Deep-Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelifts
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Posted on July 23, 2024 under Facelift
Both the deep plane and traditional facelift are used to combat signs of aging, but they target different layers of facial tissue. The deep plane facelift focuses on deeper tissues for more significant aging concerns, while the traditional facelift targets the lower face and neck areas for milder issues. It’s important to note that different doesn’t mean better or worse. The choice between the two procedures depends on what specific aspects of your face you wish to change. For example, heavy wrinkles may benefit more from the deep plane facelift due to its ability to address deeper tissues.
The deep plane facelift surgery targets the SMAS layer and platysma and releases the retaining ligaments of the face and neck, providing a more dramatic rejuvenation than the traditional facelift, which focuses on lifting and tightening the lower two-thirds of the face. Both methods aim to address signs of aging, but it’s crucial to seek the expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon. Their knowledge, experience, and commitment to your cosmetic goals will help determine which technique aligns best with your needs, instilling confidence in your decision-making process.
About Deep-Plane Facelifts
The deep plane facelift is widely regarded as a more comprehensive procedure compared to traditional facelift techniques. While traditional approaches primarily target the skin and superficial tissues with more skin undermining, the deep plane facelift involves a more profound intervention, focusing on the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and retaining ligaments. This comprehensive technique offers a more thorough rejuvenation, making it an appealing choice for individuals seeking substantial improvement in skin laxity, deep wrinkles, and pronounced facial folds, affirming its effectiveness. The deep plane facelift undermines less skin and elevates more of the deep tissues of the face, taking tension off the tightened skin and providing better blood supply for the skin left behind.
During a deep plane facelift, surgeons at top-rate facial plastic surgery clinics elevate and reposition the skin and the underlying SMAS layer of tissue. The procedure is designed to produce longer-lasting and more significant results by addressing these deeper facial structures. Individuals exhibiting advanced signs of aging or desiring a more dramatic enhancement often opt for the deep plane facelift due to its effective approach to these concerns.
Analogous to a multi-layered cake, one could similarly view the facial structure. While a traditional facelift addresses only the surface layer, akin to icing and decoration, a deep plane facelift operates deeper, targeting the foundational layers of the “cake” for more comprehensive improvement. It is imperative to emphasize that the decision to undergo a deep plane facelift should only be made following a thorough understanding of the intricacies and potential risks of the procedure, which your board-certified plastic surgeon will provide.
About Traditional Facelifts
The traditional facelift, or the SMAS, is a well-established procedure designed to address age-related concerns in the lower two-thirds of the face. Its main goal is to rejuvenate the jawline, cheeks, and neck by addressing mild to moderate signs of aging. Skilled surgeons strategically lift and tighten the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) layer—a thick tissue layer underneath the skin—without disrupting the underlying ligaments. This procedure can smooth folds of skin and wrinkles while you maintain the natural shape of the face. This less invasive approach benefits those seeking to address early signs of facial aging without undergoing extensive surgery.
What are the Benefits of Deep-Plane Facelift?
- Deep-plane facelifts can create a more natural look than traditional facelifts without looking overdone.
- While deep-plane facelift requires a longer treatment time than other facelifts, the results last much longer.
- Shorter recovery time – most people report being able to return to work within two weeks.
- With the deep-plane facelift, you can reshape the entire face, including the jawline, cheekbones, and neck, and replenish volume in the cheeks.
- Other benefits include redistributing fat, addressing the midface as well as the lower face, and a more robust blood supply to the skin.
What Can You Expect Before and After a Deep-Plane Facelift?
Before Facelift Surgery
Before surgery it is important to schedule a consultation where your surgeon will review your medical history and exam. Once approved for surgery, it is important that those wishing to undergo facelift surgery do not smoke and stop taking thinning medications or supplements. This procedure is typically performed outpatient, either in a certified operating room at your surgeon’s office or an external surgical center. The deep plane facelift can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation similar to the traditional facelift as well. You will be unconscious throughout the surgical procedure, which usually lasts three hours or more. Before the procedure, your board-certified plastic surgeon will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments.
During Facelift Surgery
- Your surgeon will make small incisions around the ear and back into the hairline, ensuring they are as invisible as possible.
- They will lift the skin and SMAS layer together, release key retaining ligaments in the cheek, jaw, and neck, and reposition deeper tissues to eliminate sagging skin.
- Any excess skin is removed by your surgeon.
- Finally, they’ll close the incisions with small sutures, careful not to apply too much tension to the skin flap.
- Sometimes, they insert thin drain tubes to help prevent excess fluid buildup and minimize swelling during healing.
You’ll leave with bandages wrapped around the natural contours of your face. You will feel groggy from the anesthesia, so make sure you have someone you trust there to take you home safely and assist you overnight.
After Facelift Surgery
On average, you can expect about two weeks of recovery time after facelift surgery. Residual swelling and numbness of the facial skin and facial tissues may still be a factor after these cosmetic procedures; however, both will dissipate over an average of one to three months with final results at one year similar to a traditional SMAS facelift. While facial plastic surgery may seem daunting, this recovery process is a normal part of the healing journey, and your plastic surgeon will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel at ease and less anxious.
Facelift surgeries can address skin and excess fat, fine lines and wrinkles, tighten loose skin, create a younger look, and more. The procedure can also be performed with blepharoplasty or neck lift procedures for more comprehensive results. Performing these simultaneously can minimize swelling and bruising, reduce recovery time, and require less incisions. This is because the neck lift incision and traditional facelift incision may be combined.
Scheduling Your Consultation
For those considering a Deep-Plane Facelift or traditional facelift to achieve a more youthful appearance, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our highly skilled plastic surgeons at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. During the consultation, our team will offer detailed information about the procedure and address any inquiries you may have.
Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers
