Although rare, deep plane facelift complications can occur. This is the case with any plastic surgery — and any surgery in general. Especially when anesthesia is being used and incisions are being made, there are some risks to be aware of.
Your deep plane facelift surgeon will go over the risks and complications of deep plane facelift surgery at your consultation appointment and prior to surgery. However, as you approach your procedure, it can be helpful to review these potential complications on your own so that you can be sure you are confident to move forward. Again, complications are very rare as long as you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience.
Before talking about deep plane facelift complications, let’s first answer the basic question: What is deep plane facelift surgery?
Deep Plane Facelift Overview
Any type of facelift surgery is performed to reduce signs of aging on the face. As we age, time, gravity, pollution, lifestyle factors, weight fluctuations, and genetics all play a role in how our face evolves. The most noticeable signs of aging tend to occur first on the neck and lower face. Some patients have more signs of aging around their brow lines and eyes as well.
Generally speaking, the face tends to go downward with time. Patients may end up with sagging skin, loose skin, jowls at the jawline, nasolabial folds, laugh lines and smile lines, and other skin and facial structure issues.
Deep plane facelifts can essentially lift the face, smoothing wrinkles, tightening loose skin, lifting tissues, and muscles that have begun to droop, and making other improvements. The extended deep plane facelift goes even further into the deep temporal fascia to make these improvements.
SMAS vs Deep Plane Facelift Procedure
What makes a deep plane facelift different from other types of facelifts, such as the SMAS facelift, is that we go deeper beneath the skin to raise not only the skin but also the SMAS layer (which is a thin layer of muscle and tissue beneath the skin) and the deeper underlying muscles of the face.
The surgery involves lifting the skin and small layers together and releasing ligaments in the face that allow for more manipulation and improvements. Deep plane facelift patients get more improvements and longer-lasting improvements.
Potential Post Op Deep Plane Facelift Complications
Again, complications from facelift surgery are very rare. As long as you choose a qualified plastic surgeon, you should be in good hands and not have any major problems.
The major complications to be aware of with a deep face plane facelift are as follows:
Scarring
Incisions from a facelift result in permanent scars, though these are generally hidden along the hairline and natural contours of ears. Furthermore, while 1 week post op deep plane facelift scars will be slightly raised and red or pink, as the weeks go on, you will see significant improvements. Scars will flatten out and fade naturally.
Facial Nerve Damage
Facial nerve injuries are an infrequent complication. However, there are nerves and a facial artery that run through the facelift treatment area and control sensation and facial muscles. These are very close to where your surgeon needs to make incisions, so facial nerve injury is always possible.
A temporary nerve injury can cause temporary changes in movement or sensation. Symptoms such as numbness or facial asymmetry might persist for several months or up to a year. In some cases, permanent nerve injury may occur.
Hematoma Formation
A hematoma, or the accumulation of blood beneath the skin, is a more frequent complication after surgery. If it happens, it usually appears within 24 hours after deep plane technique surgical procedures, leading to swelling and pressure. Immediate intervention is required.
Skin Loss
Although rare, some face-lifts can disrupt the blood flow to the facial skin, leading to skin loss. Treatment includes medication and wound care, and in more severe cases, a procedure to reduce scarring.
FAQ: Deep Plane Facelift Surgery
How much is a deep plane facelift?
Deep plane facelift cost can vary based on who you choose as your surgeon, how many skin issues or signs of aging you hope to improve with surgery, how long you are in the operating room, and costs related to anesthesia and the medical facility where you undergo surgery.
If you book a consultation appointment, your plastic surgeon will be able to give you more details related to cost and your unique procedure.
How long will my deep plane facelift results last?
This is highly variable, depending on how old you are when you undergo facial rejuvenation surgery, what type of skin you have, the extent of your surgery, how well you recover, your lifestyle and skin care practices, your genetics, and many other factors. Most patients who undergo surgery with a deep plane facelift technique can expect their results to last for many years.
Contact Us Today to Book a Consultation
Dr. Rachel Mason is a board-certified plastic surgeon performing deep plane facelift procedures at her Las Vegas practice, Perspectives Plastic Surgery. Please call our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mason for a deep plane facelift surgical procedure.