Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Hobgood specializes in the preservation deep plane facelift, a modern facial plastic surgery technique that delivers superior results while preserving soft tissue. As a facelift expert with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hobgood has performed more than 2,000 facelift procedures and is widely considered one of the best deep plane facelift surgeons in Scottsdale and beyond. His refined surgical judgment and an innate artistic eye create results that restore youthful balance and harmony while maintaining natural expression and character.
Unlike traditional facelift methods that focus primarily on lifting the skin, the preservation deep plane technique repositions deeper tissues and muscles as a structural unit, producing more natural, longer-lasting outcomes. Before recommending a deep plane facelift to patients from Scottsdale, Arizona, Dr. Hobgood evaluates their concerns, signs of aging, and aesthetic goals, drawing on his depth of experience with complex facial anatomy and his commitment to individualized care.
A preservation deep plane facelift overcomes the limitations of traditional facelift procedures by addressing both the deeper muscle layer and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). It vertically lifts and repositions these underlying structures while preserving the surrounding soft tissues.
People considering facelift surgery may often worry that the results won’t look natural. Those concerns typically stem from seeing the “skin only” lifting techniques used in earlier methods. Aesthetic surgeons now understand that facial aging involves a loss of volume and bone density, along with sagging tissue and muscles beneath the skin. These changes can deepen the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jowls, and lead to neck banding and a softening of the definition between the chin and neck.
The deep plane facelift approach releases and undermines the SMAS tissues of the face and the platysma muscles in the neck and jawline, allowing for the complete repositioning of the soft tissues, fat, and muscles of the platform beneath the skin. Dr. Hobgood is thus able to artistically reconstruct the volume of the lower face and neck for a youthful, natural rejuvenation that has become the gold standard in contemporary facelifting.
The Benefits of Preserving Tissue
Preserving tissue during a deep plane facelift generally leads to better results because it maintains the face’s natural anatomy, blood supply, and structural support while allowing Dr. Hobgood to reposition tissues as a single, connected unit rather than just pulling on the skin.
By maintaining blood supply, minimizing skin tension, and lifting the face as an integrated unit, a tissue-preserving deep plane facelift can produce results that are:
Less likely to appear overdone
More natural-looking
Better balanced
Longer-lasting
This approach minimizes surgical trauma while maximizing rejuvenation, which contributes to a smoother recovery and more predictable outcomes.
Every procedure I perform is carefully planned to achieve balanced, natural results that complement each patient’s individual features.
– Dr. Hobgood
Before and After Deep Plane Facelift in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Deep Plane Facelift in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Deep Plane Facelift in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Deep Plane Facelift in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Deep Plane Facelift in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Arizona?
The cost of a deep plane facelift in the Scottsdale area varies depending on several factors, including the extent of surgery needed and if it’s combined with other procedures. Similarly, male facelift cost and the cost of a mini facelift are dependent on individual factors. Learn more about these pricing considerations in our related blog post. During your consultation, we discuss what you can expect to pay based on your unique case.
Dr. Todd Hobgood
Dr. Hobgood combines his down-to-earth, personable demeanor with an artistic eye and technical expertise honed through thousands of surgeries, including more than 1,700 facelifts and over 5,000 rhinoplasties. He's recognized nationally for his leadership and has been honored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for his ongoing commitment to quality.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
Dr. Hobgood believes most women and men considering surgical facial rejuvenation can benefit from the deep plane facelift technique. It’s typically recommended for individuals concerned about:
Sagging or drooping skin in the mid-to-lower face, cheeks, jowls, and neck
Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Loss of definition in the jawline
Loose skin and wrinkles in the neck
Who is NOT a good candidate for a deep plane facelift? These individuals generally fall into three categories: (1) those with significant health risks, (2) those without enough signs of aging to justify surgery, and (3) those with unrealistic expectations.
During your personalized consultation, Dr. Hobgood will explore your concerns and assess your candidacy for the procedure. Review his more than 125 before-and-after facelift photos and glowing patient reviews, that include more than 380 5-star reviews on Google, for evidence of his expertise.
How Does a Deep Plane Facelift Compare to Other Techniques?
The main difference between a deep plane facelift and an SMAS facelift, or a mini facelift vs facelift, lies in how the underlying facial tissues are lifted and repositioned. The surgical approach affects how natural the results look, the longevity of the procedure, and overall facial rejuvenation.
Deep Plane Facelift
Traditional SMAS Facelift
Mini Facelift
Technique
Full release of foundation soft tissues and muscle ligaments
Release of lateral SMAS tissues
SMASectomy and Plication
Mechanism
Natural, vertical lifting of volume over bone structure for restoration
Pulling of SMAS upward to girdle the soft tissues
Excision of strip of SMAS and plication
Downtime
3-4 weeks
3-4 weeks
2 weeks
Operating Room Time
3-4 hours
3-4 hours
2 hours
Incisions
In front and behind ears hidden into hairline
In front and behind ears hidden into hairline
In front of ear and limited behind ear
Dissection
Deeper release of the SMAS into the cheek and neck
Less release of SMAS
Subcutaneous to remove a strip of SMAS and plicate
Advantages
Natural, youthful redraping of soft tissues and skin without a pulled appearance
Slightly lower risk of facial nerve injury, less technically demanding
Maximal neck improvement, girdle effect on the midface for tightening
Remove loose skin at jowl, no neck change
"A deep plane facelift allows me to reposition the face at a deeper level, restoring your natural contours in a way that looks beautifully refined and naturally balanced."
- Todd C. Hobgood, MD
What’s the Difference Between a Deep Plane and SMAS Facelift?
The main difference between a preservation deep plane facelift and an SMAS facelift is the level of tissue repositioning. A deep plane facelift releases and lifts deeper facial structures as a single unit, creating more natural, longer-lasting results. A SMAS facelift primarily tightens and repositions tissue without fully releasing these deeper attachments, which can limit the degree of rejuvenation.
During your consultation, Dr. Hobgood will assess your anatomy and goals to determine which technique will provide the most natural, balanced result for you.
A Must-Have for Facelift Patients
"The Insider's Guide to Getting a Facelift" is the definitive e-book that distinguishes facts from myths and describes the journey of a facelift patient with engaging content and easy-to-understand illustrations.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood is one of the leading facelift experts in the U.S., and he's drawn on years of experience to create this Insider's Guide.
Dr. Hobgood's Insider's Guide describes:
Why modern facelift techniques create results that look natural
Who is a good candidate for a facelift
What the difference is between a full and a mini facelift
When you can expect to see friends socially after a facelift
Submit the form below to receive our free eGuide as part of a short series of emails on Facelift.
How Is a Deep Plane Facelift Performed?
A deep plane facelift is performed by releasing and repositioning deeper facial tissues beneath the SMAS layer, allowing the entire facial structure to be lifted more naturally. As part of Dr. Hobgood’s customized surgical strategy honed over his more than 20 years of experience, he carefully plans incisions to conceal them in front of and behind the ears.
During the surgery, Dr. Hobgood goes below the SMAS, a layer of muscles, fibrous tissue, and fat under the skin, to precisely release ligaments connected to the SMAS. This technique sets the deep plane lift apart from the SMAS facelift or its more limited, short-scar counterpart, the mini facelift. The deep plane facelift’s vertical lift produces a refreshed, natural appearance without a pulled or “windswept” look.
Once all tissues are addressed, Dr. Hobgood closes the incisions with expert care, creating tension-free sutures that ensure lasting results for 10 years or more.
What Procedures Are Commonly Combined With a Deep Plane Facelift?
Yes, the neck is typically included with a deep plane facelift. Dr. Hobgood performs a deep neck lift to address issues such as neck bands and “turkey neck” for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Depending on the extent of your aging symptoms, you may also benefit from a deep neck lift to address pronounced neck banding and sagging skin.
A Reputation Built on Results
Dr. Hobgood is truly one of a kind.
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You can expect the recovery to take 3 to 6 weeks, although most patients can return to work and light physical activity after 2 weeks. Recovery after facelift surgery involves several stages, including physical and social downtime. The initial healing phase lasts about a week. The second stage occurs as your initial swelling and bruising resolve, and you feel comfortable going to dinner or other informal social gatherings. This typically occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. The final stage can take 3 or 4 months, depending on when you feel ready to attend a significant event, such as a wedding.
Common Recovery Questions
How soon can you drive after a deep plane facelift?
You can resume driving once you are off prescription medication and feel comfortable turning your head without restriction.
How long does bruising last after a deep plane facelift?
Bruising reaches its peak in the first week and will gradually lighten and fade over the next 1 to 2 weeks.
How painful is a deep plane facelift?
You will be anesthesized and comfortably asleep during your deep plane facelift, but you may experience some discomfort during the first 2 to 3 weeks post-op. However, we help you manage discomfort with prescribed pain medications. Our team is available to assist you if you experience unusual pain after your surgery.
What will the scars look like?
Dr. Hobgood makes deep plane facelift incisions in discreet locations so scars are virtually invisible after you heal. Incisions are hidden behind the ear, within the hairline, and under the chin, if needed. During the early recovery phases, scars will appear raised and reddish before they flatten and fade.
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Deep Plane Facelift FAQ
What is the best age for a deep plane facelift?
There’s no “best” age for a deep plane facelift. Even though many patients don’t consider surgical rejuvenation until their 50s or 60s, a deep plane facelift is an excellent option for women and men over 40 who want their appearance to match the youthfulness they feel.
Is a deep plane facelift safe?
A deep plane facelift performed by an expert such as Dr. Hobgood is very safe. His uncompromising commitment to patient safety is reflected by the fact he has had no cases of facial nerve paralysis or skin flap necrosis after more than 2,000 facelift procedures.
How long does swelling last after a deep plane facelift?
Swelling after a deep plane facelift generally lasts 2 to 4 weeks, with the majority resolving in the first few weeks. Because this technique repositions deeper facial tissues, some subtle swelling may take a few months to fully resolve as the face settles into its new contours. Most patients look presentable within 2 to 3 weeks and continue to see refinement in their results over time.
How much younger do you look after getting a facelift?
A deep plane facelift can make you look about 10 to 15 years younger, depending on individual factors and the extent of the procedure.
How long will my results last?
Deep plane facelift results are long-lasting, with results typically lasting 10 years or longer. Factors such as skin type, lifestyle habits, and genetics influence the longevity of your results. The preservation deep plane facelift technqiue used by Dr. Hobgood typically produces longer-lasting results. Tension-free suturing, vertical lifting rather than pulling laterally, and repositioning tissue instead of pulling skin tight all contribute to results that can last more than a decade. You can preserve your youthful look by using medical-grade skincare products and avoiding sun exposure.
How many hours is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift typically lasts between 3 to 5 hours. However, the actual surgical time depends on the extent of correction needed and whether you are undergoing any other procedures at the same time.
Are you awake for a deep plane facelift?
No, you will be under general anesthesia or deeply sedated during your deep plane facelift.
What is a deep plane lower facelift?
A deep plane lower facelift is a targeted version of the deep plane technique that focuses on lifting and repositioning the jawline, jowls, and upper neck. It uses the same advanced approach as a full deep plane facelift, but is limited to the lower face, making it ideal for patients with early to moderate sagging who do not need midface correction.
How do I find the best deep plane facelift surgeon in Scottsdale?
It’s essential to do your research and seek out a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive facelift experience. While “best” is subjective, Dr. Hobgood is a double board-certified deep plane facelift specialist serving the Scottsdale area who has performed thousands of facelifts, received numerous prestigious awards, and has consistently high patient ratings.
Is a neck lift included in a deep plane facelift?
Dr. Hobgood typically includes a neck lift in your treatment plan.
Ready To Talk With Dr. Hobgood?
If you’re looking for a facial plastic surgeon with the training and skill to perform advanced techniques such as a deep plane facelift, request a consultation with Dr. Hobgood using the online form or call our practice at
(480) 214-9955.
