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What is a Deep Plane Facelift and is it Right for You?

Facelift Face & Neck Plastic Surgeon Surgery

Facelifts are exceedingly popular—and getting more so. The Aesthetic Society’s “2021 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Statistics” study tells us that the number of facelifts performed in the U.S. jumped 54% since 2020. As the technology behind them has improved and led to more natural, long-lasting results, they’ve gained even more rave reviews. There are several types of facelifts, and one of the most effective is the deep plane facelift. This type of procedure goes further than the typical facelift for results that can push the clock back more and last even longer than a traditional facelift. 


Related: 4 Types of Facelifts on Trend for 2023.

How Does a Deep Plane Facelift Work?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is achieved by making small incisions in a discreet spot behind the ears, removing excess skin, and pulling the skin of the face to eradicate wrinkles, smooth drooping skin, and create a more youthful appearance. It also tightens the jowls and can be done together with a neck lift for an overall refreshed look.

Advanced facelift techniques like musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and deep plane facelifts help board-certified surgeons create more natural-looking, longer-lasting results than traditional facelifts. A deep plane facelift is a similar procedure to an SMAS but is slightly more involved. In the SMAS facelift, a surgeon makes incisions in front of the ears above the hairline and raises the skin and SMAS levels separately rather than at the same time. For a deep plane facelift, the surgeon will go a level deeper than the SMAS, raising the two levels together and shaping and tightening the tissue and musculature there, as well as in the neck, and moving some of the deeper attachments. This technique also better flattens the nasolabial fold, generating results that have greater longevity than typical facelifts.

A deep plane facelift aims to provide a younger countenance and neck area by fixing sagging in the middle of the face, correcting marionette lines, eliminating jowls, and getting rid of double chins. This procedure is different from a regular facelift in several important ways:

  • Since the surgeon can manipulate the underlying tissue and work with greater precision, they do not need to pull tissues as tightly as a facelift requires; the end result is a more natural-looking facelift that’s just as effective as a regular one.
  • There is an opportunity to also move cheek fat pads to achieve a greater lift in the middle of the face.
  • Results have been shown to last longer than a typical facelift.


Deep Plane Facelift Pros and Cons

Before you decide which facelift is right for you, it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of a deep plane facelift.

Benefits:

  • Addresses the Neck:  Most surgeons can get a tighter neck and better neck angle with the deep plane technique.  
  • Reshapes for More Definition: One of the joys of aging (and there are many to be sure!) is that over time our skin loses its elasticity, and we stop producing as much collagen. Combined, these two forces lead to a sagging, drooping look. With the deep plane facelift, you can effectively rebuild your facial structure by redistributing fat, fixing any eye droop, and restoring volume to the middle of your face, especially in your cheeks, which produces a youthful contour.
  • Creates Smoother Skin: Due to sun exposure, age, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, or other reasons, we also get more wrinkles as we age. The deep plane facelift can smooth these for a natural, youthful look.
  • Boosts Confidence: Whether you’re addressing issues from an accident or the natural results of aging, a deep plane facelift will restore your natural beauty and reset the clock to help your confidence thrive. 
  • Long Lasting: Not only does a deep plane facelift help you look more than five years younger, but it lasts for at least five and a half years, giving you a decade’s worth of time back!

Related: How Long Does a Facelift Last?

Drawbacks:

  • Can Cause Nerve Damage: Since the deep plane facelift affects deeper layers of the face, there is a possibility that the procedure can cause damage to the nerves, although deep plane facelift complications are highly unlikely. 
  • More Expensive: Since it goes deeper, the deep plane facelift is typically more expensive than other types of facelifts.
  • Longer Recovery: Also, since it requires a more involved procedure, recovery is slightly longer, too.

Other Ways to Refresh Your Face
If you want a long-lasting, more natural-looking facelift, deep plane is the way to go. However, there are several other options if you feel like a deep plane facelift is not the right fit. You can have a regular facelift or a mini facelift to achieve some of the same results. You can also explore non-surgical options like injectable dermal fillers to help reduce sagging and wrinkles.

At the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery, we talk with you about your specific goals and your health history, and we give you the information and tools you need to make the decision that’s right for you. We offer all types of facelifts and have been performing them for over 30 years. We’re always amazed at how they help increase our patients’ confidence and make a real difference in their lives. Searching for “deep plane facelift near me?” For a free consultation, give us a call today. It’s time to get excited to show your beautiful face to the world again!

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Dr. Beverly Fischer

Dr. Beverly A. Fischer, a leading female surgeon with over 20 years' experience, believes plastic surgery makes a profound difference in people’s lives.