Over the years, I’ve championed a specialized facelift technique called the Preservation Vertical Deep Plane Facelift—and for good reason. Understanding what we preserve and why the vertical lift vector matters is key to appreciating the natural and long-lasting results this technique offers.
Why Vertical Matters
Unlike the more common diagonal (backward) lift, a vertical deep plane lift repositions the tissues upward—the direction facial structures actually descend with aging. This gives nearly double the lifting effect in critical areas like the jawline, jowls, and nasolabial folds (the smile lines around the nose and mouth).
In a peer-reviewed study published in Facial Plastic Surgery, my UCLA team and I showed that this vertical approach—often referred to as a “high SMAS deep plane lift”—outperformed the traditional method, both clinically and statistically.1
What We Preserve Matters
You may hear the term “preservation facelift” being used by other surgeons. What are we preserving exactly?
- Skin Health & Vascularity
Because this facelift works in the deeper tissue layers, we avoid disrupting the skin’s blood supply. That means the skin heals faster, bruising is minimized, and recovery time is shorter. - Facial Nerve Safety
Many surgeons aren’t aware of a crucial protective layer called the facial fascia, which blankets and safeguards the delicate nerves that move your face. I pioneered a technique that respects this layer—called the suprafibromuscular plane—first published in 1996.2 This approach reduces the risk of nerve injury while still allowing for dramatic, natural rejuvenation. Our team continues to refine this “plane of safety,” with new findings being presented at this year’s AAFPRS national meeting. - Your Natural Appearance
Perhaps most importantly, we preserve your natural look and personality. The goal is to help you look like a refreshed, youthful version of yourself—not someone else entirely. As I often say, we aim for restoration, not reinvention. (My mother, an art teacher trained at the Chicago Art Institute, would agree.)
How It Compares
Traditional deep plane facelifts—like those publicly praised by celebrities such as Kris Jenner, Marc Jacobs, and Sonja Morgan—can provide excellent results in the hands of experienced surgeons. I’ve personally performed over 5,000 since 1978. But with the vertical preservation technique, we’re seeing even more natural, durable, and expressive results.
More Than Just a Lift
In future posts, I’ll delve deeper into how this approach rejuvenates the neck, midface, and even addresses the common “mad, sad, tired” expression—what some of my female patients jokingly call “RBF.” A properly performed vertical deep plane facelift can help restore confidence, expression, and that vibrant energy that reflects how you truly feel inside.
References:
- JAMA Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (1996); 4:377-84
- Facial Plastic Surgery (2018); 34:646-50
- JAMA Facial Plast Surg (2014); 16(1):36
- Facial Plastic Surgery (2022); 38:623-629
