Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
249 Main St
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: (860) 775-5595
Hours:
Monday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
The ideal facelift should help you look naturally younger,
with results you can enjoy for many years to come.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Karter specializes in tension-free facelifting, maximizing results while delivering natural, long-lasting effects. He performs the deep plane facelift at our Wethersfield, Connecticut, practice to restore youthful contours by addressing the causes of facial aging at the deepest level.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Aging affects more than just the skin—it also impacts the deeper support structures of the face, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) and platysma muscle in the neck. Unlike older facelift methods that rely on pulling the skin tighter, a deep plane facelift repositions these underlying tissues for significantly more natural-looking and enduring results.
This advanced facelift technique lifts sagging cheeks, smooths deep folds, redefines the jawline, and tightens the neck to rejuvenate your appearance. Because it releases and repositions the deeper layers of the face, it creates longer-lasting results while maintaining a soft, natural look—never pulled or artificial.
Many people seeking facelift surgery wonder about the difference between a deep plane facelift and a SMAS facelift. Below is a comparison of the two techniques to help illustrate how they differ.
| Feature | Deep plane facelift | Smas facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Releases and repositions deeper facial layers, including the SMAS and underlying ligaments, for a comprehensive lift. | Focuses on tightening the SMAS layer without fully releasing deeper attachments. |
| Results | Lifts and restores volume in the midface, jawline, and neck with a naturally refreshed appearance. | Primarily improves the lower face and neck, with results that vary depending on the technique used. |
| Longevity | Typically lasts 10-15 years, as it repositions rather than simply tightening tissues. | Generally lasts 7-10 years, though results may evolve over time. |
| Recovery Time | Requires about 3-4 weeks for initial healing, with continued refinement over several months. | Recovery is typically around 2-3 weeks, with gradual improvement in swelling and firmness. |
| Ideal Candidate | Best suited for individuals experiencing significant facial sagging, particularly in the midface, jawline, and neck. | Often recommended for those seeking improvement in the lower face and neck with moderate skin laxity. |
| Scarring | Incisions are discreetly placed around the ears and within the hairline for natural healing. | Incision placement is similar, designed to blend with the natural contours of the face. |
As we age, the cheeks, jowls, and neck gradually descend, changing the shape and contours of the face. This process softens jawline definition, deepens folds around the mouth, and results in excess skin accumulation in the neck. While many assume these changes are due to skin laxity alone, the real cause is the weakening of deeper support structures, including the SMAS in the face and the platysma muscle in the neck.
These structural changes contribute to some of the most common concerns patients notice in the mirror:
Because these changes happen beneath the skin, traditional facelift methods fall short. Patients looking for the best results need a deep plane facelift, which addresses the root causes of facial aging.
Dr. Karter is fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon known for his exceptional results and patient-first philosophy. Learn what sets him apart below:
As mentioned above, less advanced facelifting techniques rely on pulling the skin tight to create a lifted look. The problem? Tension distorts facial features, shortens results, and exacerbates visible scarring.
A deep plane facelift at Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is different. Instead of stretching the skin, Dr. Karter lifts and repositions the underlying layers, correcting sagging where it actually starts. By treating your facial aging where it occurs—not just where it's easy to pull—Dr. Karter creates results that are balanced and natural-looking so they age gracefully with you.
From your first conversation with our team to your one-on-one time with Dr. Karter, we provide a concierge-level experience tailored to your needs.
Start with a free one-on-one call with Erin, our patient care coordinator. She’ll listen to your concerns, discuss treatment options, and go over important details like technique, recovery, and cost considerations. If we feel like the right fit for you, she will schedule your in-person consultation with Dr. Karter.
During your visit, Dr. Karter will examine your facial anatomy and explore your surgical options in-depth. He will walk you through the details of a deep plane facelift, discuss what to expect after surgery, and create a customized plan based on your goals.
When you are ready to move forward, we will coordinate every detail with the surgical center and anesthesia team. We recommend bringing your calendar to your appointment so you can choose your ideal date. A fully refundable 20% deposit is all that is needed to secure your surgery.
We make sure that you are 100% prepared for your procedure. You will receive a comprehensive recovery kit with everything you need for post-operative care, have pre-surgical photos taken, and review all necessary consent forms and instructions.
We see patients several times throughout the recovery process to ensure optimal healing and results. As part of our commitment to exceptional post-surgical care, we also provide laser resurfacing treatments to refine incision lines and support smoother scar healing.
Dr. Karter is personally invested in your experience and results. As part of his commitment to your comfort and well-being, he provides you with his personal cell phone number so you always have a direct line to your surgeon when you need it.
The exceptional care at our office doesn’t end when your procedure is complete—it extends through every stage of your recovery. Dr. Karter and his team take a proactive approach to healing, guiding you through your healing journey with structured follow-ups, expert scar care, and personalized support:
While you will look visibly refreshed early into your healing, your results will take time to develop. The finer details of your transformation will reveal themselves over 2 to 3 months as swelling resolves and the deeper layers of the face settle into their natural, rejuvenated position.
Since facial aging occurs in multiple areas at once, many patients benefit from combining a deep plane facelift with other procedures.
If you’re noticing significant sagging in the cheeks, jowls, or neck and want long-lasting, natural-looking results, you may be a good candidate for a deep plane facelift. Ideal patients are generally in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about recovery and the results that can be achieved. During your consultation, Dr. Karter will assess your facial structure and aging pattern to determine if this approach is right for you.
Surgery costs are tailored to the individual. Once we have a better idea of what you are looking for, we can give you an initial quote during your free phone consultation. We also accept financing through CareCredit® and can help you plan for your investment in long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
There isn’t a specific “best” age for a deep plane facelift—it depends on your facial structure, degree of aging, and personal goals. Many patients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s opt for this procedure when they notice significant sagging that nonsurgical treatments can no longer correct. If you’re unsure whether the timing is right, Dr. Karter can provide expert guidance based on your unique needs.
Because it repositions the deeper layers of the face rather than just tightening the skin, results typically last 10 to 15 years, significantly longer than traditional facelift techniques. While a deep plane facelift cannot stop the natural aging process, you will continue to look younger than if you had never had surgery. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a good skincare routine can help prolong your results.
