What "Extended" Means
An extended deep plane facelift releases additional facial retaining ligaments beyond those addressed in the standard deep plane — typically including the zygomatic-cutaneous ligaments and the masseteric-cutaneous ligaments. Releasing these deeper attachments allows the composite flap to reach further into the midface.
Anatomic Rationale
Retaining ligaments tether soft tissue to the underlying facial skeleton. When they remain attached, the soft tissue above them cannot be repositioned regardless of how the SMAS is lifted. Extended release frees the midface fat pads for true anatomic repositioning.
When It Is Considered
- Prominent nasolabial folds with midface hollowing
- Significant descent of the malar fat pad
- Patients wanting maximal restoration of midface projection
- Some post-weight-loss patients (see facelift after weight loss)
Compared to Standard Deep Plane
Standard deep plane already addresses the jawline and lower face effectively. Extended release adds midface reach at the cost of longer operative time and, in some hands, modestly higher technical risk. Not every candidate for deep plane surgery needs the extended version.
Risks and Recovery
Risks parallel those of a standard deep plane facelift with additional attention to preserving branches of the facial nerve during deeper release. Recovery timeline is similar. See recovery timeline.
Educational content only — not medical advice. Individual technique selection is determined during consultation. Results vary.
Medical Review
Reviewed by: Juan Cuellar, MD — Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Content reviewed
- Extended deep plane facelift anatomy, indications, and comparison to standard deep plane technique.
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
Selected sources