Destin Plastic Surgery
4485 Furling Lane
Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 654-1194
Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
Anti Aging Skincare Clinic
4485 Furling Lane
Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 654-8015
Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift with William R. Burden, MD, FACS, at Destin Plastic Surgery addresses the deeper structural elements of facial aging. This comprehensive approach can restore more youthful facial contours while creating natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Dr. Burden has performed deep plane facelift surgery for more than 30 years. He trained directly under Dr. Sam Hamra, MD, one of the technique’s pioneers, long before the deep plane approach received the widespread attention it has today. Patients from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and beyond choose Dr. Burden for his decades of experience with this advanced facelift technique.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a cosmetic procedure that lifts the skin, muscle, and underlying facial tissue as a single, cohesive unit. By working beneath the surface layer of the face, Dr. Burden repositions sagging structures rather than simply pulling the skin tighter over them. This modern approach delivers results that look refreshed rather than stretched or overly tight.
Who’s a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
Men and women with significant jowling, volume loss, or heaviness in the midface are typically the best candidates for a deep plane facelift rather than a traditional SMAS facelift or a mini facelift. Our deep plane facelift patients specifically want to address concerns such as:
- Sagging cheeks
- Jowls and lack of jawline definition
- Neck laxity
- Deep lines and folds
- A tired expression (even when you’re rested)
Ideal candidates are also in good overall health, do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery, and have realistic expectations about the results facial rejuvenation surgery can achieve. During your consultation, Dr. Burden will evaluate your facial anatomy and goals to confirm whether a deep plane facelift is right for you.
Dr. Burden is a renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon skilled in face, breast, and body procedures. An innovator and educator in aesthetics for over 25 years, Dr. Burden pioneered “No Scar on the Breast” augmentation. His expertise and compassionate presence provide a rewarding treatment experience from the initial consultation to the final results.
Meet Dr. Burden

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Different for Men?
Yes. A deep plane facelift for men requires adjustments that account for differences in facial anatomy, hair growth patterns, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Burden has built a high-volume male facelift practice and applies distinct anatomical principles to male cosmetic surgery patients rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
During a male deep plane facelift, he tailors the degree of neck tightening to preserve masculine contours and avoid an overly angular look. He also controls cheek elevation to prevent the exaggerated upper-face volume that can read as feminizing. Incisions are placed in the natural crease in front of the tragus, rather than behind it, which prevents unwanted hair growth on the tragus and avoids distortion of the ear canal in male patients.
What Happens During Deep Plane Facelift Surgery With Dr. Burden?
Deep plane facelifts by Dr. Burden are always tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. However, the procedure generally follows these surgical steps:
- Preparation of the face and neck. In most cases, liposuction is used beneath the jawline and jowl area, along with Renuvion® skin tightening across the face and neck.
- Discreet incision placement. Incisions are planned with the same precision Dr. Burden applies across his facial procedures, hidden within the hairline and behind the ears to minimize visible scarring.
- Deep plane dissection. The connective tissue layer beneath the skin is carefully separated from the parotid gland to protect the facial nerve, and dissection continues until the fat pads and sagging facial structures can be lifted.
- Neck refinement. The skin of the neck is separated from the underlying platysma muscle. A small incision beneath the chin allows the muscle to be repaired for a smoother, more defined neck contour.
- Skin redraping and closure. The skin is redraped over the newly repositioned structures, and any excess is removed in front of and behind the ear.
Having refined his approach over 3 decades, Dr. Burden’s deep plane facelift technique delivers seamless, comprehensive results without making you look like you’ve been surgically altered.

Tracing facial plastic surgery's history from nip-and-tuck techniques to advanced approaches using fiber optics and tiny incisions, Dr. Burden provides a must-have guide for anyone considering facial cosmetic surgery. The conversational Q&A format presents valuable information in a way that's easy to understand.
Get Your Facial Cosmetic Surgery GuideWhat Is Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Like?
You can expect around 3 weeks of visible bruising following a deep plane facelift. While many patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities sooner, Dr. Burden recommends planning for 8 to 12 weeks of healing before attending social events where photos will be taken. At 6 to 12 months, swelling fully resolves and scars significantly fade, revealing your final, polished result. Our facelift recovery guide provides a detailed healing timeline, recovery tips, and FAQs.
Can I Combine a Deep Plane Facelift With Other Procedures?
Yes, Dr. Burden often combines a deep plane facelift with procedures such as endoscopic brow lift and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to refresh the entire aging face. While the results of a deep plane facelift last for many years, many patients also regularly visit our medical spa for BOTOX® Cosmetic and other nonsurgical treatments to maintain a youthful look.
Request Your Consultation
To learn whether a deep plane facelift at Destin Plastic Surgery is right for you, request a consultation with Dr. Burden by completing the online form or calling our practice at (850) 654-1194. As a trusted board-certified plastic surgeon in Destin and throughout Pensacola, Fort Walton, and the Emerald Coast, Dr. Burden is also sought out by patients from Europe, South America, and Asia for his expertise, artistry, and attentive care.
See why people travel to Destin Plastic Surgery from Mobile, Dothan, Gulf Shores, and other Alabama communities.
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