Deep Plane Facelift in Baltimore, MD
Aging affects the deeper structures of the face along with the quality of your skin. The deep plane facelift is a refined surgical technique that targets the underlying muscle and fat layers, repositioning them to restore a youthful structure for long-lasting, natural results.
Dr. Michele Shermak is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence. Patients choose her Baltimore practice not only for her surgical expertise, but for her warm, individualized care. She performs deep plane facelifts for those seeking elegant, subtle facial rejuvenation that looks like them—just better rested and more lifted.
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The procedure is performed under general anesthesia at Dr. Shermak’s fully accredited surgical facility in Baltimore. Incisions are carefully placed along the natural creases around the ears and hairline.
Through these openings, the deeper tissue planes are released and lifted, restoring cheek volume, smoothing smile lines, and redefining the jawline.
This surgery usually takes 3–5 hours. In some cases, patients may choose to combine their deep plane facelift with eyelid surgery, fat grafting, or a neck lift for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
A deep plane facelift addresses signs of aging in the mid and lower face by lifting the foundational support structures of the face—not just the skin—to achieve longer-lasting rejuvenation. This includes working beneath the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), the connective tissue layer that influences facial shape and aging.
Here’s how the procedure is typically performed:
Incisions are carefully placed within the hairline and around the ear, often extending behind the ear for optimal access and discreet healing.
The skin is gently elevated to reveal the SMAS layer. Unlike traditional facelifts, which may manipulate only the skin or superficial layers, the deep plane technique works beneath this structure.
Key facial ligaments that tether the SMAS to deeper anatomy are carefully released, allowing the entire facial unit—skin, fat, and muscle—to move as a single unit.
The deeper tissues are lifted vertically and repositioned, which helps restore the cheek contours, smooth nasolabial folds, and refine the jawline without excessive skin tension, delivering natural-looking results.
The repositioned tissue is secured in its new, elevated position—typically along sturdy structures near the ear—to ensure a durable, natural contour.
Finally, the overlying skin is re-draped without pulling or tension, then meticulously sutured to create soft, well-hidden scars and a refined, rested appearance.
The deep plane facelift is highly effective at addressing several common signs of facial aging:
This procedure addresses the midface, lower cheeks, jawline, and nasolabial folds—the core zones most visibly impacted by deep facial aging.
Because it targets the true causes of facial aging, the deep plane facelift technique has several unique advantages:
Ideal candidates for a deep plane facelift are typically in their 40s to 60s, in good general health, and experiencing visible sagging in the mid-to-lower face. If you’re seeking a more profound improvement than injectables can offer—and want results that feel like you—Dr. Shermak will help determine if this procedure is the right fit.
Patients return home on the day of their surgery with an aftercare plan in place. Swelling and bruising peak within the first week and resolve over 2–3 weeks. Dr. Shermak provides detailed post-operative instructions and sees her patients regularly throughout recovery.
You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks, but light walking is encouraged early on. Most patients feel comfortable returning to public and social activities in about 2–3 weeks.
Initial changes are visible as swelling decreases, typically within 2 to 3 weeks. However, final results refine over several months as tissues settle.
You can expect a smoother jawline, fuller cheeks, softened folds, and a rested, more alert appearance that still looks like you. Most patients enjoy their results for a decade or more. Practicing good sun protection and healthy habits help support long-lasting results.
Dr. Michele Shermak is a board-certified plastic surgeon who brings decades of experience, national recognition, and a uniquely compassionate approach to every patient.
Known for her work on the ASPS Patient Education Committee, numerous publications, and leadership in plastic surgery organizations, Dr. Shermak combines world-class expertise with the warmth and attentiveness that define her Baltimore-based practice. Patients trust her for results that reflect both art and integrity.
Deep plane and SMAS facelifts differ in the depth of tissue manipulation. The deep plane approach targets deeper facial structures, including muscles and ligaments, enabling thorough correction of midface and jawline sagging. This results in longer-lasting, more natural outcomes. Conversely, the SMAS facelift tightens the superficial tissue layer under the skin. While it improves appearance, its lift is less extensive and might not tackle deeper aging signs as effectively.
A deep plane facelift elevates deeper tissues like the SMAS layer, not just skin, resulting in more natural and longer-lasting results.
Incisions are carefully placed around the ears and hairline and typically heal very well.
Not necessarily. Suitability depends more on facial anatomy and goals than age. Many candidates are in their 40s and 50s.
Deep plane facelift results typically last 10–15 years,
Yes. This procedure is often paired with eyelid surgery, fat grafting, buccal fat pad removal, or a neck lift for full facial rejuvenation.
