A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure that targets the deeper underlying layers in the face to address facial sagging. (1)
As we age, the soft tissue structures of the face can begin to sag, leading to a droopy appearance that can affect perceived age and self-esteem. Fortunately, these concerns can be effectively diminished with a deep plane facelift, allowing patients to achieve a more youthful appearance.
At Millard Plastic Surgery, each procedure is customized to each patient’s unique goals. Our team’s commitment to safety, advanced techniques, and attention to detail helps to deliver natural-looking results.
If you would like to explore your candidacy for a deep plane facelift (or another form of facelift), please schedule a consultation at Millard Plastic Surgery. You can reach us by submitting our online contact form, or you can call (303) 792-5665 to schedule over the phone.
About Deep Plane Facelifts
A deep plane facelift is a comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedure that addresses the deeper layers of tissue, resulting in a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. By making adjustments to deeper layers, a deep plane facelift rejuvenates one’s appearance with natural-looking and longer-lasting results. The deep plane facelift employs specialized techniques that address both the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer and sub-SMAS structures to achieve a patient’s desired goals. (1) Compared to a standard or mini facelift, a deep plane facelift is better for individuals with significant amounts of midface sagging who desire a more natural-looking result rather an an artificial or “pulled” appearance. (2)
Diminishing the appearance of sagging skin, jowls, and muscle bands can improve facial contours to define your jawline for a smoother transition between the face and neck. Deep plane facelifts are also customizable, allowing us to adjust each procedure to address your unique features and underlying anatomy. (3)
Benefits
A deep plane facelift has several benefits, which include (4):
- Natural-looking results
- Lasting rejuvenation
- Customizability
- Increased confidence
- Smoother skin
- Diminished wrinkles
- Minimal scarring
- More youthful-looking appearance
Candidates
If you are burdened with drooping skin, facial volume loss, jowls, and more, a facelift can help you address your concerns. (5) Candidates for a deep plane facelift are usually those who:
- Have significant midface sagging
- Have thicker skin
- Are dissatisfied with the results of a previous facelift
- Desire natural-looking, durable, long-lasting results
- Have minimal neck laxity but moderate to severe jowling (6)
Prospective patients should be in good general health and keep realistic expectations for their results. They should also be willing to openly converse with their surgeon about their goals and closely follow all instructions provided to them.
Consultation
Your deep plane facelift journey begins with a consultation with one of the expert Millard Plastic Surgery surgeons. During this meeting, your surgeon will ask about your appearance goals and medical history while examining your facial structures and skin laxity. With this information collected, they will create a customized treatment plan and determine if you would benefit most from a deep plane facelift or another procedure. Please come prepared to discuss your expectations and ask any questions you have about the procedure.
Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any further questions, please call our Englewood office at (303) 792-5665.
Preparation
At the pre-op visit, your surgeon will give you important preparation instructions. These will be written specifically to your medical history and personal treatment plan; however, there are some common guidelines to follow. Doing so will ensure a smooth procedure with optimal results.
Patients are typically required to avoid anything that can thin the blood, including medications, supplements, and alcohol. Nicotine should also be avoided for multiple weeks before and after the procedure. We may also recommend avoiding excessive sun exposure, which could worsen wrinkles before and after the procedure. We ask that you take time away from work and other obligations to focus on your recovery, and arrange for transportation home and assistance during your initial recovery.
Procedure
On the day of your appointment, you should arrive with clean skin, without makeup or skincare products. We will begin by administering anesthesia and marking your skin for the treatment. We will make incisions along the natural curves of your skin to lift it and remove excess tissue.
After making incisions, we will make adjustments to the platysma and SMAS layer, which release the retaining ligaments and structures. We can pull the deep plane fascia and platysma muscles up and back to lift the skin and tighten it. (7)
We will redrape the skin and trim away any excess tissue before closing the incisions. The type of incision pattern you receive will also depend on your aesthetic goals and individual treatment plan. We take care to make incisions in discrete locations to minimize the visibility of scars.
Recovery
After a deep plane facelift, you should follow the postoperative instructions you receive to ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery process. You may experience swelling and/or bruising that should subside over the next few weeks. Your surgeon will apply supportive dressings to your face and insert small drainage tubes to minimize swelling.
We may also prescribe pain medications to help you recover comfortably. You should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and intense exercise for several weeks after the surgery.
Results
After a deep plane facelift, you can enjoy a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. While individual experiences may vary, patients typically notice results that improve their quality of life. The natural-looking effects of a deep-plane facelift can improve the contours of your face, reduce sagging skin, diminish the appearance of jowls, and create a more youthful, balanced appearance that will persist for many years.
Additional Treatments
Neck Lift
A neck lift is a procedure that addresses loose, droopy skin on the neck. During a neck lift, we can remove excess skin and also address the large, flat muscles of the neck called the platysma. (2) Tightening these structures and removing excess skin creates the appearance of a smoother, more youthful-looking neck.
Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)
An eyelid lift is a procedure that addresses excess skin around the eyes and/or repositions the fat pads below your eyelids. This procedure can address concerns on the upper or lower eyelids to create a more youthful and alert appearance.
Facial Fat Transfer
A facial fat transfer increases your facial volume by removing fat from one area of the body and reinjecting it into the face. As you age, volume loss can affect the cheeks, temples, and lips, resulting in a hollow-looking appearance. A fat transfer provides longer-lasting volume than biodegradable injectables, which your body absorbs over time. Using your own fat can create a softer, more natural-looking appearance that lasts longer than other methods and eliminates the risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
Cost of Deep Plane Facelifts in Colorado
The cost of your deep plane facelift will depend on your aesthetic goals and the details of your unique treatment plan. After meeting with one of our surgeons, you will receive an all-inclusive price quote. Millard Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to help make treatments more accessible.
Contact our office online or call (303) 792-5665 to schedule a consultation and explore your deep plane facelift options.
FAQ
How do I know if a deep plane facelift is right for me?
If you have moderate to severe droopy skin or significant sagging in the midface, a deep plane facelift may suit you best. We will examine your skin during your consultation to determine whether or not the procedure is a good fit for your aesthetic goals. We can recommend alternatives if necessary.
Should I have a surgical or nonsurgical facelift?
If you have mild skin laxity, we can help you achieve transformative results with a nonsurgical facelift. However, for more severe laxity and more intense signs of aging, we typically recommend surgical intervention.
Will a deep plane facelift look natural?
Yes, since we manipulate the deeper layers of the face to address signs of aging, you can enjoy natural-looking results without a “pulled” or unnatural appearance.
Will I have scars after a deep plane facelift?
Scars are typically hidden in the natural contours around the ear and sometimes along the hairline, depending on the technique used.
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
A deep plane facelift can last for 12-15 years, although after you finish your recovery, it’s important to wear sunscreen and take good care of your skin for optimal results. Will I need more than one deep plane facelift?
Because a deep plane facelift addresses deep tissues, the results last for a long time, and you may not need another procedure. However, if you experience changes to your appearance or if your results do not last as long as expected, we can perform a touch-up procedure.
References
- Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
- Jacono A, Bryant LM. Extended Deep Plane Facelift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2018;45(4):527-554. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2018.06.007
- Sykes J, Liang J, Kim JE. Contemporary Deep Plane Rhytidectomy. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2011;27(01):124-132. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1270426
- Jacono AA, Stong BC. Anatomic Comparison of the Deep-Plane Face-lift and the Transtemporal Midface-lift. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2010;12(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/archfaci.12.5.339
- Becker FF, Bassichis BA. Deep-Plane Face-lift vs Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Plication Face-lift. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2004;6(1):8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/archfaci.6.1.8
- Gordon NA, Adam SI. Deep Plane Face Lifting for Midface Rejuvenation. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2015;42(1):129-142. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2014.08.009