A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the face and neck by targeting the deeper layers of tissue beneath the skin. This technique involves lifting and repositioning not just the skin, but also the underlying muscle and fat layers. The result is a more natural-looking, longer-lasting outcome that can take years off your appearance.
As we age, the skin on our face starts to lose elasticity and firmness. This can cause sagging skin, drooping jowls, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and a loss of volume in the mid-face area. These signs of aging can make us look tired, sad, or angry, even when we’re not. Fortunately, a deep plane facelift procedure can restore a more youthful appearance to the face.
At Millard Plastic Surgery in Denver, Dr. David Hendrick and his team are renowned experts in facial plastic surgery techniques such as the deep plane facelift. Our experienced surgeons can create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that you achieve a natural-looking, harmonious result that enhances your overall appearance.
If you are considering a deep plane facelift or any other facial rejuvenation procedure, trust your care to the experienced team at Millard Plastic Surgery. Contact us today at (303) 792-5665 or use our online inquiry form to schedule your consultation with us.
Before and After Photos
Understanding the SMAS
The facial anatomy comprises multiple layers, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, connective tissue, fascia, and muscles of the face. Located beneath the skin of the face and neck, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is an important layer of tissue that plays a crucial role in facial rejuvenation surgeries.
The SMAS transmits, distributes, and amplifies the activity of all facial muscles, (1) providing support to the structures of the face and helping it maintain its youthful appearance. It also connects the muscles of the face to the overlying skin. It is composed of collagen fibers, elastic fibers, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves.
How is the Deep Plane Facelift Different?
The deep plane facelift is an effective surgical technique that can provide significant improvements in facial appearance for those experiencing signs of aging. Unlike traditional facelifts that only address the SMAS layer, the deep plane facelift involves deeper dissection to release and reposition the underlying musculature, including the orbicularis oculi muscle, zygomaticus major muscle, and platysma muscle.
The deep plane technique allows for direct manipulation of the facial ligaments and maximal mobilization of facial soft tissues. (2) It also allows for more natural-looking and longer-lasting results, as it improves facial contours, tightens and smooths the skin, reduces wrinkles, refines the jawline, lifts the cheeks, restores volume, and enhances facial symmetry.
No “Pulled” Appearance
Our approach to this procedure is designed to address the deeper tissues of the face, providing comprehensive rejuvenation and lifting without a “pulled” or “overdone” appearance.
Other Benefits
- Comprehensive rejuvenation of the face, including the midface, jowls, and neck
- Long-lasting results that can improve over time
- Restored volume to the midface for a youthful, refreshed look
- Lifting of the jowls and correction of sagging skin on the neck
- Incisions are carefully placed to minimize scarring and ensure natural-looking results
- Increased confidence and improved self-image
Contact Millard Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a deep plane facelift can help you achieve a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Candidates
Facelift candidates are typically men and women who are bothered by:
- Sagging skin
- Deep wrinkles and folds
- Loss of volume in the cheeks
The deep plane technique is ideal for patients who have significant sagging and drooping in the midface area, as it works to lift and reposition underlying tissues rather than just tightening the skin. The ideal candidate is in good overall health, a non-smoker, and has realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcome.
Age is not necessarily a limiting factor as long as the patient is healthy enough to undergo surgery. However, it is important to note that this procedure is more invasive than a traditional facelift and may require a longer recovery time.
With our doctors’ expertise and experience, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest level of care and achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Personal Consultation
At Millard Plastic Surgery, we specialize in a variety of facelift techniques, including the deep plane facelift. During a personal consultation, we will assess your facial structure and discuss your cosmetic goals in detail to determine whether a deep plane facelift is the right choice for you. We will explain the benefits and potential risks associated with the procedure, and answer any questions you may have about what to expect during and after surgery.
If you’re considering a deep plane facelift or any other type of facial rejuvenation procedure, contact our office in Denver today to schedule a consultation. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve the look you desire.
Preparation
Before undergoing a deep plane facelift, it’s important to properly prepare for the surgery. This type of facelift is a more extensive procedure, so following all preoperative instructions is crucial for a smooth surgery and recovery.
- Meet with your surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations for the surgery
- Discontinue blood thinners, supplements, and other medications as instructed by your surgeon
- Stop smoking or using any nicotine products at least two weeks prior to the surgery, as these can affect healing and increase the risk of complications
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for the first few days of recovery
- Fill prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics in advance of your procedure
- Plan to take time off work and social commitments to allow for adequate rest and healing time
Procedure
The deep plane facelift involves making an incision along the hairline and around the ear, through which your surgeon will lift and reposition the deeper layers of tissue that support the face. By repositioning the underlying tissue, this technique restores volume, enhances symmetry, and creates a more youthful appearance. This approach allows for a more natural-looking result, with less risk of visible scarring or a “pulled” look.
One of the key benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift is that it provides longer-lasting results than traditional facelift techniques. By targeting the deeper layers of the face, this procedure can improve facial contours, tighten and smooth the skin, reduce wrinkles, refine the jawline, and lift the cheeks for a more rested and youthful appearance.
Recovery & Results
Recovery time can vary depending on each patient’s individual healing process, but most people are able to return to work and other normal activities within two weeks of their surgery. After your surgery, you will experience swelling and bruising around the face and neck. This is normal and typically begins to subside after a few days. We may recommend the use of cold compresses to help manage swelling and discomfort during this time.
You will need to rest and limit physical activity for several weeks following your surgery. It is important to avoid any activities that could put undue stress on your face or neck as you heal. We will provide detailed instructions for your specific recovery timeline.
Once you have fully healed, you can expect to see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of your face and neck. The deep plane facelift provides a natural-looking result that can last for years. In addition to reducing wrinkles and sagging skin, this procedure can also improve the look of your jawline and restore a more youthful contour to your face.
Cost of a Deep Plane Facelift in Denver
At Millard Plastic Surgery, we believe in transparency when it comes to pricing. We will provide you with an accurate estimate for the cost of your procedure during your consultation. We also offer financing options to help make your desired procedure more affordable.
If you’re interested in learning more about the deep plane facelift or any of our other facelift techniques, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (303) 792-5665 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with us. Let us help you achieve the youthful, refreshed appearance you desire.
Read more about plastic surgery in Denver on our blog.
FAQ
Who is a good candidate for a deep plane facelift?
Good candidates for a deep plane facelift are individuals who are experiencing significant signs of aging in their midface, jowls, and neck. These signs may include sagging skin, loss of volume or definition, deep wrinkles, and creases. Patients should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure.
Why do some patients choose the deep plane facelift?
The benefits of a deep plane facelift are numerous. This procedure can provide patients with a more youthful and refreshed appearance, improved facial contours, and a smoother jawline. The deep plane technique also allows for more natural-looking results, as it lifts the underlying tissues rather than just pulling the skin tighter.
Is the deep plane facelift recovery process painful?
Most patients will experience some discomfort following a deep plane facelift, but this can typically be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Swelling and bruising are also common in the first few weeks following the procedure, but these symptoms should gradually subside. Most patients can return to work and other normal activities within 2-3 weeks after surgery.
How long do the results of a deep plane facelift last?
While individual results may vary, the results of a deep plane facelift are typically long-lasting. Patients can expect to enjoy the benefits of the procedure for up to 10 years or more, depending on factors such as age, skin quality, and lifestyle habits.
References
- Whitney ZB, Jain M, Zito PM. Anatomy, Skin, Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) Fascia. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519014/
- Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed April 27, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/#:~:text=A%20deep%20plane%20facelift%20aims
