The deep plane facelift is a technique that has been around for over 50 years. Recently it has had a resurgence in popularity as it has been associated with longer lasting results specially in the lower face area. The deep plane facelifts treats all the areas treated by more traditional procedures including the upper cheeks, jowls, and neck but can provide longer term correction in some of these areas.
How a Deep Plane Facelift is Performed
The technique of a deep plane facelifts involves pulling the deep facial tissues, called the SMAS, (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) upward just like other popular techniques. However in deep plane technique, the SMAS is elevated and pulled closer to the lower face. In other words the SMAS is elevated nearer to the anterior cheek instead of nearer to the temple. This allows for a more aggressive pull in the anterior cheek and jowl.
This results in more dramatic improvement of the anterior cheek and jowl area.
The deep plane facelift also makes it a point to release key ligaments in the face that limit the lift that can be performed by more traditional facelifts. These ligaments are present in the upper cheek, lower cheek, lower mandible and neck. By releasing these ligaments the lift can be more aggressive.
We perform the procedure under IV sedation. This allows for patient’s to recover without the postoperative nausea and vomiting associated with general anesthetics. It also reduces risks associated with general anesthesia like myocardial depression and deep venous thrombosis.
Recovery from a Deep Plane Facelift
The deep facelift requires a 2 week recovery period. In this time, you will see gradual improvement every day until you are fully recovered. Sutures are removed at 5-7 days.
Risks of a Deep Plane Facelift
Risks of the deep plane are that the dissection to elevate the SMAS occurs in the area where the nerves are more exposed since they have completed their course through the parotid and are close to the thin mobile SMAS in the anterior cheek. Therefore the risk of nerve injury is slightly greater than with other techniques. However, in experienced hands this should not be an issue. Since it is a more technically challenging procedure, it does require a longer time under anesthesia.
Visit Us for a Deep Plane Facelift
Call us or send us an inquiry to learn more about this procedure and how Thomassen Plastic Surgery can provide this for you. Dr. Thomassen can do a face to face consultation and recommend the right procedure for your needs.
References
“Extended Deep Plane Facelift: Incorporating Facial Retaining Ligament Release and Composite Flap Shifts to Maximize Midface, Jawline and Neck Rejuvenation. Andrew Jacono, MD and Lucas M. Bryant, MD. New York Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery, 630 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA. Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.