A deep plane facelift and neck lift are the most effective ways to achieve facial rejuvenation in patients who have skin and muscle laxity. These procedures are often performed alongside one another to improve your facial aesthetics cohesively, making the face and neck match in youthfulness.
By taking the time to learn about this procedure, you may gain a better understanding of whether it is right for you.
Dr. Gabriele C. Miotto is an award-winning and internationally recognized dual Board-certified Plastic Surgeon at ME Plastic Surgery. Dr. Miotto specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face and eyes and is known for delivering timeless, natural-looking results with each procedure she performs.
If you are ready to meet with Dr. Miotto and find out if this procedure is right for you, please contact us online or call our Atlanta office at (404) 850-5851. We also encourage you to follow Dr. Miotto and her practice on Instagram at @drmiotto and @meplasticsatlanta
Contents
About Deep Plane Facelifts and Neck Lifts
A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that can restore a more contoured and youthful-looking appearance from the cheeks to the jawline. This technique lifts and repositions the facial skin, fat pads, and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), as well as the underlying ligaments and structures, as one unit, avoiding the “overtightened” or “pulled” appearance that many people associate with facelifts. (1)
A neck lift, also known as a cervicoplasty, restores a defined and youthful-looking appearance across the jawline and neck. Dr. Miotto can perform this procedure to correct age-related changes and concerns in this area by reshaping and lifting the neck muscles, removing fat, trimming the submandibular salivary gland when needed, and excising any loose or lax skin.
Who Makes a Good Candidate?
Anyone interested in this procedure will need to be in good general health, lead a nicotine-free life, and maintain realistic expectations for their results.
Dr. Miotto may suggest that you undergo a deep plane facelift and neck lift if your concerns are overall facial and neck aging. Several indications for undergoing this procedure include:
- Deep Marionette lines
- Nasolabial Folds
- Skin Laxity
- Jowling
- Descending Facial Fat Pads
- Sagging Neck Skin
- Platysmal Banding
- Stubborn Neck Fat
How Should I Prepare?
Once you have scheduled your procedure, Dr. Miotto will help you prepare by giving you a set of detailed instructions. Preparation steps typically include:
- Avoiding Certain Medications: Refrain from taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Preparing Time Away: Make arrangements to take a step away from any personal, professional, and social commitments and responsibilities.
- Acquiring Medications: Before undergoing your procedure, fill any prescriptions that you will need throughout your recovery.
- Avoiding Substance Use: Stop consuming alcohol and other substances in the weeks leading up to your procedure, as well as the weeks following it. If you use nicotine, Dr. Miotto will require you to quit several months in advance.
In addition to these general guidelines, please closely follow any other instructions you receive. By doing so, you can lay a foundation for a safe, effective procedure with optimal results.
Procedure
Dr. Miotto performs deep plane facelift and neck lift procedures on an outpatient basis at AAAASF or Joint Commission Certified surgery centers in Atlanta.
Recovery After a Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift
After a deep plane facelift and neck lift procedure, you will need to take some time away from your professional and social responsibilities to give yourself time to recover. You can expect some swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the treated areas throughout the initial healing phase. These effects will subside over time, but Dr. Miotto will provide you with further guidance on how to manage them.
You may return to work after resting for approximately two weeks after your procedure. However, you will need to continue avoiding any strenuous or demanding activities for at least six weeks, or until Dr. Miotto has cleared you to return. Throughout your recovery, Dr. Miotto and her team will ask you to attend follow-up appointments. Here, she will remove any sutures and monitor the progression of your results.
Results
You can expect to see stable results of your procedure after approximately three to six months, once any remaining residual swelling has dissipated.
If you receive a neck lift, you can expect to enjoy smoother and tighter skin, reduced neck banding, a sharper jawline, improved definition, and a smoother transition between your jawline, neck, collarbones, and upper shoulders. If you undergo a deep plane facelift, you will be able to experience accentuated facial contours, firmer skin, more contoured features, elevated proportions, and a more youthful-looking appearance overall.
Both deep plane facelift and neck lift procedures yield long-lasting results, with many of Dr. Miotto’s patients enjoying their results for up to a decade. However, you must remember that no procedure can stop the natural aging process from affecting your appearance over time.
Cost of Deep Plane Facelifts and Neck Lifts in Atlanta, GA
The price of your procedure will vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, regardless of whether you undergo a deep plane facelift or a necklift. After meeting with you and determining which approach will be the most beneficial, Dr. Miotto will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate. She additionally offers financing for those who may be interested.
If you are interested in learning more about our pricing, please request a consultation online or call (404) 850-5851. We also encourage you to follow Dr. Miotto and her practice on Instagram at @drmiotto and @meplasticsatlanta
FAQ
What is the difference between a deep plane facelift and a neck lift?
A deep plane facelift lifts and elevates the skin, facial soft tissues, the SMAS layer, and its underlying ligaments as one unit to address age-related concerns around the middle and lower portions of the face. A neck lift removes excess fat, tightens the platysmal muscles, reshapes enlarged submandibular glands, and excises fat from around the neck. These procedures are typically performed alongside each other for the best results, as the structures age together as a unit.
How will I know if I am a good candidate for either procedure?
A consultation with Dr. Miotto is the best way to determine which procedure is best for you. During this meeting, she will listen to your concerns, learn more about your goals, assess your facial anatomy, and evaluate your skin’s quality. She will then use this information to decide the best approach.
Are the results of a deep plane facelift and neck lift permanent?
The results of these procedures can last for several years on end, with many patients experiencing the effects of both procedures for up to a decade. However, it is important to remember that no procedure can stop the natural aging process and that your appearance will continue to change with time.
Can Dr. Miotto combine a deep plane facelift and a neck lift into one treatment plan?
Yes, Dr. Miotto can integrate both procedures into a single treatment plan to help you achieve more cohesive recontouring. In fact, these procedures are more commonly performed together than separately. If you are interested in combining your procedure with another, we recommend scheduling a consultation for more personalized information.
References
- Talei B, Gould D, Hedyeh Ziai. Vectorial Analysis of Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Published online April 23, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjae102
- Endoscopic Deep Plane Facelift: A Classified Approach. Nih.gov. Published 2024. Accessed May 29, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12548052/
- Lellouch AG, Knoedler L, Alfertshofer M, et al. Deep neck surgery in deep plane facelifts – learning from evidence and experience. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2025;107:247-257. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2025.06.036
