Advanced Deep Plane Facelift Surgery in Atlanta, Serving Patients Nationwide
Dr. Benjamin C. Stong is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in surgery of the face, head, and neck. Based in Atlanta, he performs a high volume of advanced deep plane facelift procedures for patients traveling from across the United States and internationally. Dr. Stong founded the Advanced Deep Plane Facelift Center of Excellence, and his practice has become a destination for individuals seeking advanced structural facial rejuvenation performed in a Quad A–accredited private surgical facility.
Dr. Stong completed a prestigious fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with internationally recognized facelift surgeon Dr. Andrew Jacono. His training served as a platform to develop advanced deep plane rhytidectomy techniques, including extended midface dissection and comprehensive release of the entire SMAS layer, including the platysma muscle of the neck. These techniques allow for more extensive repositioning of the SMAS compared with traditional deep plane facelifts and other limited facelift techniques.
By releasing and repositioning the deeper facial support system, Dr. Stong’s approach can create a cleaner jawline and neck definition while improving vertical midface elevation. This vertical midface lift also improves the cheek–eyelid junction by shortening the lower eyelid height and restoring volume to areas of hollowing that commonly develop around the lower eyelid with age. Today, Dr. Stong is recognized for a modern structural approach to deep plane facelift surgery that builds upon traditional techniques to create balanced, natural facial rejuvenation.
Deep Plane Facelift Specialist in Atlanta
Dr. Benjamin Stong is a facial plastic surgeon in Atlanta specializing in advanced deep plane facelift surgery and structural facial rejuvenation. His KalosLift advanced deep plane facelift technique focuses on extensive repositioning of the SMAS layer, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system that supports the facial soft tissues.
A key advancement in Dr. Stong’s technique is SMAS periosteal fixation, in which the elevated SMAS is secured to stable skeletal structures using the periosteum, the thick connective tissue layer that covers the facial bones. Because the periosteum remains stable over time and does not descend with age like soft tissue layers, it provides a stronger structural anchor for facial suspension.
Traditional facelift techniques often rely on SMAS-to-SMAS plication or imbrication methods, which attach lifted tissues to other soft tissues that may continue to descend with age. By contrast, periosteal fixation anchors the repositioned SMAS to stable facial structures such as the zygoma, or cheekbone, and the mastoid region behind the ear, helping improve both the quality of the initial surgical result and the long-term durability of facial rejuvenation outcomes.
This structural approach restores facial support while preserving natural expression and maintaining the unique character of each patient’s face.
Advanced Deep Plane Facelift Center of Excellence
At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stong has developed a comprehensive surgical approach focused on structural facial rejuvenation and long-lasting facial support.
Key elements of the Advanced Deep Plane Facelift Center of Excellence include:
• KalosLift advanced deep plane facelift technique
• Extended release and repositioning of the SMAS layer for improved midface and jawline support
• Periosteal fixation of the SMAS to stable skeletal structures, including the zygoma and mastoid
• Comprehensive facial rejuvenation including facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, and brow lift surgery
• A dedicated team experienced in the specific needs of deep plane facelift patients and caring for patients traveling from Atlanta, Buckhead, throughout Georgia, across the United States, and internationally
Patients considering deep plane facelift surgery often find it helpful to review documented surgical outcomes. Dr. Stong’s gallery of deep plane facelift before-and-after photographs demonstrates real patient results achieved using his advanced facelift techniques. These images illustrate the natural facial balance and refined jawline definition that can be achieved through advanced deep plane facelift surgery.
View Deep Plane Facelift Before-and-After Photos
Dr. Stong did an amazing job. I had an eyebrow lift, eyelids, face and neck lift. It’s only been 3.5 weeks and I am thrilled with the new me already! He is highly qualified and I recommend him without hesitation. He and his office staff are professional, available and eager to make your experience a positive one.
The Deep Plane Facelift Advantage
Unlike traditional facelifts that lift only the skin or the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) layer, the deep plane facelift lifts and repositions deeper structures such as the facial ligaments and muscles. This technique restores volume and contour in the midface, jowls, and neck with more durable, natural-looking results.
What sets our deep plane facelift apart:
- Addresses aging at a structural level for results that last 10+ years
- Rejuvenates the midface, which is often neglected by traditional methods
- Offers smoother recovery due to less skin tension and trauma
- Avoids the tight or “windblown” appearance associated with outdated techniques
As a practice fully dedicated to facial aesthetics, Kalos has the technical depth and artistic understanding to maximize the benefits of this sophisticated procedure. Patients throughout Atlanta—including Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and beyond—trust us for results that enhance their natural features without compromising identity.
Why Choose Dr. Benjamin Stong for Your Facelift?
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Stong is one of the few surgeons in Atlanta who is board-certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. His training includes a prestigious fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Albert Einstein School of Medicine, where he received advanced instruction in deep plane facelift techniques and facial anatomy.
Published Research on Facelift Techniques
Dr. Stong is a contributing author of several peer-reviewed studies that directly influence modern facelift approaches. His research has appeared in leading medical journals, including:
- Jacono AA, Stong BC. “Anatomic Comparison of the Deep Plane Facelift and the Transtemporal Midface Lift.” Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2010.
- Stong BC, Jacono AA. “Effect of Perioperative Hyperbaric Oxygen on Bruising in Facelifts.” Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2010.
- Ransom ER, Stong BC, Jacono AA. “Persistent improvement in lower eyelid-cheek contour after a transtemporal midface lift.” Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2012.
This academic background sets Dr. Stong apart as a leader in facial rejuvenation, not just in practice but also in innovation and research.
Invited Lecturer at International Symposia
Dr. Stong’s facelift techniques and outcomes have been presented at major international conferences, including the 10th International Symposium of Facial Plastic Surgery, where he lectured on:
- Deep plane rhytidectomy vs. subperiosteal midface lift
- Techniques to reduce post-op bruising in facelift patients
- Midface lift impacts on lower eyelid aesthetics
These contributions underscore his reputation as a surgeon’s surgeon in the world of facial plastic surgery.
Mini Facelift, Maximum Precision
Atlanta patients in their 30s to 50s often ask about options that offer rejuvenation without the downtime of a full facelift. Dr. Stong specializes in Mini Deep Plane Facelifts—a highly focused version of his advanced technique performed through smaller incisions around the ears. This is ideal for:
- Early jowling or sagging around the jawline
- Laxity in the lower cheeks
- Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Patients combining facial procedures for full rejuvenation
The Kalos approach to the mini facelift provides a refined contour and improved facial balance with faster recovery and minimal scarring.
Why Atlanta Patients Turn to Kalos
Atlanta is a fast-growing, competitive city where first impressions matter. Whether you’re a business professional, educator, artist, or retiree, looking your best is often tied to feeling your best. That’s why patients from Midtown to Marietta, Brookhaven to Buckhead, and throughout Fulton and DeKalb Counties choose Kalos for facelift surgery.
Here’s why patients trust us:
- We are an Atlanta-based practice focused solely on facial aesthetics—no body procedures, no distractions
- Dr. Stong’s experience with diverse facial types makes Kalos a leader in delivering inclusive and culturally sensitive results
- Our consultations are unrushed, thorough, and honest—we prioritize education over sales
- Our recovery plans are designed for active Atlantans seeking a quicker return to life and work
With over a decade of experience serving Atlanta’s population, Kalos has built long-standing relationships with patients, many of whom return for other procedures or refer friends and family.
Local Trends & Statistics: Why Deep Plane Is Growing in Atlanta
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
- Over 5,000 facelift procedures were performed in the greater Atlanta area in the past year
- Demand for deep plane techniques has increased by more than 35% due to longer-lasting and more natural results
- Patients aged 40 to 65 are the fastest-growing demographic seeking facelifts in Georgia
These trends reflect what we see every day in our practice—patients want subtle, believable rejuvenation that restores confidence without compromising individuality.
We proudly provide facelifts for patients in the following cities and surrounding areas:
Facelift FAQs:
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, encompasses various procedures aimed at improving one’s appearance by lifting loose skin and soft tissue at the jawline and neck, adding definition to the cheeks, and re-contouring the chin. Over time, the skin and muscles of the face and neck lose elasticity, leading to sagging, which can be exacerbated by sun exposure, heredity, smoking, and other factors. Facelifting procedures remove, lift, and tighten this loose and sagging tissue, creating a more youthful and rested appearance. Dr. Stong’s deep plane facelift technique provides the most natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Facelift incisions are made in front of and behind the ear, curving naturally and discreetly around the hairline. Dr. Stong’s use of mini facelift incisions, or the S-Lift, during his deep plane facelift procedures allows for shortened and more discreet incisions, as well as faster healing. The scars that result blend into the natural creases of the skin and hairline, making them nearly invisible. Dr. Stong’s patients can confidently wear their hair up without concern for visible scarring.
Facelift techniques vary in their approach to rejuvenating the neck and jawline. Substandard techniques can lead to failures, resulting in unnatural or “over-pulled” outcomes. Dr. Stong uses the most advanced deep plane facelift techniques, which directly lift the muscle layer (SMAS) for the most natural-looking, long-lasting results with minimal scarring and recovery. This deep plane technique works in the deeper layers of the face, effectively lifting the midface region for improved longevity and durability.
A deep plane facelift, also known as a composite rhytidectomy, is highly regarded for its longevity, durability, and ability to lift the midface. Unlike traditional facelift methods that focus only on the lower jawline and neck, the deep plane facelift elevates and lifts the entire SMAS, including the upper cheeks, nose, and mouth. This approach produces more natural-looking results by maintaining the skin’s connection to the underlying connective tissues and muscular structure, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Dr. Stong considers this technique far superior to traditional methods.
The extended deep plane facelift builds upon the original deep plane technique by allowing Dr. Stong to address not only the jawline and neck but also improve the midface or upper cheeks. This technique restores sagging cheeks to their youthful position while rejuvenating the neck and jawline. The extended deep plane facelift offers the least amount of downtime and requires fewer additional procedures compared to traditional facelift techniques. Dr. Stong is among a handful of talented surgeons who perform this advanced procedure and the first to offer it in Georgia.
The biggest determinant of whether your facelift results look natural or “over-done” is the surgeon you choose and the technique they implement. Dr. Stong’s deep plane facelift technique supports the facelift on the deeper, inelastic SMAS layer, allowing the skin to remain attached to the underlying structures during the procedure. This approach results in a much more natural appearance that lasts longer, as the skin can be closed almost tension-free with delicate sutures.
Patients see a dramatic difference immediately after the dressing is removed, though swelling and bruising will peak around days 4 or 5 and gradually subside. While the healing process may vary, Dr. Stong remains focused on achieving the best results, which often requires time. The specific timeframe for fully achieving your facelift results depends on the technique used and whether additional cosmetic procedures were performed.
A facelift does not stop the aging process, but when performed correctly, the results can last 8 to 10 years or more. Patients should understand that even after this time, their appearance will still be far better than if they had not undergone the procedure. Substandard techniques may fail much sooner, but Dr. Stong’s advanced methods provide long-lasting, natural-looking results that stand the test of time.
Men seeking long-term correction to the neck and jowls may benefit from the Mini Deep Plane Facelift or the Extended Sub-SMAS Facelift, both of which can be performed using small, discreet incisions. Dr. Stong’s expertise in these techniques ensures that male patients achieve the best cosmetic outcomes while maintaining a natural appearance.
A chin implant may be used to enhance the cervicomental angle, which defines the junction of the chin and neck. This can strengthen the chin’s appearance and create a more youthful neck and jawline, complementing the effects of a facelift or neck lift.
Mini Facelift FAQs:
A mini facelift is often misunderstood as a procedure with less dramatic results, but in the hands of an elite surgeon like Dr. Stong, it simply refers to the size of the incisions used. Dr. Stong performs advanced muscle-lifting techniques, such as the deep plane facelift, through these mini incisions, allowing him to address sagging cheeks, deep folds, and jowls effectively. This approach provides long-lasting results with minimal scarring and recovery time.
The mini facelift, also known as an S-Lift or short scar facelift, involves incisions that are discreetly placed around the ear and within the natural curves of the face. Dr. Stong takes special care to protect the hairline, ensuring the facelift scars are virtually undetectable, allowing patients to wear their hair up or short without concern.
Since Dr. Stong utilizes the most effective muscle-lifting and repositioning techniques during a mini facelift, the results are not compromised by the smaller incisions. The longevity of the mini facelift depends primarily on the technique used, with Dr. Stong’s deep plane facelift offering superior, natural-looking results that last significantly longer than other methods.
Patients in good health with realistic expectations for addressing facial aging in the cheeks and neck are strong candidates for a mini facelift. Dr. Stong’s mini facelift incision technique offers a favorable recovery period, making it an excellent choice for both younger and older patients. His skill in various facelift techniques ensures the best outcomes for each patient’s unique needs.
The downtime after a mini facelift is generally less than that of a traditional facelift. The smaller incisions heal faster, and the deep plane technique minimizes bruising. Patients can expect a shorter recovery period, with excellent, long-lasting results.
Many mini facelifts fail early due to limited techniques that do not address the deeper layers of the face. Without lifting the SMAS layer, the results often look “over-pulled” and fail sooner. Dr. Stong’s deep plane facelift technique ensures that the SMAS is effectively repositioned, resulting in a natural appearance and longer-lasting results.
Absolutely! Dr. Stong offers the deep plane facelift through mini lift incisions, providing patients with the benefits of a deep plane facelift while maintaining the minimal scarring of a mini facelift. This approach is rare and requires exceptional skill and precision, which Dr. Stong has mastered.
Dr. Stong’s extended mini deep plane facelift offers superior results by extending the dissection to the midface or upper cheek, using a short incision while lifting the facial tissue and muscles simultaneously. This technique achieves the benefits of a deep plane facelift with the minimal scarring of a mini facelift, providing faster healing and less bruising. Dr. Stong is among the few surgeons in the country capable of performing this advanced procedure with such success.
Atlanta’s Trusted Authority in Facelift Surgery
At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, we focus exclusively on facial procedures, allowing us to offer unmatched specialization in facelift surgery. Under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Stong, our practice stands apart with credentials and experience few others in the Southeast can claim:
- Dual Board Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Advanced fellowship training with Dr. Andrew Jacono, a globally recognized pioneer of the deep plane facelift technique
- Recognized annually as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, awarded through peer nomination and independent physician review
- Lead surgeon for the proprietary KalosLift—a modern take on facial rejuvenation tailored for Atlanta’s diverse and discerning patients
Dr. Stong and his team are known for delivering not only natural results but also a patient experience rooted in education and empowerment. We walk each patient through the full scope of surgical and non-surgical options, answering every question and ensuring each decision is informed and tailored to the individual.
Your Journey Begins Here
Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC is more than a surgical center—it’s a trusted resource for Atlantans exploring facial rejuvenation. From your first call to your final follow-up, you’ll experience the highest standard of care and the warmth of a local practice that understands what Atlanta patients expect. Our team is here to help you navigate your aesthetic goals with clarity, transparency, and expertise.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward facial rejuvenation that’s as confident and refined as the city you live in.
