Deep Plane Facelift in Miami, FL
Not all facelifts are created equal—the Deep Plane Facelift is the Gold Standard.
Although a deep plane facelift has been used for at least 40 years, it has more recently come into the public spotlight. It is renowned for its natural appearance, avoidance of the “pulled” facelift look, nigh-imperceptible incisions, and enduring results. A deep plane facelift requires intimate knowledge and familiarity with the neurovascular anatomy of the face, in addition to an understanding of the aging process in the face. It is the foundation of Dr. Gerth’s facial rejuvenation and the key to satisfying and long-lasting results.
Table of Contents
- See the Difference: Deep Plane Facelift Before & After Photos
- Real Stories: Deep Plane Facelift Patient Reviews
- Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Miami & Flexible Financing Options
- Why Choose Dr. Gerth for Your Deep Plane Facelift?
- Book Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation Today
- What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
- Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
- How Is a Deep Plane Facelift Performed?
- Preparing for Your Deep Plane Facelift
- Deep Plane Facelift Recovery & Aftercare
- History of the Deep Plane Facelift
- Can I Combine a Deep Plane Facelift With Other Procedures?
- What Results Can I Expect From a Deep Plane Facelift?
Real Stories: Deep Plane Facelift Patient Reviews
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“I had such a great experience with Dr. David Gerth and can’t recommend him enough. From my first consultation, he made me feel comfortable and truly listened to what I wanted. He was honest, detailed, and never made me feel rushed, which gave me so much confidence in my decision.My results look incredibly natural, but still me. You can tell he has a real eye for detail and genuinely cares about delivering the best outcome for his patients. I feel more confident in my body than ever.
His office in Coral Gables is beautiful, and his staff was kind, professional, and supportive throughout the entire process, especially during recovery. I felt taken care of every step of the way.
If you’re looking for a skilled, honest surgeon who truly cares about his patients and their results, Dr. Gerth is the one.”
Google Review
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“Dr. Gerth and the entire staff were so amazing. They truly care and will make you feel at ease. Dr. Gerth really listened to me and made sure I was comfortable at all times. One of his staff members even held my hand during my procedure. I also appreciated the follow up calls and texts to make sure I was recovering well. Thank you so much, Dr. Gerth and team for everything. I’m so glad I was in your care.”
Google Review
Deep Plane Facelift Cost in Miami & Flexible Financing Options
Cost is always an inevitable question that arises when considering cosmetic surgery. So, how much does a deep plane facelift cost? On average, a deep plane facelift can cost between $18,000 and $40,000; however, this price varies depending on several factors. Other related expenses, such as the surgeon’s fee, facility and anesthesia fee, geographic location, and the amount of correction needed, all play a role in the total cost. During your consultation with Dr. Gerth, he will provide an estimated price quote based on your personalized surgical plan so you can financially prepare for your procedure.
Additionally, it’s helpful to understand local prices for a deep plane facelift. Miami, FL, is a bustling metropolitan city with a higher cost of living and greater demand for highly skilled, experienced surgeons. The overall cost of a deep plane facelift will reflect the geographic location, and patients can expect prices to range from $15,000 to $60,000. With Dr. Gerth, you can rest assured that you will be in excellent care and be more than satisfied with your results.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is actually a neck lift and facelift.
The platysma muscle and SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) are released from their deep attachments in the neck and face, then repositioned in a more vertical vector than in traditional facelift techniques. This creates more movement of tissues, which rejuvenates the neck, jawline, and even cheek and nasolabial folds while avoiding the “done” or “pulled” look. The patient never looks like someone else; rather, they look like a refreshed and well-rested younger version of themselves.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
The ideal facelift patient is in good health, a non-smoker, and has moderate or advanced age-related changes in the:
- Nasolabial folds
- Jowls
- Neck
Those who have undergone a facelift before, but are not satisfied with the results, may also benefit from this procedure.
Schedule your consultation to find out if you’re a candidate by contacting Dr. Gerth in Miami, FL. Call (305) 600-5041 or complete our online contact form today!
How Is a Deep Plane Facelift Performed?
Your deep plane facelift journey on the day of surgery starts with Dr. Gerth reviewing the operative plan and performing the markings for incisions and important anatomic landmarks. Then you will proceed to the operative suite, where the surgery will be performed under either IV sedation or general anesthesia (depending on your unique operative plan).
Afterward, local anesthesia will be used to further comfort you during the procedure. If needed, a small incision is made under the chin, and the platysma muscle is tightened underneath. Under the platysma, Dr. Gerth may then decide to remove deep fat, muscle, or portions of the saliva glands in order to better contour the neck. This has been referred to as deep structural neck lift or deep central neck lift. Next, carefully placed incisions around the ear are made so that, once healed, they will be nearly imperceptible. The skin around the ear is lifted up, gaining access to the SMAS of the cheek and the platysma in the neck and lower face. The deep plane is then entered under the SMAS and platysma.
Careful dissection is performed, freeing the SMAS and platysma from their deep attachments. This is performed from the deepest neck crease all the way to the cheekbone, and from the side of the face to the nasolabial fold. Even with the deep plane facelift, Dr. Gerth can drape the skin and SMAS in different directions to minimize bunching in the appropriate patient. The platysma muscle is also partially divided at the level of the deepest neck crease. Facial nerves and muscles are seen underneath and are preserved during this portion of the surgery.
Then the deep plane-skin flap is advanced up and back, in the vector of greatest movement from the neck up to the cheek. Sutures are placed to hold the flap in place. In Dr. Gerth’s experience, lifting the neck first increases the amount of lifting that can be done in the face and cheek. Finally, excess skin is removed, and the incisions around the ear are closed in a tension-free manner.
You will be able to go home the same day, after recovering in the post-op area.
Preparing for Your Deep Plane Facelift
Customized treatment plan for your surgery.
Although Dr. Gerth performs virtual consultations, in-person consultations are always appreciated and encouraged. In your consultation, we will review:
- Past medical history and medications
- Previous surgeries
- Previous non-surgical and surgical facial treatments
- Smoking history
Then Dr. Gerth will discuss his findings related to:
- Skin/textural changes from age, sun, or tobacco
- Volume loss
- Loose skin in the forehead, brow, eyes, cheek, lips, jawline, and neckline
Preoperative photos will assist in the assessment. Then, a fully customized operative plan will be devised. Preoperative preparations, the day of surgery, and recovery will be discussed. Please prepare a list of questions so that Dr. Gerth can address them during your visit.
History of the Deep Plane Facelift
The first facelifts described a century ago involved raising and pulling large flaps of skin. The results were not durable; usually, within a year or two, the effect was lost. Additionally, the scars were unsightly. Patients tended to lose a lot of hair because of the way the incisions were placed.
Eventually, surgeons developed techniques that prolonged their results and improved the appearance of the incisions. SMAS plication and SMASectomy allowed surgeons to move the deeper tissues while taking tension off the skin. These techniques still involved pulling SMAS instead of repositioning it. Additionally, large skin flaps needed to be raised, which increased the risk of complications and prolonged healing.
Dr. Tord Skoog then developed the subplatysmal facelift in the early 1970s– the first “deep plane” facelift technique. He was the first to describe releasing the deep attachments of the platysma muscle in the neck and face to improve movement and durability of results.
Dr. Mark Lemmon, a student of Dr. Skoog, further developed the platysma lift by extending the plane vertically to include the SMAS layer over the buccal fat pad and zygomaticus muscle in the cheek. When extended to the nasolabial fold, the resulting deep plane flap could easily be moved at a vertical angle without pulling or stretching tissues. His partner, Dr. Sam Hamra, added a composite facelift, which included the orbicularis (eye) muscle as part of the flap.
Subsequent surgeons have developed other modifications to the deep plane facelift, including crevasse technique, sailboat modification, laryngeal setback, and preservation deep plane facelift. Dr. Gerth has mastered these techniques as well and has included his own modifications, which allow him to achieve even more facial and neck rejuvenation for his patients.
Out-of-Town Patients
We welcome out-of-town patients! It’s our goal to make Dr. Gerth’s exceptional skill and service accessible to anyone looking for the best cosmetic surgery experience. Long distance or local, our patients can all expect the highest caliber of attentive care.
We offer virtual consultations to accommodate traveling patients. We also have connections with experts in post-surgical lymphatic massage so you can enjoy the optimal recovery experience and get the most out of your trip.
Before and After Gallery
Take a look at a few of the stunning transformations achieved by our wonderful patients.
View Photo GalleryDavid Gerth, MD, Plastic Surgery
2903 Salzedo Street,
Coral Gables, FL, 33134



