A deep plane facelift rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and jawline, but it doesn’t treat the eyelids or brows. If you’re concerned about heavy upper lids, under eye puffiness, or a low brow—like many of my patients are—pairing your facelift with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or a brow lift can create balanced, natural-looking results from your forehead to your neck.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, I tailor your facial rejuvenation plan around your anatomy, health, and goals so your face looks naturally refreshed as a whole, with no telltale signs of surgery. My colleague, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Laurence Rosenberg, also performs deep plane facelifts at Southeastern Plastic Surgery and has published research on midface rejuvenation.
What Does a Deep Plane Facelift Treat?
A deep plane facelift lifts and tightens the deeper muscles and tissues of the face and neck rather than relying on skin tension alone. It targets sagging in the midface, jowls, and loose skin along the jawline and under the chin. That precision matters for patients because it helps create natural-looking, long-lasting results with minimal scarring. A deep plane facelift is often considered the “gold standard” for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Does a Facelift Help Under the Eyes?
A facelift can soften deep creases below the eyelids as the midface is lifted, but it doesn’t remove under eye bags, puffiness, or excess eyelid skin. Those concerns are rooted in the eyelids themselves. The skin there is thin and delicate, so it often shows signs of aging first. Lower eyelid surgery corrects puffiness and sagging directly, so it’s typically the better option if you’re primarily bothered by tired-looking under eyes.
Can You Get a Facelift With an Eyelid Lift?
Yes. At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, my colleagues and I often pair facelift and eyelid surgery. Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from heavy lids, while lower eyelid surgery reduces puffiness and sagging. The eyelid incisions are hidden in the natural crease of the lid, and I take the same care in keeping facelift scars discreet.
Should You Add a Brow Lift to Your Facelift?
A brow lift is worth considering if a low or heavy brow is contributing to hooded eyes or forehead lines. Eyelid surgery alone can’t fully correct lids weighed down by a drooping brow. A brow lift restores the brows to a more youthful position and smooths forehead wrinkles. Depending on your needs, I’ll use an open technique or a minimally invasive endoscopic approach with small incisions hidden in the hair. Adding a brow lift to your facelift rejuvenates the upper and lower face for a more complete result.
What Does a Fox Eye or Cat Eye Facelift Do?
A fox eye or cat eye facelift lifts the outer brow and the corner of the eye to create an upswept, almond-shaped appearance. Despite the name, it isn’t a traditional facelift, which rejuvenates the lower face and doesn’t change the shape of the eyes. If you want more lift at the outer brow, a temporal brow lift can provide a subtle lateral lift.
What If You’re Not Ready for a Facelift?
If you have mild to moderate skin laxity along the jowls or jawline, Renuvion® skin tightening may be a good minimally invasive alternative. Renuvion delivers energy beneath the skin to tighten it immediately and stimulate new collagen gradually—with less downtime than a deep plane facelift. If you’re bothered by forehead lines and creases caused by repeated muscle movement, BOTOX® Cosmetic offers a nonsurgical way to soften wrinkles and create a more refreshed look.
For concerns limited to the jawline, chin, or neck, lower facial surgery, including a lower facelift, neck liposuction, or a chin implant, offers a more targeted facial rejuvenation option. For more significant sagging or excess skin, a facelift or brow lift remains the most effective choice. Knowing the signs you’re ready for facelift surgery can help you decide which path fits your goals—with our guidance, of course.
How Do You Decide Which Procedures to Combine?
The right combination depends on your anatomy, health, and goals, and the first step is always a conversation. During your consultation, I’ll listen to what bothers you most, consider your health history and age, and recommend a plan tailored to you. I also encourage patients to ensure they’re pursuing surgery for themselves and to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved.
Once your plan is in place and you’ve completed your procedure, there are simple ways to enhance your facelift results and help them last.
Ready To Explore Your Facial Rejuvenation Options?
The next best step is to request a consultation by completing the online form or calling us at (850) 219-2000. Southeastern Plastic Surgery, P.A., welcomes patients from Tallahassee and surrounding areas, including Destin, FL; Dothan, AL; and Valdosta, GA. Schedule your visit and allow us to help you tailor a solution that achieves your aesthetic goals.
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