Deep Plane Facelift
A facelift is not about looking “pulled” or overdone, it’s about restoring the natural structure of the face and neck so you look like yourself, just refreshed. At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery in Lincoln, Nebraska, Dr. Jacobson specializes in deep plane facelift and neck lift surgery that addresses both tissue descent and volume loss, creating natural, balanced, and long-lasting results.
What Does a Facelift Treat?
A facelift addresses the most common and most searched signs of facial aging. Unlike treatments that only tighten skin, a surgical facelift repositions deeper facial structures, creating results that are natural, long-lasting, and proportional.
Dr. Jacobson’s deep plane technique treats the structural causes of aging — not just the symptoms — for outcomes that look refreshed, never overdone.
Signs of Aging Addressed
- Sagging cheeks and loss of midface volume
- Jowls and loss of jawline definition
- Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Loose skin and muscle banding in the neck
- A tired, heavy, or “bottom-weighted” appearance
- Volume loss contributing to hollowed contours
Dr. Jacobson’s Technique:
The Deep Plane Facelift
Dr. Jacobson performs an advanced deep plane facelift, widely regarded as the gold standard in facial rejuvenation surgery. Unlike traditional facelifts that rely primarily on skin tightening, the deep plane facelift works at a deeper anatomical level to reposition the tissues that truly age.
What Makes a Deep Plane Facelift Different?
01
SMAS Repositioning
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is the structural layer responsible for facial shape. Repositioning this layer creates natural movement, better longevity, and avoids a “pulled” look.
02
Vertical Lift (Not Sideways)
Facial aging occurs vertically. Dr. Jacobson lifts tissues back to their youthful position rather than pulling them sideways.
03
Release of Aging Ligaments
Ligaments such as the mandibulocutaneous ligament (which contribute to jowling) are released, allowing smooth, natural redraping of the face.
04
Submental & Subcutaneous Fat Sculpting
Excess or descended fat beneath the chin and along the jawline is sculpted for a refined, youthful contour.
05
Platysmal Band Correction
Loose neck muscle bands are addressed to improve neck smoothness and definition.
06
Selective Submandibular Gland Sculpting (When Indicated)
In select patients, subtle contouring improves jawline sharpness and neck definition.
Facial Fat Grafting: Restoring Youthful Volume
Aging is not just sagging; it is also volume loss. Many facelift patients benefit from facial fat grafting, which Dr. Jacobson often performs at the same time as facelift surgery.
By combining structural repositioning with volume restoration, Dr. Jacobson addresses the two primary causes of facial aging:
- Vertical tissue descent
- Loss of youthful volume
How Facial Fat Grafting Works
- Fat is harvested from the thigh or abdomen
- Processed into micro-fat and nano-fat
- Injected strategically to restore youthful contours
Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting
- Restores lost volume naturally
- Uses your own tissue (no synthetic fillers)
- Contains growth factors that improve skin quality
- Enhances facelift results without overfilling
Mini Facelift vs. Full (Deep Plane) Facelift
Patients frequently search for information comparing these options. The differences are important and directly inform candidacy.
Many patients seeking noticeable, long-term improvement benefit more from a full deep plane facelift than a mini lift.
| Feature | Mini Facelift | Full Deep Plane Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Early aging, minimal skin laxity | Moderate to advanced aging |
| Incision | Smaller | Full length, hidden around ear |
| Lifting | Limited, skin only | Full SMAS repositioning |
| Neck correction | Minimal | Significant — often combined with neck lift |
| Recovery | Shorter | Standard (7-10 days surgical) |
| Longevity | Shorter-lived | Most natural, longest-lasting results |
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
There is no “right age” for a facelift — anatomy and goals matter more than age. A consultation with Dr. Jacobson will determine whether facelift surgery is the most appropriate procedure for you.
- Have sagging cheeks, jowls, or neck laxity
- Are a non-smoker in good health
- Notice facial heaviness or loss of definition
- Want natural, long-lasting rejuvenation
- Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
Facelift Downtime & Recovery
Dr. Jacobson performs an advanced deep plane facelift, widely regarded as the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. This approach addresses not just the skin, but the deeper structural layer of the face — repositioning tissues to where they once were.
Surgical Downtime
7-10 days
Limited activity, rest
Social Downtime
~14 days
Presentable in public
Light Activity
~2 weeks
Return to daily routine
Exercise Cleared
~4 weeks
No heavy lifting
Final Results
3–6 months
Full refinement
Early Recovery (Weeks 1-2)
- Temporary swelling, bruising, and tightness
- Small drains may be placed and removed early
- Sutures and scalp staples removed during follow-up
- Head elevation and activity restrictions recommended
Scars & Incisions
Incisions are carefully hidden:
- Around the ears
- Along the hairline
- Behind the ears
- Under the chin (when neck lift is performed)
Scars fade gradually over 6–12 months and are typically difficult to detect once healed.
Because the deep plane facelift avoids excessive skin tension, scars tend to heal better and results look more natural.
Complimentary Postoperative Lymphatic Massage
All facelift patients at Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery receive a complimentary postoperative lymphatic massage.
The face and neck have a dense lymphatic network, and manual lymphatic drainage significantly improves postoperative swelling, comfort, and healing.
All patients are referred to Via Medical Massage, a trusted provider specializing in postoperative lymphatic drainage, ensuring optimal recovery and results.
- Reduces swelling and firmness
- Improves comfort
- Accelerates refinement of results
Why Choose Dr. Jacobson for Your Facelift?
Dr. Jacobson’s goal with facelift surgery is to restore natural facial proportions and youthful structure — not to create an exaggerated or artificial result. The focus is on achieving balanced, harmonious rejuvenation that looks and feels authentically you.
- Extensive facial plastic surgery background and advanced deep plane facelift training
- Anatomy-based approach — addresses structural causes, not just skin surface
- Natural, long-lasting outcomes — never pulled, never overdone
- Facelift surgery is Dr. Jacobson’s favorite procedure to perform
- Complimentary lymphatic massage included in all facelift patients
- Boutique, concierge-level care from consultation through full recovery
“Natural Results —
Never Overdone.”
Dr. Jacobson’s goal with facelift surgery is to restore natural facial proportions and youthful structure — not to create an exaggerated or artificial result. The focus is on achieving balanced, harmonious rejuvenation that looks and feels authentically you.
Facelift FAQs
How much does a facelift cost in Lincoln, Nebraska?
The cost of facelift surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the extent of correction needed, and whether additional procedures (such as a neck lift or fat grafting) are combined. During your consultation, Dr. Jacobson will provide a detailed, personalized quote.
How long is recovery after facelift surgery?
Recovery after a facelift is a process (not a single moment), and we guide you through every step.
Most patients can expect 2–3 weeks of initial downtime, with continued improvement over the following months. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first week and gradually improve, with many patients feeling comfortable returning to social activities around 10–14 days, often with makeup.
A general recovery timeline looks like:
- First 1–2 weeks: Swelling, bruising, and your “lay low” phase
- Around 2 weeks: Back to social activities for many patients
- 3–6 weeks: Continued improvement as swelling resolves
- 3+ months: Final results continue to refine
Healing is very individualized, but most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they feel like themselves again. At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery, we provide detailed post-operative care and close follow-up (including Post-Op Day 1) to support a smooth, confident recovery.
Will my facelift scar be visible?
Facelift scars are designed to be well-hidden and minimally visible. Incisions are strategically placed around the ears and within the hairline to blend naturally with your anatomy.
As healing progresses, scars typically fade and soften over time. With proper scar care and sun protection, most patients find their facelift scars are difficult to detect.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. A facelift is commonly combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Popular combination procedures include:
- Neck lift for improved jawline and neck contour
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and/or brow lift to address tired or aging eyes
- Fat grafting to restore facial volume
Combining procedures can enhance overall results and reduce the need for multiple recovery periods.
What is the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?
A mini facelift and a full facelift differ in the extent of correction and longevity of results.
- Mini facelift:
- Best for mild skin laxity and early jowling
- Less invasive with shorter recovery time
- Subtle, more limited results
- Full facelift:
- Addresses moderate to advanced facial aging
- Repositions deeper facial structures for longer-lasting results
- Improves sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck
During your consultation, we determine the best approach based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Am I too young (or too old) for a facelift?
There is no specific “right age” for facelift surgery. Ideal candidates are determined by skin quality, facial aging, and overall health, rather than age alone.
Patients in their 40s through 70s and beyond may benefit from a facelift, depending on their goals. If non-surgical treatments no longer provide the desired improvement, facelift surgery may be an appropriate next step.
A personalized consultation helps determine if you are a good candidate for facelift surgery.
Serving Lincoln and Surrounding Nebraska Communities
Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery proudly provides facelift surgery for patients throughout Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding Nebraska communities. Patients travel from across the region for Dr. Jacobson’s expertise in deep plane facelift surgery.
Related Procedures
Patients considering a facelift may also be interested in these complementary procedures:
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