Have you started noticing changes that your face looks more tired or drawn in recent days? Are you finding that sagging skin and a loss of definition in your cheeks or jawline are making you appear older than you’d like? If this sounds familiar, you might be wondering whether a deep plane facelift could help.
Many patients begin exploring this option when non-surgical treatments no longer offer the results they are seeking, or when facial changes start affecting how they feel about their appearance.
A deep plane facelift can help improve visible signs of aging by addressing deeper facial structures rather than just tightening skin. For patients over 40, this procedure may offer meaningful benefits, particularly when there is still good skin elasticity. Those in their mid-40s to early 50s often see especially favourable outcomes, though healthy patients well into their seventies can also achieve strong results.
Whether you’re considering this step due to gradual changes in your appearance, frustration with short-term fixes, or simply a desire to feel more like yourself again, understanding how the face naturally evolves with age and how a deep plane facelift works can help you determine if this procedure is the right fit for you.
What happens to our skin as we age?
With age, the skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. Fat distribution also changes. These developments include:
- Decreased elasticity: Elastin and collagen levels decline, making skin less firm and more prone to wrinkles.
- Thinning: The epidermis (the skin’s outer layer) becomes thinner and more fragile.
- Fat pad changes: Fat in the temples, chin, and cheeks shifts downward, reducing volume and facial contours.
- Drier skin: Oil and sweat production slows, contributing to dryness and increased sensitivity.
- Sagging: Jowls and the jawline begin to droop and lose definition.
Many patients begin considering deep plane facelifts at this stage.
What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical approach that lifts and repositions both the skin and underlying facial structures, including fat and muscle. Compared to traditional methods, this technique can help create more natural-looking and longer-lasting improvements.
The procedure involves carefully dissecting the deep plane of the face, where the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) lies. This layer of connective tissue and muscle is supported by facial ligaments.
By releasing these ligaments, the surgeon can reposition the SMAS without placing tension on the skin, helping to produce a smoother, more natural result.
How do you know if you are ready to have this procedure?
There is no universal timeline for facial surgery, as aging varies from individual to individual. Dr. Solomon offers personalized guidance to support patients in making informed decisions when they feel ready.
Patients noticing any of the following changes, regardless of age, may be candidates for a deep plane facelift:
- Skin laxity of the jawline or neck
- Volume loss in the mid-to-lower face
- Pronounced marionette lines or deep nasolabial folds
Patients in Their 40s and 50s
Each patient ages differently. While genetics plays a role, lifestyle, nutrition, sun exposure, and other factors all contribute. Visible signs of aging often begin appearing in the mid-to-late 40s, including sagging that may convey fatigue or sadness.
Although collagen and elastin production declines during this time, many patients in their 40s and 50s still have sufficient skin tone and tissue strength to support healing and maintain long-term results. Patients in this age group often seek subtle, lasting enhancements that preserve a natural appearance.
Dr. Solomon prioritizes outcomes that appear balanced and refined. A deep plane facelift at this stage can help maximize the longevity of results.
Older Individuals
For patients showing more advanced aging, procedures such as brow lifts, facelifts, or eyelid surgeries may still offer meaningful improvements while maintaining a discreet, natural appearance. Although midlife is often an ideal time for a deep plane facelift, it is not the only opportunity.
Patients who pursue the procedure later in life can still experience noticeable benefits. Even those with a history of facial surgery may be eligible. Due to the lasting effects of deep plane facelifts, individuals who undergo the surgery later may not require another procedure.
The General Rule
Facial rejuvenation is most commonly performed between the ages of 40 and 70. During this window, many patients display clearer signs of aging while still maintaining the skin tone and elasticity needed for strong surgical outcomes.
Patients younger than 40 may not yet benefit from a facelift and could consider non-surgical treatments or a mini facelift instead. Older individuals may have reduced skin elasticity or thinning that limits results, although candidacy is assessed individually.
Book Your Consultation With Solomon Facial Plastic
A deep plane facelift can be a meaningful option for patients seeking to restore a more defined jawline, soften deep folds, or address sagging in the lower face and neck. If you are exploring facial rejuvenation because topical treatments or injectables no longer meet your goals, this procedure may be a natural next step.
Determining whether you are a good candidate involves more than age alone. A consultation with Dr. Solomon allows for a detailed assessment based on your facial structure, skin condition, and desired outcome.
He brings over two decades of focused experience in facial procedures, including deep plane facelifts, to help guide that process.
If you are considering a deep plane facelift in Toronto, the team at Solomon Facial Plastic can walk you through what to expect. To get started, contact the Thornhill clinic at 855-519-2799 or the Davenport clinic at 416-864-6100. You can also request more information through the contact page.
Jul 01st 2025