Not All Deep Plane Facelifts Are Equal
The term "deep plane facelift" has become one of the most searched phrases in aesthetic surgery — and one of the most misused. Many surgeons describe their procedure as deep plane. Very few are actually operating at the anatomical depth, technical complexity, and comprehensive neck treatment that defines a true deep plane result. Dr. Marotta's deep plane facelift is among the most technically demanding versions of this procedure performed anywhere in the United States. Here is what that actually means for your result.
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Dr. Marotta's Technique: What Makes It Different
The deep plane entry
A standard facelift tightens the SMAS layer — the fibromuscular layer beneath the skin. A true deep plane facelift goes below the SMAS entirely, releasing the retaining ligaments of the face to allow the deeper facial tissues to be repositioned rather than simply pulled. This is a more complex dissection performed at greater anatomical depth. The results are more natural, longer-lasting, and more complete — particularly in the midface and jawline — because the tissue is moved from its foundation, not stretched at the surface.
Vertical vector repositioning
Most aging in the face occurs along a diagonal — tissue descends downward and backward over time. Dr. Marotta repositions the facial tissues vertically — upward — which is the direction they came from. This is why his results look refreshed rather than pulled. Horizontal tension is what creates the windswept, operated appearance. Vertical repositioning is what creates natural rejuvenation.
Deep Neck Contouring — the procedure most surgeons don't offer
The neck is where a facelift result succeeds or fails. Dr. Marotta performs comprehensive deep neck contouring as part of his most advanced procedure — a technical component that very few surgeons in the country include.
Additional Reading
This involves:
Submandibular gland reduction — The submandibular glands sit beneath the jawline and commonly contribute to fullness and irregularity in the neck. Most surgeons do not address them. Dr. Marotta reduces them when indicated, creating a cleaner, more defined jawline-to-neck transition that cannot be achieved through skin tightening alone.
Digastric muscle reduction — The digastric muscles in the floor of the mouth can create a characteristic banding or fullness in the central neck. Addressing them directly — as Dr. Marotta does when appropriate — eliminates this submental fullness at its source rather than camouflaging it.
Submental fat pad reduction — Deep fat beneath the platysma muscle is inaccessible through standard liposuction. Dr. Marotta addresses this layer directly, eliminating the deep neck heaviness that persists after conventional neck procedures.
This level of deep neck work is what separates a comprehensive result from a partial one — and it is the reason Dr. Marotta's procedures consistently produce neck and jawline definition that other deep plane results cannot match.
Fat grafting and facial volume restoration
A complete facial rejuvenation addresses not only descent but volume loss. Dr. Marotta harvests and transfers the patient's own fat to restore youthful fullness in the cheeks, temples, and periorbital area when indicated — creating the three-dimensional restoration that surgery alone cannot achieve.
The Procedures
Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift
Dr. Marotta's signature procedure. Comprehensive deep plane dissection with full neck treatment including platysmal work, submental fat reduction, and vertical repositioning of the facial soft tissue. For patients with moderate to significant facial descent and neck laxity. Duration: approximately 5 hours.
Deep Plane with Deep Neck Contouring
Dr. Marotta's most comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedure. Everything included in the Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift, plus submandibular gland reduction, digastric muscle treatment, and deep submental fat pad reduction. For patients who want the most complete possible neck and jawline result. Duration: approximately 6 hours. This is the procedure that defines Dr. Marotta's most dramatic and long-lasting transformations.
Deep Plane Mini Facelift
A refined, limited-incision version of the deep plane approach for patients in the earlier stages of facial aging who want meaningful improvement without the full recovery of a comprehensive facelift. Duration: approximately 2-3 hours.
Who Is a Candidate?
Deep plane facelifts are not defined by age — they are defined by anatomy and degree of change sought. Ideal candidates for the Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift typically present with jowling along the jawline, descent of the midface and cheek, visible neck laxity or banding, and a desire for results that will last a decade or more rather than a few years.
Candidates for the Deep Plane with Deep Neck Contouring additionally present with submandibular fullness that persists despite weight management, deep neck heaviness or irregularity, or have had previous neck procedures that did not fully address the deep anatomical structures. Dr. Marotta evaluates every patient individually. The procedure he recommends is based entirely on your specific anatomy, not a standard protocol. During your consultation, he will show you exactly what he sees, explain what he plans to address and why, and give you a realistic picture of what your result can achieve.
What to Expect
Consultation
Dr. Marotta spends extensive time with every facelift patient. He uses VECTRA 3D imaging to show you a simulation of your potential result and walks you through his surgical plan in detail. Most patients leave the consultation with a clear understanding of exactly what will be done and why.
Surgery
Performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. Duration ranges from 5-6 hours depending on the procedure. Incisions are placed within the hairline and natural facial contours, designed to be completely concealed.
Recovery
Most patients are presentable within 2-3 weeks and fully recovered within 4-6 weeks. Swelling continues to resolve over several months; final results are typically visible at 6 months. Dr. Marotta's team provides comprehensive recovery support throughout the process.
Results
Deep plane facelift results are permanent in the sense that the repositioned tissue does not return to its descended position. Patients continue to age naturally, but from a rejuvenated baseline — the majority of Dr. Marotta's patients report looking 10-15 years younger than their untreated peers a decade after surgery.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Marotta for Deep Plane Surgery
Dual board-certified in facial plastic surgery AND otolaryngology, head and neck surgery. This dual certification is exceptionally rare — fewer than one in ten plastic surgeons hold both boards. It means Dr. Marotta's training encompasses the full anatomy of the head and neck at the deepest level, which directly informs his approach to the complex deep neck work that defines his most advanced procedures.
20 years of specialization in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Marotta performs facial procedures exclusively — he does not divide his attention across the full spectrum of plastic surgery. His facelift results reflect two decades of refinement of a single craft.
7,000+ procedures performed. 3,000+ five-star reviews. Consistently voted Best Cosmetic Surgeon on Long Island since 2013. Castle Connolly Top Doctor. NewBeauty Top Doctor. These recognitions are meaningful — they reflect what patients actually experience, not just surgical credentials.
Out-of-town patients are welcome. Dr. Marotta has developed a streamlined program for patients traveling from outside Long Island. Virtual consultations, coordinated pre-operative care, and comprehensive post-operative support make it practical for patients throughout the New York metro area and beyond to access his practice.
Deep Plane Facelift Frequently Asked Questions
A SMAS facelift operates on the superficial muscular aponeurotic layer without releasing the underlying retaining ligaments. A true deep plane facelift releases these ligaments and repositions tissue at a deeper anatomical level — allowing more complete treatment of the midface, jowl, and neck with results that are more natural and more durable. The trade-off is greater technical complexity, longer operative time, and a surgeon who must be trained and experienced at this anatomical depth.
The additional structures addressed in the Deep Plane with Deep Neck Contouring procedure do not meaningfully extend recovery time. The recovery timeline is driven primarily by the deep plane dissection itself. Most patients experience a similar recovery arc regardless of whether deep neck work is included.
Results are permanent in terms of the repositioning achieved — the tissue does not descend back to where it was. Most patients maintain their result for 10-15 years before any secondary treatment becomes desirable. This longevity is one of the primary reasons patients choose deep plane surgery over less invasive alternatives.
Yes, in many cases. Dr. Marotta has extensive experience with revision facelift surgery and regularly treats patients whose prior procedures — whether SMAS or skin-only lifts — did not adequately address the deeper structures or produced results they are dissatisfied with. Each revision case requires individual evaluation.
This is determined entirely during consultation based on your anatomy. Dr. Marotta will evaluate the specific structures contributing to your neck appearance and recommend the appropriate level of treatment. Many patients who assume they need the comprehensive procedure do well with the standard approach, and vice versa. There is no protocol — the recommendation is always anatomy-specific.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Marotta, call (631) 982-2022 or book online. Virtual consultations are available for patients outside the Long Island area.
MarottaMD utilizes VECTRA® XT A complete 3D Imaging Solution for Body, Breast, and Face.
We are able to capture face, breast, and body images in ultra-high resolution 3D, to show our patients the exciting possibilities of their simulated aesthetic procedures.
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When you schedule your consultation with Marotta Plastic Surgery Specialists, you can feel secure that the decision you are making is the right one for you. Dr. Marotta’s expertise and skill make him a top Long Island plastic surgeon who enjoys answering your questions. Schedule your consultation today to begin your journey to looking good and feeling good.
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