Facelift / DEEP PLANE • Brentwood, TN
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure performed by Dr. Ashley Guthrie, a fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Brentwood, TN. Unlike traditional facelift techniques that tighten only the skin, a deep plane facelift releases and repositions the deeper muscle and tissue layers of the face, producing results that look natural rather than pulled. It is the most comprehensive surgical option for addressing significant jowling, deep nasolabial folds, midface descent, and neck laxity, with results that typically last 10 to 15 years.
performed by a FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED FACIAL PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON
deep plane vs. standard facelift what's the difference?
The key difference between a deep plane facelift and a traditional facelift lies in what is actually moved. A standard facelift tightens the skin and the superficial muscular layer just beneath it, which can produce improvement but may result in a look that fades faster or appears overly tight. A deep plane facelift goes further, releasing the retaining ligaments that anchor the face and repositioning the deeper structural layers where aging actually originates. This allows the tissue to move more naturally into a youthful position rather than simply being pulled taut. For patients with significant volume descent in the midface, deep jowling, or prominent nasolabial folds, the deep plane approach typically delivers more durable, more natural-looking results.
Facelift (RHYTIDECTOMY)
As we get older, we may develop excess flabby skin on the lower half of our face and our neck, resulting in unsightly jowls and a droopy visage. A rhytidectomy, also known as facelift surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that dramatically reduces or eliminates the presence of sagging skin on the cheeks, jawline, chin, and neck, resulting in a tighter, more youthful, and smoother appearance.
A facelift may be recommended for more advanced signs of aging that cannot be addressed by neuromodulator injectables and dermal fillers. Other cosmetic procedures (i.e. neck lift, blepharoplasty, etc.) may be performed on the same visit to achieve optimal balance and harmony of facial features.
who is a good candidate for deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift is best suited for patients who have developed noticeable signs of facial aging that cannot be addressed through non-surgical treatments alone. During your consultation, Dr. Guthrie will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals to determine whether this procedure is right for you. Candidates typically share several of the following characteristics:
- Visible jowling along the jawline
- Deep nasolabial folds (the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
- Descended midface volume or flattened cheeks
- Loose or excess skin on the neck
- Generally good overall health with no conditions that impair healing
- Non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- Realistic expectations for surgical improvement
- Typically between the ages of 45 and 65, though candidates outside this range are evaluated individually
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery:
What to Expect
Recovery from a deep plane facelift is gradual, and knowing what to expect at each stage helps patients feel more confident going into surgery. Here is a general timeline:
Days 1 to 3
You will go home with surgical dressings in place. Swelling and bruising are at their peak during this period, which is completely normal. Rest, keeping your head elevated, and cold compresses as directed are the priorities.
Week 1
You will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Guthrie during this week. Drains, if placed, are typically removed in the first few days. Light activity around the house is fine.
Week 2
Sutures are removed, and most patients begin to feel more like themselves. You may still have residual bruising, but it is typically manageable with light coverage makeup by the end of week two.
Weeks 3 to 4
Most patients return to light work and social activities. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that raise your heart rate significantly should still be avoided.
Weeks 6 to 8
Dr. Guthrie will clear you for all normal activity, including exercise, at this stage.
When will I see my final results?
Swelling continues to resolve gradually. Most patients see their results settling and sharpening at the three-month mark, with the final outcome fully visible around four to six months after surgery.
How Much Does a
Deep Plane Facelift Cost
in Nashville?
The cost of a deep plane facelift in the Nashville and Brentwood area generally ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on several factors specific to your procedure. The three main variables that affect cost are surgical complexity (the degree of aging being addressed and whether additional procedures are combined), operating room and anesthesia time (a deep plane facelift is a longer, more technically involved procedure than a mini facelift), and the experience and training level of your surgeon. A fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon who performs this procedure regularly commands a different fee structure than a general plastic surgeon who performs it occasionally, and for a procedure this precise, that distinction matters. Dr. Guthrie will provide a personalized quote during your consultation based on your individual anatomy and goals.
Facelift Before & After Gallery
Patient Before & After
- Facelift
- Necklift
- Endoscopic Brow Lift
- Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
- SMAS transfer to nasolabial folds and melolabial folds
Patient Before & After
Patient Before & After
Patient Before & After
Patient Before & After
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Look like the best version of you
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Frequently asked Questions
facelift / deep plane Faqs
What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that addresses deeper facial structures — including the underlying muscle and tissue layers — rather than just the skin surface. This results in a more natural, longer-lasting rejuvenation compared to traditional facelift approaches.
How is a deep plane facelift different from a mini facelift?
A deep plane facelift provides more comprehensive rejuvenation, addressing significant sagging in the midface, jawline, and neck. A mini facelift is a less invasive option suited for patients with early signs of aging who want subtle improvement. Dr. Guthrie will recommend the best approach based on your anatomy and goals.
What is the recovery time for a facelift?
Most patients take 2–3 weeks before feeling comfortable returning to social activities. Swelling and bruising are normal in the first week. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. Final results continue to improve over several months as swelling fully resolves.
How long do facelift results last?
A deep plane facelift typically provides 10–15 years of rejuvenation. Results vary based on individual aging, skin quality, lifestyle, and sun protection habits. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine helps preserve your results.
Will a facelift leave visible scars?
Facelift incisions are carefully placed in natural creases around the ear and hairline to minimize visible scarring. Dr. Guthrie uses meticulous closure techniques, and most patients find their scars become nearly imperceptible over time.
How long does a deep plane facelift last?
A deep plane facelift typically provides 10 to 15 years of rejuvenation, making it one of the longest-lasting options in facial surgery. Results vary based on individual aging patterns, skin quality, sun exposure habits, and lifestyle factors. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine and protecting your skin from the sun will help preserve your outcome over time.
Will I look natural after a deep plane facelift?
Natural-looking results are one of the primary advantages of the deep plane technique. Because the procedure repositions the deeper structural layers of the face rather than simply pulling the skin tight, patients tend to look refreshed and rested rather than "done." Dr. Guthrie's approach prioritizes harmony with your existing features, so the goal is always to look like the best version of yourself, not a different person.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, and it is common to do so. Many patients combine a deep plane facelift with a neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or CO2 laser resurfacing during the same operative session. Combining procedures can improve the overall balance and harmony of your results while reducing total recovery time compared to staging them separately. Dr. Guthrie will discuss which combinations make sense for your anatomy and goals at your consultation.
