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Facial Plast Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2690-9853
Original Article

Deep Plane Technique for Male Facelift Surgery

Daryoush David Saadat
1   Private Practice, Beverly Hills Aesthetic Surgical Institute, Beverly Hills, California, United States
,
Jonathan Sykes 
2   Facial Plastic Surgery, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, United States
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Abstract

Aims and Backgrounds

This article presents a comprehensive, anatomically precise approach to deep plane facelift surgery in male patients, a demographic with increasing interest in facial rejuvenation but historically underserved by techniques optimized for female anatomy. While foundational facelift principles are shared between genders, the male patient presents unique structural, vascular, and aesthetic demands that necessitate specific modifications to technique, planning, and execution.

Anatomic Considerations

Key anatomical distinctions in the male face, including denser subcutaneous tissue, increased vascularity, prominent subplatysmal structures, and horizontally oriented submuscular aponeurotic system (SMAS)–platysma continuity, require surgical planning that respects and preserves masculine facial definition. The submental region is often complicated by hypertrophic digastric musculature and submandibular gland visibility, necessitating targeted management to optimize the cervicomental angle.

Technical Approach

This article outlines a male-specific technique emphasizing extended deep plane dissection, ligamentous release, SMAS repositioning with minimal subcutaneous dissection, and submental access. Deep plane neck procedures, including conservative subplatysmal fat reduction, digastric contouring, partial submandibular gland reduction, and corset platysmaplasty, supplement the facial portion of the procedure.

Clinical Significance and Future Directions

When performed with anatomical precision and gender-specific adaptation, preservation-based techniques with extended deep plane facelift surgery yield consistent, natural, and structurally restorative outcomes in male patients.

Keywords

male facelift - deep plane facelift - SMAS - submandibular gland - neck lift

Declaration of GenAI Use

The authors acknowledge the use of the AI tool ChatGPT to assist with drafting and formatting. All content has been reviewed and edited by the authors, who take full responsibility for the final article.




Publication History

Received: 19 August 2025

Accepted: 26 August 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
01 September 2025

Article published online:
18 September 2025

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