Deep Plane Facelift – What It Is and Why It’s Gaining Popularity
Facelifts have come a long way from the unnaturally tight and pulled appearance that most people associate with cosmetic surgery. It’s much more common these days to want to look youthful and natural. One of the most popular techniques in recent years has been the deep plane facelift, which involves going deeper for long-lasting and rejuvenating results.
If you have been doing research into facelift options or are just curious as to what all the excitement is about, you’re in for a real treat! This guide will tell you everything you need to know, including what is involved, how it works, why it is such a popular choice, and what you can expect if you are thinking of having one yourself.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a technique that manipulates the muscles of your face as well as your skin. It works by releasing and elevating deeper tissue layers of the face rather than the skin. This area is called the SMAS, which stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system.
The end goal of all facelift surgery is to elevate and reposition the facial tissue layers. This deep plane method of doing so has seen a rise in popularity over the past few decades.
By repositioning the facial tissue that causes sagging and wrinkles as we age, your surgeon can restore your cheeks, jawline, and mid-face to their natural position. At the same time, they can do so in a way that leaves your skin looking less stretched.
How It’s Different from a Traditional Facelift
Traditional and deep plane facelifts have similar goals: to counteract the visible effects of ageing. The difference between them is where and how your surgeon will perform the procedure.
With a traditional facelift, your surgeon often will elevate the skin and the SMAS layer separately. That’s enough to improve drooping, but the result can leave a certain “pulled” appearance.
A deep plane facelift, means that your surgeon will work deep to the SMAS layer, release the SMAS from the underlying ligaments, and move your entire face forward as one unit. As the skin is not being pulled independently of the deeper tissue, the tension is more evenly spread, resulting in a softer and more natural look. It also means the lift is stronger and not dependent on the skin to hold everything in place.
Why the Deep Plane Facelift Is Popular
A major reason why the deep plane facelift is so popular is that it produces a natural-looking result. We live in an age when patients are less interested in looking different and more concerned with looking like the best version of themselves. The deep plane approach has a strong appeal for those wanting a subtle lift without friends or colleagues being able to identify exactly what you have done.
Longevity is another factor. As the deeper structures are lifted, the results can last longer than less invasive techniques. Ageing will continue, but many patients will get a decade or more out of their deep plane facelift before deciding that they want to fine-tune the result with a second procedure.
The lift can also have the added benefit of improved mid-face volume. By repositioning the deeper tissues, the cheeks regain a more youthful fullness without requiring as much filler. This contributes to a balanced, refreshed look and can help avoid the “overfilled” look that can result from using injectables alone.
Who Might Consider a Deep Plane Facelift?
Candidates for deep plane facelift are men or women with moderate to severe age changes in their mid-face, lower face, and neck. This might include sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, loose skin under the chin, and other issues.
Typically, patients are in good general health and do not smoke. It is important that patients have realistic goals and expectations of what surgery can achieve.
The deep plane facelift is most often performed on patients in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but in many cases, it is the quality of the skin and the structural condition of the face that determines candidacy. In certain instances, younger patients may be candidates for a deep plane lift if their facial tissues are genetically heavy or if they have premature sagging.
The Deep Plane Facelift Procedure
A deep plane facelift is carried out under general anaesthetic, though on some occasions sedation with local anaesthesia may be used. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will make a series of small, strategic incisions behind your hairline, beginning at the temples and following the natural curves in front of and around your ear.
Occasionally, a small hairline extension behind the ear may be required. Working through these incisions, your surgeon will dissect carefully deep under the SMAS layer, releasing the tissue from its deeper attachments. The release of the deeper tissues and fat pads allows your surgeon to reposition the underlying tissue without any tension on the skin.
By repositioning all of these deeper structures together as one, your face can be lifted and reshaped. Once the deeper tissues have been repositioned, the skin is redraped over the new contours and any excess skin is removed. The incisions are then closed using fine sutures, leaving minimal scarring.
The procedure can take between three and five hours, depending on the amount of work that is required. It also depends on whether it is being performed at the same time as other procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery.
Recovery and Downtime
Full recovery from a deep plane facelift procedure takes longer than with a non-surgical facelift treatment, but is usually easy to recover for patients who have access to appropriate aftercare. As with any facial surgery, there will be swelling and bruising. This is usually at its worst after the first week, then it steadily improves over the next two to three weeks.
Patients usually take up to two weeks off work. You can return to light activities after a couple of weeks, but should refrain from vigorous exercise for at least four to six weeks.
As this type of facelift is a deeper procedure, there may be a slightly longer time until the final result is achieved. The majority of the swelling should be gone within one month; however, your face will continue to refine over the next three to six months.
The Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift
Since we tackle the cause of sagging skin at the deeper layers, the result is structural rather than superficial. This makes the whole procedure appear more natural and effective. The lift you get from a deep plane facelift is long-lasting and can last you for years to come.
Another benefit of the deep plane facelift is that there is less need for dermal fillers and other short-lived cosmetic procedures. You can get these as needed, but getting a lift first reduces the need for regular enhancements, which can add up to more savings over time.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, deep plane facelifts have potential risks and complications. These may include bleeding, infection, poor healing, scarring, nerve injury, and temporary numbness or changes in sensation.
The risks can be reduced by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon who is board-certified and carefully following their pre- and post-operative instructions. A consultation will allow your surgeon to review your medical history, lifestyle, and goals for the surgery.
Deep Plane Facelift: FAQs
1. How long will the results last?
On average, patients can expect results to last 10 to 15 years, although this can vary depending on a number of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality. You will still age, but you should look younger than if you hadn’t had the procedure.
2. Is a deep plane facelift more painful?
The level of discomfort is usually no different from that of other facelift techniques. Most people experience mild to moderate discomfort during the first few days following surgery, which can be treated with painkillers.
3. Will I have visible scars?
The incisions are strategically placed along the hairline and around the ears so they are well hidden. In time, the scars fade and become barely visible.
4. Can I have a deep plane facelift if I’ve had fillers?
Yes, although it is usually best to wait for them to dissolve or incorporate into the tissues before surgery so that your surgeon can see the natural contours of your face.
5. What age is appropriate for a deep plane facelift?
There is no recommended age. However, many patients are in their 40s to 60s, although younger and older individuals may also be suitable candidates.
6. How soon after surgery can I go out in public?
Many people are able to return to normal activities within two to three weeks, depending on the amount of swelling and bruising. It is generally a good idea to plan surgery well in advance of any major events.
