Dr. Motakis Discusses Deep Plane Facelifts on the SKIN TO IT Podcast

I was recently invited to join dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki and Marlo Sutton on the SKIN TO IT podcast to discuss one of the most talked-about procedures in facial surgery today: the deep plane facelift.

The technique has received considerable attention in recent years, particularly on social media. With that attention has come a great deal of interest from patients, but also some confusion about what the procedure involves, who it may be appropriate for, and whether it is inherently better than other facelift techniques.

During our conversation, we discussed how a deep plane facelift differs from a traditional SMAS facelift, what patients can realistically expect from recovery, and how I assess whether someone is a suitable candidate for surgery.

Expertise Matters More Than Trends

One of the most important points I wanted to communicate is that patients should be cautious about choosing a procedure based on its name alone.

“Deep plane” describes a surgical technique. It does not, by itself, guarantee a natural result, a shorter recovery, or a better outcome.

A successful facelift depends on much more: a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, careful patient selection, technical experience, aesthetic judgment, and the ability to adapt the operation to the individual face.

No two patients age in exactly the same way. Their anatomy, skin quality, previous treatments, expectations and priorities are all different. For that reason, I do not believe facelift surgery should be approached as a standardized procedure or as a response to whichever technique is receiving the most attention online.

The goal is not simply to perform a deep plane facelift. The goal is to select and execute the surgical approach that can create a balanced, natural result while preserving the patient’s identity.

Facelift Surgery Is One Part of a Larger Plan

We also discussed how facelift surgery fits alongside injectables, skin treatments and long-term skin health.

Surgery can reposition deeper facial tissues, but it does not address every aspect of facial aging. Skin quality, pigmentation, fine lines and volume changes may require different forms of care.

For many patients, the most thoughtful approach is not a single procedure, but a long-term plan that considers surgery, aesthetic dermatology and skin optimization together.

Listen to the Full Conversation

The full episode explores deep plane facelifts, candidacy, recovery, surgical risk, natural results and the importance of choosing a surgeon based on expertise rather than terminology.

Watch Episode 33 of SKIN TO IT: “Deep Plane Facelift: What Patients Should Know” here.