When searching for facial rejuvenation options, a facelift is a common recommendation for someone seeking significant, lasting results. While there are many different facelifts including the mini, the SMAS, and others, the one we want to discuss today is called the “deep plane facelift.” This facelift is a great option for patients seeking youthful rejuvenation while maintaining a natural appearance.
A deep plane facelift addresses signs of aging, like significant sagging, loss of elasticity, and deep wrinkles and folds. These natural effects of aging affect everyone differently, and thus the facelift procedure can be tailored to your specific needs!
In general, a facelift involves lifting tissues, tightening the underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and re-draping the remaining skin over the newly tightened foundation. This procedure treats the lower part of the face, the jawline, and sometimes a little bit of the neck to correct concerns in the mid-to-lower part of the face.
Just like in other areas of our body, our face is made up of layers. Underneath the top layer of skin lies a layer of fat. Under the fat is the SMAS, or superficial musculoaponeurotic system, which is a sheet of collagen and elastin fibers. These are the fibers responsible for keeping everything “tight.”
What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
Just like in other areas of our body, our face is made up of layers. Underneath the top layer of skin lies a layer of fat. Under the fat is the SMAS, or superficial musculoaponeurotic system, which is a sheet of collagen and elastin fibers. These are the fibers responsible for keeping everything “tight.” With the deep plane facelift, the skin and SMAS are lifted and tightened together, as one unit. Deep plane facelifts lift the jowls and neck, while also releasing the cheek ligaments and elevating the cheek fat pads and muscles. When the cheeks lift, they reduce the nasolabial folds and give the face a youthful heart shape. This also prevents the weird strain lines associated with a mini- or skin-only facelift.
The deep plane facelift is a type of SMAS facelift that creates more comprehensive and natural results than other types of SMAS facelifts due to the lifting of the skin and SMAS complex together as a unit.
The main advantage of the deep plane facelift technique is the aesthetic outcome. The release of tethering facial ligaments allows for a more wholesome repositioning of the face, leading to a smoother, better look.
Common Add-Ons for Deep Plane Facelifts
For full facial rejuvenation, facelifts can be combined with other facial procedures, such as a brow lift, rhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Not all facelifts address the neck, so be sure to discuss your goals in detail with your surgeon!
At Capizzi MD, we are also well-equipped with skin-rejuvenating treatments and licensed medical aestheticians to perform them. Treatments like radiofrequency microneedling, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing will further enhance the results of your facelift. A deep plane facelift produces great results but transforming the skin at the same time really takes your results to the next level.
How Long Is Recovery?
The most involved recovery from a facelift will be the first two weeks after surgery. After the first two weeks, you will be back to most of your usual routine. At your pre-op appointment, your surgeon will walk you through detailed post-op care instructions, including follow-up appointments to remove your stitches and any surgical drains.
The first couple of days: You will have a drain placed during surgery that is removed the day after a deep plane facelift. This helps prevent fluid buildup during the first night. You will have bandages that can be removed at the 2–3-day mark as well. You will notice swelling and numbness that is completely normal.
The first week: The swelling will peak during the first week before gradually subsiding. Compression garments worn around the face will keep this to a minimum but the face usually feels puffy and tight. Drink lots of water and eat healthy, easy-to-digest foods to help speed the recovery process. Your stitches will be removed during your 1-week follow-up appointment.
2-3 weeks Most patients are driving and back to work as swelling subsides. Numbness will continue for a few months but gradually improve as the nerves heal.
4-6 weeks: Full workout routines are permitted with patients advised to start slow and ramp up as they feel comfortable.
When will I see the results?
You will see immediate results once your bandages are removed, but it takes 3 months or longer for all the facial tissues, muscle, and skin to settle and for swelling to fully subside. That’s when you’ll see your final results. In general, healing is completed in about 6 months.
If you’re curious about any facelift procedure or facial rejuvenation treatment, call our office at 704-655-8988 to discuss what treatments might be recommended for your needs. We can give you ballpark pricing and schedule a consultation with a surgeon or aesthetician so that you can achieve your goals.