Facial aging is a natural process, but for many patients, the changes they see in the mirror no longer reflect how they feel inside. Deep-set jowls, a softening jawline, descended cheeks, and loose neck skin can all make you look older or more tired than you are. If you’ve been exploring surgical options for facial rejuvenation, the deep plane facelift represents the most advanced, comprehensive solution available today.
At Pacific Plastic Surgery in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Tregaskiss performs the deep plane facelift as his preferred technique for patients seeking meaningful, natural-looking, and long-lasting results.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a sophisticated surgical procedure that addresses moderate to advanced facial aging by working at a deeper anatomical level than conventional facelift techniques. Rather than simply tightening the skin, which is the approach of older or more limited procedures, the deep plane facelift repositions the underlying muscle layer and fibrous tissues of the face, known as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and the deeper retaining ligaments, to restore facial volume and contour where it has been lost.
This approach allows the skin to re-drape naturally over a properly repositioned foundation, rather than being pulled or stretched. The result is a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance that looks entirely like you, only younger.
What Areas Does a Deep Plane Facelift Treat?
The deep plane facelift provides comprehensive rejuvenation across the middle and lower face and neck, which are areas where aging tends to be most visible and where surface treatments alone cannot produce meaningful improvement:
- Midface and cheeks: Restores youthful fullness and lifts descended cheek fat pads back to their natural position, reducing the hollow or gaunt appearance that develops with age.
- Nasolabial folds: Softens the deep lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth by repositioning underlying tissue rather than simply filling volume.
- Jowls: Eliminates the drooping tissue along the lower jawline that disrupts facial contour.
- Jawline: Redefines and sharpens the jawline for a more youthful, structured profile.
- Neck: Addresses banding, laxity, and excess skin in the neck, often in combination with a platysmaplasty (neck muscle tightening) when appropriate.
Because the deep plane technique works at the structural level, improvements across all these areas are integrated and harmonious; there are no obvious signs of surgical tension, and the face moves naturally with expressions.
Before & After
This lady in her 70’s who had previously had a facelift underwent a browlift, face and necklift plus fat transfer to the cheeks.
This 56 year-old lady underwent a deep-plane face and necklift with supplemental fat grafting to the mid-face.
This 57 year old man had concerns regarding his ‘heavy neck’ and lack of jawline definition. He was requesting a procedure with minimal downtime and declined a face/necklift procedure. He underwent neck liposuction in combination with radiofrequency skin tightening (Facetite) and Morpheus radiofrequency microneedling. His photos are taken 3 months after his procedure.
The Deep Plane Facelift Approach
Dr. Tregaskiss performs the deep plane facelift as a highly individualized procedure. No two patients age in exactly the same way, and no two surgeries are identical. During your consultation, he conducts a thorough facial analysis, assessing your skin quality, bone structure, fat distribution, and the degree of ligamentous laxity to develop a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a fully accredited surgical facility, typically lasting three to four hours. Incisions are carefully placed within the natural contours of the hairline and around the ear, where they are well-concealed even in the long term. Dr. Tregaskiss works methodically at the deep plane level, releasing the key facial ligaments that tether descended tissue and allowing the entire facial unit to be repositioned as a single, cohesive structure.
This technique is more technically demanding than surface-level facelifts; it requires an advanced understanding of facial anatomy and a high degree of surgical precision. However, it is precisely this depth of expertise that produces results that look genuinely natural, move expressively, and hold their position for years longer than simpler alternatives.
Dr. Tregaskiss’s philosophy is grounded in the principle that excellent facelift surgery should never be identifiable as surgery. Patients should simply look like a more rested, refreshed version of themselves.
About Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss
MB, BS, MSc, FRCS (Plast), FRCSC
Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss is a plastic surgeon based in Vancouver and Langley, British Columbia who has practiced medicine in the UK, Australia and Canada for over 15 years. He works in both the private sector with a focus on breast, body and facial aesthetic surgeries as well as in the public sector. His public/MSP work is varied, with a focus on cancer reconstruction and trauma. He has completed fellowship training in aesthetic surgery, breast reconstruction, craniofacial trauma and head & neck reconstruction.
Dr. Tregaskiss and his team strive to create a welcoming, professional and courteous environment for all patients and to achieve surgical excellence and beautiful cosmetic outcomes.
Are You an Ideal Candidate?
The deep plane facelift is ideally suited to patients who:
- Are in their 40s, 50s, 60s, or 70s and experiencing moderate to advanced facial aging
- Have noticeable jowling, midface descent, deep nasolabial folds, or significant neck laxity
- Are in good general health and are non-smokers (or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery)
- Have realistic expectations and are motivated by their own desire to look refreshed, not by external pressure
- Have had an in-person consultation and have been medically cleared for surgery
The deep plane facelift may not be the most appropriate approach for patients with mild, early-stage aging who may achieve their goals with less invasive techniques. It is also not suitable for patients with certain cardiovascular conditions, poorly controlled blood pressure, active smoking habits, or unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
Skin quality matters, but is not disqualifying on its own. Dr. Tregaskiss will discuss whether any adjunctive skin treatments, such as laser resurfacing or medical-grade skincare, would enhance your overall result.
Recovery: What to Expect
Recovery from a deep plane facelift is a gradual process, and understanding the timeline helps patients plan confidently and feel at ease throughout.
- Week 1 — Most patients experience moderate swelling and bruising, which peaks around days 3–4. Drains, if used, are typically removed within the first 24–48 hours. This is a rest-at-home period, and patients should arrange for support during this time.
- Week 2 — Bruising begins to fade, and sutures are removed. Most patients feel significantly more comfortable and are moving around their home with ease.
- Weeks 3–4 — The majority of visible swelling has resolved. Most patients feel confident to resume light social activities and report being “socially ready” around the three-week mark, depending on individual healing.
- Months 2–6 — Residual swelling continues to resolve gradually. Final results emerge as tissues settle and the skin adapts to its new position. Patients continue to notice improvements during this period.
The Pacific Plastic Surgery team provides detailed pre- and post-operative guidance, and patients have direct access to clinical support throughout their recovery.
Deep Plane Facelift Results
The deep plane facelift consistently produces the most natural-looking outcomes of any facelift technique, and it is widely recognized in the surgical community as the gold-standard approach for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Because the structural foundations of the face are properly repositioned rather than simply the skin being pulled taut, patients do not experience the windswept, tight, or “operated-on” appearance sometimes associated with older facelift methods. Facial expressions remain natural, and the overall effect is one of genuine rejuvenation, turning back the clock by ten years or more without drawing attention to the surgery itself.
In terms of longevity, deep plane facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years or longer, significantly outperforming skin-only or SMAS-only techniques. Because the ligamentous support structure has been properly addressed, the foundation of the result is stable, and aging continues naturally and gradually from the improved baseline rather than rapidly reversing.
Patients frequently describe their experience as one of the most confidence-building decisions they have made, and many report that friends and colleagues notice they look refreshed and well, without being able to identify exactly why.
Why Choose Pacific Plastic Surgery in Vancouver?
Choosing the right surgeon for a deep plane facelift is among the most important decisions you will make. This is a technically advanced procedure, and the quality of outcomes is directly tied to surgical training, experience, and anatomical expertise.
Dr. Tregaskiss is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He takes a collaborative, transparent approach to consultations, ensuring every patient fully understands their options, realistic outcomes, and the full scope of the process before any decision is made. There is no pressure and no rush. His goal is simply to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Contact Us Today
Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re looking to schedule a consultation, ask questions about a procedure, or simply want more information, our expert team at Pacific Plastic Surgery is here to help you feel confident and informed. Reach out today to connect with us — we’d love to start the conversation and support you on your aesthetic journey.
Schedule Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation in Vancouver, BC
If you are considering a deep plane facelift and would like to explore whether this procedure is right for you, we welcome you to book a consultation at Pacific Plastic Surgery.
During your consultation, Dr. Tregaskiss will conduct a thorough assessment of your facial anatomy and aging concerns, walk you through the surgical options best suited to your goals, answer every question you have, and provide an honest, personalized recommendation, with no obligation to proceed.
To book your consultation, please visit our contact page or call our Vancouver office directly at 604-330-5944. We look forward to meeting you.
DR. ASHLEY TREGASKISS
COSMETIC, PLASTIC, AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON | BLOG
Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss is a distinguished board-certified plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon known for his precision, artistry, and dedication to surgical excellence. With nearly two decades of experience, he brings a refined approach to patient care, combining technical expertise with a strong commitment to achieving natural, high-quality results.
Dr. Tregaskiss earned his medical degree from the prestigious University College London Medical School, consistently ranked among the world’s leading academic institutions. He completed a highly regarded research fellowship at the Kleinert-Kutz Institute in Louisville, Kentucky—an internationally recognized center for hand and microsurgery. His core plastic surgery training was undertaken in Bristol, England, followed by two years of advanced international fellowship training, specializing in aesthetic, facial, and breast surgery. He is a Fellow of both the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS Plast) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC), and a member of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Tregaskiss currently practices at Pacific Plastic Surgery in Vancouver, offering individualized care tailored to each patient’s aesthetic goals.