Give Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery a phone call at (610) 854-8676 Contact Us
Give Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery a phone call at (610) 854-8676 Contact Us
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What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift repositions the SMAS (the muscle and connective tissue layer beneath the skin) as a single connected unit, rather than tightening the skin alone. The surgeon releases the facial retaining ligaments that hold the deeper tissues in place, then lifts and resuspends that muscle layer to a higher, more youthful position. Because the skin is redraped rather than pulled tight, this technique addresses the cheeks, jawline, and neck together instead of treating each area in isolation. The result is a smoother transition between the face and neck without the tension lines or wind-blown look associated with older facelift methods.

Introduction to Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery

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Facelift Overview

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift

A traditional, or SMAS, facelift tightens the SMAS layer by pulling and suturing it, often placing tension directly on the skin and incision lines. A deep plane facelift instead releases the ligaments anchoring the muscle layer to deeper facial structures, allowing the surgeon to reposition that layer without relying on tension for the lift.

This difference matters for how natural the results look and how long they last. Because the deep plane technique moves the muscle and fat as one unit, it can better address the nasolabial folds and jowls that a skin-only or SMAS-only lift may not fully correct. Both Dr. Bloom and Dr. Shtraks specialize in this more advanced technique rather than defaulting to a traditional facelift approach.

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

Patients choose the deep plane technique for the depth and durability of its results. Key benefits include:

  • A natural repositioning of tissue instead of a pulled or overly tight appearance
  • Comprehensive improvement of the cheeks, jawline, and neck in a single procedure
  • Longer-lasting results compared to skin-only or traditional SMAS lifts
  • Well-hidden incisions along the hairline and ear
  • Improved definition along the jawline and reduction of jowling
  • Results that can be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting for full facial rejuvenation
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Am I a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift in Philadelphia?

Good candidates for a deep plane facelift are pursuing surgery to please themselves, not anyone else, and have realistic expectations about their results. Candidacy generally includes:

  • Moderate to advanced sagging of the cheeks, jawline, or neck
  • Good general physical and mental health
  • Non-smoking status, since smoking impairs healing
  • Adequate skin elasticity to support redraping after the muscle layer is repositioned
  • A desire for a longer-lasting result than injectables or non-surgical treatments can provide

A private consultation with Dr. Bloom or Dr. Shtraks is the best way to determine whether the deep plane technique is the right fit for your goals.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us (610) 854-8676
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How Does Dr. Bloom Perform a Deep Plane Facelift?

Dr. Bloom considers the deep plane facelift the most rejuvenating procedure he performs, and he customizes each one to the patient's own anatomy and goals. He releases the facial retaining ligaments and resuspends the muscle layer to a higher position, avoiding tension on the skin itself, so the results look lifted rather than pulled. He typically combines the deep plane technique with a neck lift for the most complete rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. Dr. Bloom performs his deep plane facelifts in Philadelphia at a hospital with a board-certified anesthesiologist, and he has taught this technique to other facial plastic surgeons through his role as Co-Director of a facial plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.

Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery logo Dr. Bloom, Philadelphia plastic surgeon

How Does Dr. Shtraks Perform a Deep Plane Facelift?

Dr. Shtraks approaches every deep plane facelift as a highly individualized procedure, tailoring her technique to each patient's facial anatomy and desired outcome. Like Dr. Bloom, she releases the retaining ligaments at the muscle layer and resuspends tissue rather than relying on skin tension for the lift. Her training included a competitive facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship in Beverly Hills, where she worked alongside renowned facial plastic and oculoplastic surgeons, refining advanced rejuvenation techniques. Dr. Shtraks often pairs the deep plane facelift with a neck lift, aiming for a result that looks refreshed and natural rather than surgically altered.

Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery logo Bryn Mawr Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Julie Shtraks

Why Choose Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Choosing a surgeon for a deep plane facelift in Philadelphia means choosing someone with specific, advanced training in this technique rather than a general facelift approach. At Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery:

  • Double board certification. Both Dr. Bloom and Dr. Shtraks are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
  • Elite fellowship training. Dr. Bloom completed his facial plastic surgery fellowship at NYU Langone Medical Center; Dr. Shtraks completed hers in Beverly Hills under Dr. Paul Nassif and Dr. Babak Azizzadeh.
  • Academic leadership. Dr. Bloom serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and Co-Director of its facial plastic surgery fellowship program.
  • Focused, decades-long experience. Dr. Bloom has performed deep plane facelifts in Philadelphia for more than 10 years and now teaches the technique to other surgeons.
  • A dedicated surgical facility. Procedures take place with board-certified anesthesiology support, prioritizing safety alongside aesthetic results.
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What to Expect With Your Deep Plane Facelift

Consultation and Cost

During your consultation, Dr. Bloom or Dr. Shtraks will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and walk you through before-and-after photos of previous deep plane facelift patients. Pricing varies by surgeon and case complexity; on the practice's standard facelift page, ranges run from roughly $15,000–$20,000 with Dr. Shtraks and $24,000–$45,000 with Dr. Bloom, not including anesthesia or facility fees. Your consultation will provide a personalized quote based on your specific plan.

The Procedure

A deep plane facelift is performed at a hospital under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist. Incisions are placed along the hairline and around the ear to minimize visible scarring. The surgeon releases the retaining ligaments, repositions the SMAS and underlying fat as a unit, and redrapes the skin without pulling it tight.

Recovery and Results Timeline

Recovery time varies depending on whether the facelift is combined with other procedures, but patients can generally expect noticeable bruising and swelling during the first week. By around two weeks, most swelling has resolved enough for makeup to conceal any residual signs along the incision lines, and by three weeks, many patients feel comfortable returning to regular routines. Following Dr. Bloom's or Dr. Shtraks' post-operative instructions closely helps results last up to 10 years or more.

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Dr. Julie Shtraks with patient

Procedures Often Paired With a Deep Plane Facelift

Many patients combine their deep plane facelift with complementary procedures for more complete rejuvenation:

  • Neck Lift: addresses banding and looseness in the neck that a facelift alone may not fully resolve
  • Eyelid Surgery: brightens and refreshes the eye area to complement a lifted lower face
  • Mid-Facelift: targets the cheeks specifically for patients who don't need a full facelift

Patient Testimonials

I had full trust in Dr. Shtraks

I am 8 weeks out from a revision lower neck and lower facelift performed by Dr. Shtraks. I am more than pleased with the results. The care I received during all phases was excep...

I am 8 weeks out from a revision lower neck and lower facelift performed by Dr. Shtraks. I am more than pleased with the results. The care I received during all phases was exceptional.  I had full trust in Dr. Shtraks and could not imagine anyone else performing my procedure. 

R.R. 

I definitely recommend her!

I had a consultation with Dr Julie Shtraks and she was wonderful! Answered all my (many) questions and I never felt rushed. I definitely recommend her!

Anonymous

I wouldn't go anywhere else!

The shared knowledge, spirit, and kindness of Dr. Shtraks and her team are truly special. From start to finish, their process is flawless and they go the extra mile to ensure yo...

The shared knowledge, spirit, and kindness of Dr. Shtraks and her team are truly special. From start to finish, their process is flawless and they go the extra mile to ensure your comfort as a patient. Dr. Shtraks is a remarkable, talented surgeon who is lovely inside and out - she is completely down to earth, an attentive listener, and great with follow up and details that matter! I wouldn't go anywhere else!

C.L

I would highly recommend Dr. Bloom to anyone for excellent care.

Dr. Bloom is an amazing and talented surgeon. He thoughtfully assessed my features and completed a fantastic treatment on my face.
His office atmosphere and personal style ga...

Dr. Bloom is an amazing and talented surgeon. He thoughtfully assessed my features and completed a fantastic treatment on my face.
His office atmosphere and personal style gave me such confidence in my care and put me at ease.
I would highly recommend Dr. Bloom to anyone for excellent care.

Carole F.

If you are considering ANY facial procedures Dr. Shtraks is your woman!

From consultation to post-op; the process was seamless. I could not be happier with my procedures or the surgeon I chose! If you are considering ANY facial procedures Dr. Shtrak...

From consultation to post-op; the process was seamless. I could not be happier with my procedures or the surgeon I chose! If you are considering ANY facial procedures Dr. Shtraks is your woman!

Brooke L.

Dr. Shtraks' deep knowledge and wonderful personality always lead to a phenomenal outcome.

Dr. Shtraks' deep knowledge and wonderful personality always lead to a phenomenal outcome. She is committed to working with you to bring out the best results and stands out in h...

Dr. Shtraks' deep knowledge and wonderful personality always lead to a phenomenal outcome. She is committed to working with you to bring out the best results and stands out in her profession. Dr Shtraks is a wonderful representative of Bloom Facial Plastics' standard of excellence.

Donna N.

Can’t say enough good things about this office

Both Sarah and Lily are extremely kind and meticulous with their procedures. Can’t say enough good things about this office, alway happy to have an appointment!

Richard P.

Dr. Shtraks is very kind, attentive, and detail-oriented.

Dr. Shtraks is very kind, attentive, and detail-oriented. It was important to me to have someone trained in ENT and facial plastic surgery, which made me confident in her expert...

Dr. Shtraks is very kind, attentive, and detail-oriented. It was important to me to have someone trained in ENT and facial plastic surgery, which made me confident in her expertise for both functional and cosmetic outcomes. I've had a great experience so far and would certainly recommend Dr. Shtraks to others!

Andrea B

Dr. Julie Shtraks is literally the best doctor ever

Dr. Julie Shtraks is literally the best doctor ever, and just overall an amazing person. My nose looks absolutely incredible!

Alexandra T.

Love it there!

As always, my experience at Bloom Plastic Surgery was amazing. Colleen is the best! I had a peel yesterday and my skin already feels and looks amazing. The girls at the front de...

As always, my experience at Bloom Plastic Surgery was amazing. Colleen is the best! I had a peel yesterday and my skin already feels and looks amazing. The girls at the front desk are fabulous! Love it there! Thank you!

- S.I. 

Dr Bloom is hands down the most knowledgeable and skilled surgeon.

Dr Bloom is hands down the most knowledgeable and skilled surgeon. I had consultations with other surgeons but never felt comfortable enough to go ahead with a lower facelift/ne...

Dr Bloom is hands down the most knowledgeable and skilled surgeon. I had consultations with other surgeons but never felt comfortable enough to go ahead with a lower facelift/necklift until Dr Bloom. It was the best decision I have made. I was very nervous the day of surgery, but he put me at ease. He helped me to feel comfortable with every question and concern I had from start till finish, before and after my procedure. All along having a great bedside manner. I also wanted to give a huge thank you to the nurse that he provided with coming to my home for several days after surgery. She was also wonderful. I will not hesitate to have Dr Bloom perform other surgeries as I age.

Mary M.

I must also share that his staff is wonderful and extremely accommodating

I have been a patient of Dr. Bloom’s for over 10 years. He has NEVER failed to meet my expectations as a 72-year-old woman who desires to look young and feel her best. His profe...

I have been a patient of Dr. Bloom’s for over 10 years. He has NEVER failed to meet my expectations as a 72-year-old woman who desires to look young and feel her best. His professionalism, caring attitude, and cutting-edge techniques are the best one can experience. I must also share that his staff is wonderful and extremely accommodating

Barbara F.

Highly recommend Dr. Shtraks!

I had my rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shtraks, and I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From the first consultation to the follow-up, she was attentive, and made me feel...

I had my rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shtraks, and I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From the first consultation to the follow-up, she was attentive, and made me feel comfortable throughout the process. The results are natural and exactly what I was looking for- thanks to her amazing work! Her team was just as supportive and available to answer questions. Highly recommend Dr. Shtraks! 

M.R

Absolutely in love with the results.

Absolutely in love with the results. What a difference a little botox makes! Dr Bloom is truly the best. You only get one face, and I only trust Dr. Jason Bloom with mine. He ma...

Absolutely in love with the results. What a difference a little botox makes! Dr Bloom is truly the best. You only get one face, and I only trust Dr. Jason Bloom with mine. He makes sure you are comfortable and happy. Dr. Bloom is the most caring, kind and knowledgeable surgeon. Most important, the results are exactly what I hoped for…a wrinkle free and youthful forehead. As a plus, I was also experiencing bad migraines which have subsided since my botox treatment.

Judy R.

I had an excellent experience! 

I recently had an appointment with Jacqueline for a laser treatment to help with some redness on my skin. Jacqueline was very sweet and extremely knowledgeable. I really appreci...

I recently had an appointment with Jacqueline for a laser treatment to help with some redness on my skin. Jacqueline was very sweet and extremely knowledgeable. I really appreciate how she took her time to explain everything that she was doing and to answer all my questions. Overall I had an excellent experience!  

- R.C

The results look so natural

I had such a wonderful experience with Simone at Bloom Facial Plastics! Her attention to detail and expertise really stood out, and I felt confident I was in the best hands. The...

I had such a wonderful experience with Simone at Bloom Facial Plastics! Her attention to detail and expertise really stood out, and I felt confident I was in the best hands. The results look so natural—exactly what I was hoping for! I truly appreciate her professionalism, kindness, and skill. I highly recommend Simone to anyone considering Botox or any aesthetic treatments. 

- M.F. 

He is now my #1 go-to doc.

I feel 1000% comfortable and safe in Dr. Bloom’s hands, and I have not felt that way with any of the numerous ENTs/plastic surgeons I have met with. All of them I felt iffy abou...

I feel 1000% comfortable and safe in Dr. Bloom’s hands, and I have not felt that way with any of the numerous ENTs/plastic surgeons I have met with. All of them I felt iffy about. But when I consulted with Dr. Bloom, I knew he was the right person for the job. He’s an absolute artist with sweetest personality. I had a rhino years ago from someone else, but it did not turn out what I wanted. Given my time constraints, we opted for a non-surgical rhino. Again due to my time constraints, he worked with me and squeezed me in during his lunch hour for the procedure. He was thorough, precise, confident, and balanced out every irregularity to give me my desired yet still natural looking nose. It was painless. I don’t do well with needles and his staff brought me a nut bar and some water, and ice packs. I can’t emphasize enough his kind bedside manner. I highly, highly recommend Dr. Bloom. He is now my #1 go-to doc. You will not be disappointed.

Spencer C.

I recommend her to everyone I know! 

I cannot say enough amazing things about Lily at Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery. She has helped me feel confident in my skin during some of the biggest milestones of my life, and ...

I cannot say enough amazing things about Lily at Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery. She has helped me feel confident in my skin during some of the biggest milestones of my life, and that means more to me than I can say. If you are looking for someone who truly cares about her patients and delivers beautiful, natural results, Lily is the best. I recommend her to everyone I know! 

- A.R.

I had a great experience with Sarah!

I had a great experience with Sarah! She does a great job and treated me efficiently to achieve my goal of a natural look. She encourages the products you need to achieve your g...

I had a great experience with Sarah! She does a great job and treated me efficiently to achieve my goal of a natural look. She encourages the products you need to achieve your goals and doesn’t try to upsell. She’s got a warm and friendly manner that will make me a repeat customer. 

L.K.
Read More Testimonials
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Frequently Asked Questions Deep Plane Facelift

How is a deep plane facelift different from a mini facelift?

A mini facelift addresses limited skin laxity, typically in the lower face, using smaller incisions and less tissue repositioning. A deep plane facelift repositions the SMAS layer itself, making it a better fit for patients with more advanced sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

Is a deep plane facelift riskier than a traditional facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a more technically demanding procedure because it works closer to facial nerves, which is why surgeon experience with this specific technique matters. Both Dr. Bloom and Dr. Shtraks have extensive, focused training in the deep plane approach and perform the procedure at a hospital with anesthesiology support.

Will a deep plane facelift make me look pulled or unnatural?

No. Because the deep plane technique lifts the muscle layer instead of pulling the skin tight, the tension is taken off the incision lines. This creates a rejuvenated look rather than the tight or "wind-blown" appearance sometimes associated with older facelift techniques.

How long do deep plane facelift results last?

With proper post-operative care, results from a deep plane facelift can last 10 years or more, longer than many skin-only or SMAS-only facelift techniques, since the underlying muscle layer itself has been repositioned.

Can dermal fillers or Botox replace a deep plane facelift?

Injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers can address early, mild signs of aging, but they are not a substitute for a deep plane facelift. For moderate to advanced sagging of the cheeks, jawline, and neck, surgery addresses the underlying tissue laxity that injectables cannot correct.

What is recovery like after a deep plane facelift?

Most patients experience noticeable bruising and swelling during the first week, improving enough for makeup coverage by around two weeks. Many patients return to their regular routines by three weeks, though full, final results continue to refine over several months.

Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Dr. Bloom and Dr. Shtraks frequently combine a deep plane facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation in a single recovery period.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn whether a deep plane facelift in Philadelphia is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bloom or Dr. Shtraks at Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery.

Contact Us | (610) 854-8676

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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