Most people know that a facelift is a plastic surgery procedure meant to lift a drooping face and neck and promote a more youthful appearance. But what is a deep plane facelift?
This version of rhytidectomy (facelift surgery) is not as well-known, but in this article, we’ll take a deep dive into its short- and long-term benefits.
What Is Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?
As with all facelifts, the goal of a deep plane facelift is to create a more youthful facial appearance by eliminating wrinkles, skin folds, jowls, and deep lines. What makes the deep plane facelift technique unique is that it releases the ligaments that keep tissue and muscle in place on the face.
This release allows for more mobility in the skin and SMAS layers and smoother tightening underneath on the muscle layer. The results include tighter skin without looking unnatural or giving the “wind tunnel” look, better fat distribution, and smoother skin overall.
How Is a Deep Plane Facelift Different Than a SMAS Facelift?
SMAS stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system. This is the layer of tissue that is below the facial skin. Beneath the SMAS layer, you have the facial muscles and facial nerves. Various facelift techniques are available, each of which manipulates the SMAS layer in different ways.
Plastic surgeons who perform SMAS facelift surgery will treat the SMAS layer and the skin layer, especially around the mid face, as separate layers. Each layer is manipulated, tightened, and gently smoothed to create improvements.
However, a deep plane facelift procedure works on the deeper structures of the face, below the SMAS and skin layers. In fact, the SMAS and skin layers are treated as one unit. This is what makes deep plane facelifts different from SMAS facelifts.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
Because the deep plane facelift aims to correct signs of aging in the deeper tissues below the facial skin and SMAS layers, more and better improvements can be made. This makes the deep plane lift great for older (more mature) patients who have more obvious signs of aging: deeper wrinkles and lines, more sagging and drooping, and more wrinkles in general.
Patients who undergo the deep plane technique must also be in good general health with no serious medical problems that might cause problems during the surgery or healing process. You should be a non-smoker if you plan to get any type of facial plastic surgery, including facelift and neck lift surgery.
Recovery From Deep Plane Facelift Surgery
Deep plane facelift recovery day by day should look better and better. At first, you will have some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. The facial nerve branches may be affected during surgery, so some patients may have some changes in sensation like numbness or tingling, but this should go away with time.
Avoid heavy lifting and exercise. Drink plenty of water, and eat a healthy diet. Wear your head strap and bandages as directed. Care for your incisions carefully and as directed. Attend all followup appointments to assess your healing and ensure a good outcome.
FAQ: Deep Plane Facelift Surgery
What is deep plane facelift surgery good for?
If you have excess skin on your face and neck, wrinkles, jowls, folds, and other signs of aging, a deep plane face lift can help smooth the face, reduce signs of aging, and restore volume.
The deep plane facelift releases the ligaments beneath the SMAS and skin layers of the face. While avoiding the facial nerve system, your surgeon will expertly manipulate the underlying tissues here to smooth, freshen, and rejuvenate the face.
What is a deep plane facelift cost average?
Every patient’s deep plane facelift cost will be slightly different because every patient will have a different amount of facial aging and will require slightly different surgical techniques and treatments. At your deep plane facelift consultation, your surgeon will discuss your options with you and present you with an estimate for the cost of surgery.
Will I have deep plane facelift scars?
The incisions necessary for a deep plane lift will be made around the ear and within the patient’s hairline. The best surgeons place incisions around the ear in the natural folds and indentations so that they are hard to see once healed. Over time, all of your scars will flatten out and fade.
What is an extended deep place facelift?
An extended deep plane facelift is one version of the traditional deep plane facelift cosmetic surgery. With an extended lift, the treatment area is larger, and incisions are typically longer to accommodate this.
Get in Touch to Book a Consultation
Seeing signs of aging that you don’t like when you look in the mirror can be discouraging. Unfortunately, no matter the claims of face creams, serums, and other nonsurgical anti-aging techniques, only a facelift can actually produce real results that will be long-lasting.
Furthermore, the deep plane facelift is typically the best option for more mature patients with more notable signs of aging. It is a surgical procedure that can offer a complete facial rejuvenation.
If you would like to know if you’re a good candidate for a deep plane facelift, please book a consultation appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason today. We look forward to meeting you.