmness, or temporary changes in sensation may continue to improve. Final contour refinement and scar maturation take additional time.

These timeframes are general estimates rather than guarantees. Dr. Montante and his team will provide instructions specific to your procedure and recovery.

COMPREHENSIVE REJUVENATION

Procedures That May Complement Facelift Surgery

A facelift primarily addresses selected changes in facial
tissue position. Other procedures may be recommended when
concerns involve the neck, eyelids, brow, or facial volume.

EXPERIENCE & PATIENT CARE

Why Choose Dr. Montante for Facelift Surgery?

Dr. Steven Montante is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving patients in Richmond, Virginia. Facelift consultations focus on understanding the anatomical changes contributing to each patient’s concerns and discussing realistic options for surgical improvement.

Treatment planning includes consideration of the face and
neck together, as well as the potential role of complementary
procedures when appropriate.

Learn more about Dr. Montante’s background and qualifications
.

Questions Worth Asking at Your Consultation

  • Which facelift approach is appropriate for my concerns?
  • What changes can I realistically expect?
  • Where will my incisions be located?
  • What are the risks and recovery requirements?
  • Would an additional procedure offer meaningful benefits?

YOUR NEXT STEP

Schedule a Deep Plane Facelift Consultation in Richmond

If changes in your cheeks, jawline, lower face, or neck
are affecting how you feel about your appearance,
a consultation can help you understand your options.

Meet with Dr. Steven Montante at Montante Plastic Surgery
& Aesthetics in Richmond, Virginia, to discuss whether
deep plane facelift surgery is appropriate for your goals.


Schedule a Consultation