Kris Jenner and why everyone's asking about deep plane facelifts

USA Today

04-06-2025

Kris Jenner and why everyone's asking about deep plane facelifts
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Met Gala: Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner arrive
Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner arrive at the Met Gala red carpet.
Kris Jenner, Lindsay Lohan and Christina Aguilera – what's in the Hollywood water that seems to be aging these celebrities backwards?
The internet is convinced (without proof) it's a procedure called the deep plane facelift, though Lohan, for her part, insisted her look is courtesy of green juice, ice water and becoming a mom.
Generally speaking, celebs' plastic surgeries are much more talked about these days, explains Dr. Daniel Knott, director of facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at UCSF Health. The identity of Jenner's surgeon was revealed by both Page Six and People after the internet erupted over her latest look.
And more transparency among stars is impacting how real people talk about cosmetic procedures.
'People are more forthright about things like this. Before, they were done in a more secretive sense,' he says. 'There's less shame and more openness about these things.' As transparency trends, however, some will still remain coy.
So, what is the deep plane facelift? Here's everything you should know about the buzzy procedure.
What is a deep plane facelift surgery?
A deep plane facelift is a facial surgery where the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, or SMAS, is lifted to achieve a more youthful look, Knott says.
The SMAS is a layer of connective tissue that sits underneath the skin and on top of the facial muscles.
'The plane you operate in is deeper, the skin is thicker and it holds the tension better,' Knott says. 'It's also a much longer-lasting outcome and the scarring is as good as possible because it doesn't widen or thicken.'
The recovery time ranges from seven to 14 days, and the results can last 15 years or longer, he says. The price can vary widely depending on the location, surgeon and if other procedures are needed, sometimes between $25,000 and $100,000.
'Benjamin Buttoning': Christina Aguilera and 'undetectable' plastic surgery
How does it differ from traditional facelifts?
Traditional facelifts typically only lift the skin, are less complicated and the results don't last as long compared to deep plane facelifts, Knott says.
Deep plane facelifts are also more likely to maintain blood supply to the skin since it's still attached to the SMAS, he says. Although it's a deeper surgery, the operation and recovery time don't differ drastically from traditional facelifts.
The cosmetic procedure has been around for about 35 years but not every surgeon performs them because they're more complicated and require close work on important facial muscles and nerves, Knott explains.
The deep plane is also technically two operations – one for each side of the face – which means a surgeon's work must be symmetrical.
'It requires confidence to stitch and know where the muscles and nerves are,' he says. 'It takes a surgeon who has sufficient experience.'
What surgeons want patients to know
Knott urges patients to research their surgeon before trusting them with a deep plane facelift.
'Don't just trust the social media and webpage,' he says. 'Look into the surgeon's history.'
If done suboptimally, deep plane facelifts can lead to complications such as muscle or nerve damage, infections, irregular hairlines, asymmetry and necrosis, among others.
'Choose your surgeon carefully,' Knott says. 'Make sure they're well-trained, board-certified and have a long history of well-established, good results.'
Adrianna Rodriguez can be reached at [e-mail].