Deep Plane FaceliftFacial Surgery in Albany, New York

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Deep Plane Facelift Consultation

During his comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Williams uses computerized photo imaging for patients to see the potential outcome of their procedures. The procedure for the midface and neck area addresses the lower two thirds of the face. During the consultation, Dr. Williams will discuss the benefits of this procedure and make sure they align with any expectations.

Dr. Williams will discuss other procedures that can be performed along with the deep plane facelift to help patients obtain their personal enhancement goals.

Patient’s health and well-being are always Dr. Williams’ priority. Medical history will be reviewed during the consultation along with the potential surgical plan before surgery is scheduled. Laboratory tests may be required.

Even though patients have two thirds of their face addressed with this procedure, the incision lines for these are the same as the weekend facelift.


During the consultation, patients will be evaluated for loss of volume and the location of dislocated or settled tissues in order to determine which of the four facelift procedures are the best course of action.

Approximately 60–70% of the patients receiving this treatment also undergo fat transfers to the areas where volume is lost. Dr. Williams uses a deep plane approach which enables him to elevate and replace tissue back to where it belongs.

With this approach, he is able to move more tissue in many different vector pulls; for example, some tissue requires lifting while others would need to be gently pulled back.

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Deep Plane Facelift Recovery: What to Expect

Prior to your deep plane facelift surgery, Dr. Williams will walk you through what to expect in recovery and give you detailed post-operative care instructions. Because a deep plane facelift generates longer-lasting results than a less-invasive procedure like Botox, recovery will take longer. 

Recovery can take about two to three weeks, depending on the patient.

For the first three days after surgery, the head dressing will remain. After that time, hair may be washed and brushed.

You can expect bruising, swelling, and discomfort for the first two to three weeks. 

You’ll have some residual swelling for up to three months or longer after surgery, though this varies by patient, with some patients experiencing swelling for up to six months.

Deep plane facelifts scars are very minimal and fade over time.

Why Have the Deep Plane Facelift?

In order to make a decision regarding any type of facial cosmetic procedure, it is important that clients determine their objectives and expectations in advance. If patients have avoided such procedures because of the anesthesia requirement and the lengthy downtime associated with recovery from such surgery, this procedure is different.

The recovery for this procedure is about 14 days. Patients will have bruising and swelling during this time. However, obvious results of a positive nature can be felt and seen immediately following the surgery and patients typically recover very well with Dr. Williams' modern and innovative approach.

Patients will usually complain of soreness on the sides of their neck and a tight feeling around their neck rather than actual pain. These symptoms improve more and more each day following surgery.

Ultimately, this facelift will dramatically change patient’s lives for the better by restoring a higher level of confidence and greater satisfaction with their appearance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does the Deep Plane Facelift involve?

    The combination of IV sedation and general anesthesia are typically used. The deep plane facelift is different from a traditional facelift in several ways. Traditional facelift procedures do not address the middle area of the face. This procedure accomplishes all that the traditional facelift does and more. Operating in the deeper plane affords the patient less swelling and more of a natural result.

    The incision lines are the same as the weekend facelift, starting in the temple hairline, continuing down around the ear, right up behind the ear and into the hairline. Often, liposuction and contouring of the neck along with lipotransfers may be performed based on each patient’s customized surgical plan.

    After the appropriate incisions are created by the surgeon, the skin is separated from the underlying muscle and fat. Fat is suctioned from around the chin and neck or trimmed if there is not an excessive amount in this area. After this is completed, the muscles are tightened, the excess skin is removed, and the incision is securely closed.

  • Are there risks involved with the procedure?

    As with all cosmetic procedures, complications following a facial rejuvenation surgery are possible and doctors will make patients aware of all potential health risks prior to making a final decision. Some of these include but are not limited to: poor healing, infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

    The best way to avoid post-surgery complications is to precisely follow surgical instructions and report any abnormal symptoms or side effects as soon as they occur. Swelling, bruising, neck tightness, numbness and discomfort are the most common side effects.

  • How soon can I return to work after the Deep Plane Facelift?

    Most patients can return to work in ten to 14 days, although swelling and bruising may still be visible. Patients should no longer be in any pain or discomfort by that time and, if their job does not require strenuous activity, there is no reason patients would be unable to return to work.

    However, patients should speak to their surgeon if their job requires them to work outdoors, as direct sunlight should be avoided for approximately a month.

  • What can I expect from the Deep Plane Facelift Post Surgery?

    The head dressing remains for three days after surgery. After that time, hair may be washed and brushed.

    Bruising and swelling differs from patient to patient, but most patients can become mobile outside their home in about 10 to 14 days. Hair coloring should be applied immediately before the procedure because patients are advised to wait to color their hair until six weeks after surgery.

  • Is the Deep Plane Facelift Painful?

    Patients are prescribed pain medication for a few days post-surgery, and after that, Tylenol will alleviate any pain. A tight feeling may be experienced under the chin area with some soreness along the sides of the neck or jaw. A bit of numbness may occur on the skin which is a normal response to the procedure.

    For the first several days, the head should be elevated as often as possible and cold compresses should be applied. Following the surgery, the face will appear slightly bruised, puffy and pale. Bruising may take up to two weeks to disappear.

  • Where is the Deep Plane Facelift Incision?

    The incision begins in the temple around the hairline, proceeding down along the hard part of the ear and returning upward in the ear’s back area continuing into the hairline.

    Initially, the incision will be more noticeable. The raised, red area of the incision that appears during the first few weeks fades over time. The sutures are removed generally six to 8 days after surgery. Makeup can usually be applied to the incision line approximately 4 days after the sutures are removed.

    Patients are advised to grow their hair a little longer around their ears if they have short hair in order to cover the incision line during the healing period.

  • What can I expect from the Deep Plane Facelift Post Surgery?

    The head dressing remains for three days after surgery. After that time, hair may be washed and brushed.

    Bruising and swelling differs from patient to patient, but most patients can become mobile outside their home in about 10 to 14 days. Hair coloring should be applied immediately before the procedure because patients are advised to wait to color their hair until six weeks after surgery.

  • Am I A Good Candidate for a Facelift?

    You may be wondering if you are a good candidate for facial rejuvenation cosmetic surgery, and which facelift is right for you. To address the neck area and more, a weekend facelift and/or deep plane facelift are both the procedures of choice. During the initial consultation, you can discuss your individual situation with your cosmetic surgeon, as all patients are unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

    However, below are the characteristics of a good candidate for procedures of this kind:

    • Individuals of both genders, from 35 to 80 years of age, who want to reduce the signs of facial aging
    • Men and women who are emotionally and mentally stable and in good physical health
    • Clients with hollowness beneath the eyes or heaviness below the cheeks
    • Individuals with concerns of saggy neck skin
    • Individuals who want improvement in their jaw line
    • Individuals who are not at an increased risk for complications and who do not have any health conditions that may impede the healing process

    Finally, all prospective clients must have realistic expectations about the procedure and understand that it will not stop the aging process altogether, but rather eliminate sagging skin and reduce the visible signs of aging.

  • What is the Deep Plane Facelift Cost and Time Frame?

    The cost of this facelift is approximately $12,500 to $14,500. In addition, there will be an operating room fee and possible anesthesia fee. The deep plane facelift procedure typically takes three to three-and-a-half hours, though that may vary.

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Call us today at (518) 786-7000

If you have been considering any type of facial rejuvenating procedure, you should schedule an appointment with an board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Edwin Williams, who can fully explain the advantages and disadvantages of cosmetic surgery and help you determine whether or not it is something you wish to pursue.

During the consultation you will be able to discuss your desired results, what the surgery will be like, the cost of facelift surgery, and get all of your questions answered.

Looking and feeling younger enhances the lives of many individuals, and you have nothing to lose by learning all you can about the pros and cons of a deep plane facelift.

The Consultation

Dr. Williams will use computerized photos to demonstrate your procedure’s potential outcome during the consultation.  The deep plane facelift will include the restoration of the cheek area to a more defined look and to its original position, improvement in hollowness of the lower eyelid, and contouring of the neck area and along the jawline. Dr. Williams will discuss potential outcomes, aligning them with specific procedures.

The procedure for the midface and neck area addresses two thirds of your face.  During your consultation, Dr. Williams will discuss the benefits of this procedure and make sure they align with your expectations.  Tissue which has settled with gravity and age will be elevated.  Dr. Williams will discuss whether other procedures performed in combination with your deep plane facelift will help you obtain your personal enhancement goals.

The patient’s health and well being are always Dr. Williams’ first priority.  Medical history will be reviewed along with the potential surgical plan before surgery is scheduled.  Laboratory tests may be required.

The New England Laser and Cosmetic Center located in Albany, New York, is a free standing ambulatory surgery center under the direction of Dr. Edwin Williams.  The nursing staff is specifically trained in plastic surgery. Two fully equipped operating rooms and a recovery room are housed on the location. The facility complies with all mandated guidelines and requirements for operating rooms and is approved by the New York State Department of Health and is accredited by AAAHC. Anesthesia providers monitor the patient during the procedure while an experienced registered nurse monitors patients during recovery.

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Am I a candidate for a facelift?

If you’re thinking about having facelift surgery, but aren’t sure if it’s for you, take this survey to find out if you’re a candidate for facelift plastic surgery.

Take Our Facelift Survey!