Deep Plane Facelift in Glen Carbon
When you look in the mirror and pull the skin near your ears back with your fingers, you’re seeing the pulled-tight look of the past. It’s a static, two-dimensional fix for a three-dimensional problem. Facial aging is directly caused by the structural descent of the muscles and fat pads underneath. If you only tighten the skin, you end up looking like you’re in a wind tunnel. It looks fake because it is fake.
At MidAmerica Plastic Surgery, we’ve moved beyond traditional facelift techniques that rely on surface tension. Dr. Diederich performs the deep plane facelift, a sophisticated facelift surgery that focuses on the architectural integrity of the lower face and neck. By releasing the tissues at their deepest attachments, we can reposition the entire facial structure as one cohesive unit.
The deep plane facelift procedure is an advanced surgical technique that repositions the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and the deeper tissues as a single layer. This allows movement as a single unit, improving the midface, jowls, and neck without placing tension on skin to provide natural results.
We prioritize natural-looking results that don't scream that you've had surgery. Because we aren't pulling the facial skin, the incisions heal beautifully, and the facial features remain harmonious.
Most patients seeking facial rejuvenation in their late 40s to 60s are excellent candidates. If you feel your lower face looks heavy or your neck has significant excess skin, you likely need the heavy lifting that only the deep plane can provide.
We look for healthy individuals who have realistic expectations. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your medical history; we may ask you to clear the surgery with your primary care physician if you have underlying conditions. You must be able to stop smoking and avoid certain medications that increase bleeding.
We don't "fix" a face, we restore its original proportions.
By releasing the ligaments in the deep plane, we can lift the cheeks, which softens the deep lines between the nose and mouth.
The deep plane technique is unmatched for crisping the jawline. We reposition the displaced fat that creates jowls to restore a smooth, linear profile.
We address the turkey neck by tightening the platysma muscle. This provides a sharp, youthful angle between the chin and the neck.
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Everything we do is personalized to your specific needs. During your consultation, we don’t just look at aging, we look at your bone structure and skin quality. We’ll discuss treatment options, including whether to pair your facelift with other procedures like a brow lift or eyelid surgery.
We’ll give you a detailed list of what to avoid, like blood thinners and certain medications, and what to start, ensuring your facial skin is in peak condition for the procedure.
Your surgery is performed at our specialized surgery center under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with deep sedation, depending on the complexity.
Dr. Diederich uses a meticulous approach, placing incisions carefully along the natural hairline and the curves of the ear. Once in the deep plane, he releases the tethering ligaments. This allows the deeper tissues to be moved vertically without any tension on the skin. After the structure is secured, any excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed with hair-thin sutures.
The deep plane facelift recovery is surprisingly manageable because we don't separate the skin from the tissues, which preserves blood flow. You can expect some swelling and bruising, which usually peaks at day three.
Many patients are back to restaurant-ready status in a little over a week. You'll have follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures. We’ll provide specific pain medications to ensure you’re comfortable during the first few days.
You’ll see a refreshed appearance almost immediately, but the natural-looking "settling" takes about three to six months. This is when the swelling completely dissipates, and the facial features look soft and untouched. Because the deep plane addresses the source of facial aging, your more youthful appearance will age naturally with you over the next decade.
Facelift pricing reflects the unmatched expertise required to operate in the deep plane. This is one of the most complex procedures in facial plastic surgery. During your visit to our Glen Carbon office, we will provide a comprehensive quote that includes the surgeon's fee, surgery center costs, and anesthesia.
Financing through PatientFi or CareCredit is available to help manage the investment.
"In the world of facial plastic surgery, the deep plane facelift is often the go-to. But it requires a well-trained surgeon with a deep understanding of anatomy. I don't believe in the pulled look. My goal is for your friends to tell you that you look rested, not that you look done. I’ve spent my career perfecting this meticulous approach because I value the natural harmony of the face. We treat your surgery as a piece of fine art. With precision, taste, and long-lasting results." — Dr. Ryan Diederich
Dr. Diederich is a Southern Illinois native realizing his dream of giving back to the community. He helps patients feel and look their best with his surgical skills and compassionate care.
We understand that the decision to undergo facelift surgery is a big one, and the noise of the internet doesn't always help. Our team in Glen Carbon is here to cut through that static and help you understand exactly what the deep plane can do for your concerns. Whether you prefer to call, email, or send a quick message on Instagram, we’re ready to help you out and get your consultation on the calendar.
A traditional facelift or SMAS lift pulls the facial strength layer, but the deep plane goes underneath it. This allows for a more significant lift of the midface and a more natural result without tension.
Because we are moving the deeper tissues, these are long-lasting results—typically 10 to 15 years.
Dr. Diederich places incisions in the natural creases of the ear and hairline. Once healed, they are virtually invisible to the untrained eye.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to social and professional settings within 10 to 14 days, once the bruising has subsided.
Yes. In fact, an extended deep plane facelift inherently addresses the neck by tightening the platysma muscle and removing excess skin for a total facial rejuvenation.
