What is a Deep Plane Neck Lift?

A Deep Plane Neck Lift is an advanced surgical procedure that corrects significant aging in the neck and jawline by repositioning the deep musculature (platysma) and removing deep structural fat. Unlike a traditional neck lift that merely tightens the skin, the deep plane approach releases the retaining ligaments to create a sharp, defined cervicomental angle (the neckline) that lasts for years.

At A Glance: Deep Plane Neck Lift with Dr. Brobst

Feature	Details
Anesthesia	General Anesthesia or Deep IV Sedation
Duration	3–4 hours
Pain Level	Rated 3/10 (tightness is the primary sensation)
Social Downtime	10–14 days (sutures removed at day 7)
Scarring	Hidden behind the ears and under the chin

Gravity is Vertical

Restoring Structural Integrity in Frisco

For our patients driving in from Frisco—whether you spend your time at The Star or professionally in the Legacy corridor—posture and profile matter. We live in a world of high-definition cameras and profile angles. Yet, the neck is often the first place to betray age, and it is the hardest to hide. Many patients come to us frustrated by the "turkey neck" or vertical bands that no amount of retinol or weight loss can fix. Dr. Robert "Bo" Brobst understands that pulling skin tight over a sagging muscle structure is a recipe for failure. It looks unnatural and rarely lasts.

As a board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Brobst performs the Deep Plane Neck Lift. This is not a "skin-only" tuck. It is an architectural restoration of the deep structures of the neck, resuspending the platysma muscle and contouring the sub-platysmal fat to restore a crisp, youthful jawline. This is how we achieve natural results that look like you simply have excellent genes.

From Dr. Bo:

"The neck is unforgiving. Unlike the face, where we can use filler to camouflage volume loss, the neck requires subtraction and suspension.

A lot patients ask for liposuction, thinking fat is the only problem. But if you have loose muscle (platysmal bands) or deep fat pads located under the muscle, liposuction alone will actually make the neck look worse—it reveals the bands even more.

My approach is to go deep. I lift the muscle itself (the hammock of the neck) and tighten it from underneath. This creates that sharp 90-degree angle under the chin that defines a youthful profile."

The "Deep" Difference

Why Not Just a Traditional Neck Lift?

To understand the procedure, you must understand the anatomy. The neck consists of skin, fat, and a sheet of muscle called the platysma. In a traditional neck lift, surgeons often separate the skin and pull it tight behind the ears. While this smooths the surface temporarily, it does not support the weight of the neck. The bands eventually return, and the skin can look stretched or "windblown." The Deep Plane Advantage:

Dr. Brobst operates under the muscle layer.

Ligament Release: He releases the tough ligaments that tether the neck muscles in a downward position.
Muscle Suspension: The platysma muscle is lifted and anchored vertically, acting as a sling to support the jawline.
Deep Fat Contouring: Often, the fullness under the chin is not surface fat, but deep fat pads or enlarged submandibular glands. Dr. Brobst sculpts these deep structures to "de-bulk" the neck.
Tension-Free Skin: Because the heavy lifting is done by the muscle, the skin is draped gently over the new contour. This ensures incisions heal with zero tension, resulting in invisible scars.

The Timeline

Recovery and Downtime

We know our Frisco patients have active social calendars. We have optimized our recovery protocol to get you back to your life quickly.

Days 1–3: The Support Phase

You will wear a supportive head wrap to minimize swelling. Most patients report feeling "tight" under the chin but rarely describe acute pain. You will need to keep your head elevated and avoid turning your neck sharply.

Day 7: The Reveal

Sutures are removed. At this stage, you will see the new contour of your jawline immediately. Bruising is usually fading to yellow and can be covered with a scarf or high collar.

Two Weeks: Restaurant Ready

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or dinner at Legacy West. There may be some residual numbness or firmness under the chin (often called "woody" edema), but this is invisible to others and resolves over time.

Investment

The Cost of a Deep Plane Neck Lift

We believe in financial transparency. Dr. Brobst does not offer "one-price-fits-all" surgery because no two necks are anatomically identical. Variables Influencing Price:

Deep Structure Work: Does the patient require submandibular gland reduction or digastric muscle contouring?
Liposuction: Is concomitant liposuction of the jowls required?
Complexity: Is this a revision of a previous neck lift?
Facility & Anesthesia: These fees ensure your safety in an accredited surgery center with MD anesthesiologists.

You will receive a comprehensive, itemized quote during your consultation. We also accept financing through CareCredit and PatientFi.

Deep Plane Neck Lift Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a neck lift without a facelift?

Yes, isolated neck lifts are possible, but they are rare. The neck and jawline are structurally connected. If you lift the neck but leave the jowls (the lower face) sagging, the result can look disjointed. Most patients achieve the best harmony by treating the lower face and neck together.

What causes the vertical bands in my neck?

These are the edges of the platysma muscle. As we age, the muscle separates in the middle and sags, creating two vertical cords. Botox can soften them temporarily, but surgery is the only way to physically sew them back together (platysmaplasty).

Will I have a scar under my chin?

Yes, a small, discreet incision is placed in the submental crease (the natural fold under your chin). This allows Dr. Brobst to access the central neck bands and fat. Once healed, this scar is virtually imperceptible.

How long does it last?

A deep plane neck lift is a structural reset. While the aging process continues, you will always look better than if you had not had the surgery. Most patients enjoy the results for 10–15 years before considering minor maintenance.

Is this safe?

Dr. Brobst performs this surgery in accredited facilities under general anesthesia for airway protection. His background as a Board Certified Otolaryngologist (Head & Neck Surgeon) makes him uniquely qualified to operate safely around the vital structures of the neck.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Bo today

Let's Chat

We want to welcome you into our Plano office for a consultation to chat about how we can protect and preserve your beauty. We want to get to know you as a person and develop a plan that best fits your needs and lifestyle. At Brobst Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, you’re more than a patient — you’re part of our family. We want to take care of you the way family should. Schedule your consultation to get started today.

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