Deep Plane Facelift

You need to have a consultation with your surgeon and provide details about your medical history, health status, and medications. You may have to adjust your medication schedule or stop taking certain medications entirely.

Smoking should be avoided for six weeks leading up to and after the surgery. It’s also important to arrange for transportation and have a support system during the recovery process.

Combining a deep plane facelift surgery with other cosmetic procedures is not uncommon. In fact, many patients opt to have additional procedures performed at the same time to enhance the overall rejuvenation of their appearance. Some common procedures that are performed in combination with a facelift include eyelid surgery and brow lift.

A deep plane facelift rejuvenates both the face and neck. Rarely, patients may only desire or benefit from rejuvenation of the face without any treatment to the neck, in which case a mini facelift may be more appropriate.

The major cause of discomfort post facelift surgery is swelling. This is relieved through the use of cold gel pads, keeping your head more upright when lying and simple oral pain relieving medication which is provided on discharge. These are usually only required for up to the first week after surgery.

Although most modern facelift techniques manipulate the superficial musculoaponeurotic (SMAS) layer, in a deep plane facelift the skin and the SMAS are elevated together as a single unit rather than separately as is the case in traditional SMAS techniques. This reduces the amount of ‘open’ space where fluid may collect. It also reduces the risk of contour irregularities in the skin.

Another key step in a deep plane facelift is the release of all the retaining ligaments holding the SMAS which is not always performed in traditional SMAS techniques. This allows the SMAS  to be repositioned more freely with less tension, helping ensure a natural result and avoiding a wind swept appearance.

To achieve optimal facial rejuvenation, additional procedures are often performed in conjunction with a deep plane facelift. This includes brow elevation, eyelid rejuvenation, facial fat grafting, more extensive deep plane neck contouring as well as a nose reshaping (rhinoplasty).

Specific skin treatment may also be performed such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels or microneedling with radiofrequency tightening.

Other regions of the body may also be rejuvenated simultaneously such as breast enhancement and body contouring.

The most important factor to maintain and should always be the paramount concern, is patient safety.

Facelift scars start in the temple, pass along the front border of the ear, before passing around the ear lobe on to the back of the ear and onto the hairline. Additional neck contouring is performed through an incision under the chin. To ensure the scars are kept discreet, the incisions are positioned along the natural creases and contours and are closed meticulously.

On average the results of a deep plane facelift can last between 7-10 years. This can vary and depends on a multitude of factors such as changes in weight, smoking and genetics, as well as the fact that the rate the natural ageing process does not alter with surgery. Good skin care and a healthy lifestyle help maintain and prolong the results of the procedure.

Patients can expect to return to work 10-14 days after surgery. This can vary depending on the degree of swelling and bruising experienced, as well as the nature of the work being performed.