Entry 05 of 13 · Updated 2026-09-24
Deep Plane Facelift in Utah
The technique patients now ask for by name. Which Utah surgeons actually perform a true deep plane lift, what it costs, and how it differs from a SMAS lift.
- Typical cost in Utah
- $20,000–$35,000
- Our №1 for deep plane facelift
- Dr. Steven MobleyMobley MD Facial Plastic Surgery, Millcreek (Salt Lake City)
- Recovery
- About 2 weeks for bruising, 3 to 4 weeks to full social comfort
- Insurance
- No
The best deep plane facelift surgeons in Utah
5 face-only specialists, in our editorial order for this procedure. Featured placement is disclosed. How we rank.
- 01
Dr. Steven R. Mobley, MD
Mobley MD Facial Plastic Surgery · Millcreek (Salt Lake City)
Utah's most recognized facial-only surgeon, with a national reputation in rhinoplasty and otoplasty.
- Double board certified (ABFPRS and ABOto)
- Former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery, University of Utah
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor
- 02
Dr. Scott K. Thompson, MD
Utah Facial Plastics · Draper & Layton
Founder of Utah Facial Plastics and one of the state's busiest facelift and rhinoplasty surgeons.
- Double board certified (ABFPRS and ABOto)
- Founder of Utah Facial Plastics (2006)
- Deep plane facelift and rhinoplasty focus
- Region
- Salt Lake County
- Certified
- Double board
- 03
Dr. Douglas Henstrom, MD
Utah Facial Plastics · Draper & Layton
Mayo Clinic and Harvard trained facial surgeon with a reconstructive pedigree.
- Double board certified (ABFPRS and ABOto)
- Mayo Clinic residency
- Harvard / Mass Eye and Ear fellowship
- Region
- Salt Lake County
- Certified
- Double board
- 04
Dr. James P. Manning, MD
Utah Facial Plastics / Manning Facial Plastic Surgery · Bountiful & Draper
Quatela-fellowship-trained facelift surgeon and hair restoration specialist serving Davis County.
- Double board certified (ABFPRS and ABOto)
- Fellowship with Dr. Vito Quatela
- Facelift and hair restoration focus
- Region
- Davis County
- Certified
- Double board
- 05
Dr. P. Daniel Ward, MD
Ward MD Facial Plastic Surgery / Form · Salt Lake City
Academic-trained rhinoplasty and facelift surgeon who built one of Salt Lake's largest aesthetic groups.
- Double board certified (ABFPRS and ABOto)
- Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Utah
- Founder of Form Surgery Center and Form Med Spa
- Region
- Salt Lake County
- Certified
- Double board
01 · What it is
About deep plane facelift
In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon dissects beneath the SMAS layer, releases the retaining ligaments of the cheek and jawline, and repositions the entire soft-tissue envelope as a unit. The skin is not placed under tension, which is why the result tends to look natural and last longer. It is often paired with a deep neck lift.
02 · Who it's for
Good candidates
- Patients with significant midface descent, jowls and neck laxity
- Those who prioritize natural movement and want to avoid a windswept look
- Patients who want the longest-lasting surgical option
03 · Cost
What deep plane facelift costs in Utah
$20,000 to $35,000
Deep plane lifts sit at the top of Utah's facelift pricing because of longer operating time and specialized training. Insurance: no.
04 · Recovery
The timeline
Comparable to a traditional facelift: about two weeks for bruising, three to four weeks to full social comfort. Some patients report less skin bruising because the skin flap is thinner.
05 · Choosing
How to choose a deep plane facelift surgeon
- Confirm the surgeon performs a true deep plane (sub-SMAS) release, not a marketing label on a SMAS plication
- Ask how many deep plane lifts they perform per month
- Review one-year results and ask about facial nerve safety protocols
Deep Plane Facelift in Utah: questions, answered
01Is a deep plane facelift better than a SMAS facelift?
For patients with substantial midface descent, many surgeons believe deep plane offers a more natural, durable result. For milder aging, an extended SMAS lift can be equally good in skilled hands. Technique matters less than the surgeon's judgment and experience.
02Who performs deep plane facelifts in Utah?
Utah Facial Plastics (Dr. Scott Thompson, Dr. Douglas Henstrom, Dr. James Manning) markets deep plane facelifts, and Dr. Steven Mobley and Dr. P. Daniel Ward perform advanced deep-tissue facelifts as well. Confirm the specific technique at consultation.
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