What Is a Deep Plane Facelift? A Comprehensive Guide

A face lift offers long-lasting and significant anti-aging effects, including wrinkle reduction and skin tightening. There are different facelift options that may suit your situation better than others, depending on your specific goals. One option is the deep plane facelift, which can be particularly effective for those who have started to notice signs of aging in the mid to lower face.

At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Sacramento, CA, we are here to help you make an informed decision about your cosmetic options. The deep plane facelift targets deeper layers of facial tissue for more natural and enduring results.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses aging signs by repositioning the deeper facial tissues. This technique lifts the mid-face, jawline, and neck with results that are both natural-looking and long-lasting.

What Makes a Deep Plane Facelift Different From Other Facelifts?

• Deep Plane Facelift: Repositions muscles and connective tissues while allowing for natural-looking positioning of the skin in the jawline, neck, and midface areas.
• SMAS Facelift: Focuses on the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, offering moderate lifting and tightening.
• Mini Facelift: Targets mild to moderate sagging in the lower face and neck, with shorter recovery time but less dramatic results.
• Cheek Lift: Concentrates on lifting and repositioning the cheek area, enhancing the mid-face but not addressing the neck or jawline.
• Neck Lift: Specifically addresses sagging skin and muscle banding in the neck area, improving the contour and reducing the appearance of a double chin.

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane face surgery can offer more comprehensive and lasting improvements. This procedure can enhance midface volume, reduce nasolabial folds, and create a smoother jawline. Deep plane techniques also prevent the windswept or overly tightened look that many patients wish to avoid when seeking a treatment for wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Step-by-Step Through Deep Plane Facelifts

• Pre-Surgical Consultation: During the consultation, we will assess your facial structure and discuss your goals for the face lift. We will also review your medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure.
• Anesthesia and Preparation: On the day of the surgery, anesthesia will be administered. We use twilight anesthesia, which is intravenous medication plus local anesthesia that allows you to avoid the longer recovery of general anesthesia.
• Incision Techniques: Incisions are made around the hairline and ears to minimize visible scarring. These strategic locations allow access to deeper facial layers while keeping scars discreet.
• Lifting and Repositioning of Deep Layers: During the deep plane facelift, we separate the skin from the facial muscles and fat. Then we lift and reposition these underlying layers and redrape the skin naturally on the face, removing any excess.
• Closure and Post-Surgery Dressings: Once the repositioning is complete, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures. Post-surgery dressings are applied to protect the area and aid in the healing process.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Before your face surgery, stop smoking at least six weeks in advance to enhance healing. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, for two weeks before surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours post-surgery. Before your appointment, make sure your home recovery area is comfortable with necessities like pillows, gauze, and prescribed medications and follow all pre-operative instructions from your surgeon. Make sure to keep your skin clean and avoid heavy moisturizers or makeup on the day of the surgery.

Recovery From a Deep Plane Facelift

Immediate Post-Surgery Care

After your face surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area until you are stable. Expect to wear bandages around your face to minimize swelling and support healing. Keep your head elevated and avoid any strenuous activity for the first few days. We will give you plenty of care instructions including how to clean the incision sites and change dressings.

Managing Your Discomfort and Swelling

To manage discomfort and swelling after your face lift, use prescribed pain medications as directed. Apply cold compresses gently to reduce swelling, especially in the first 48 hours. Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Avoid bending over or heavy lifting, as these activities can increase swelling and discomfort.

What to Expect From Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your healing progress and remove any sutures. During these visits, your surgeon will check to see that the incisions are healing properly. These appointments are important for making sure scarring is as minimal as possible and that you are feeling healthy, both physically and mentally after your surgery.

Returning to Work or Other Activities

Most patients can return to work or other activities about two weeks after a deep plane face lift, depending on the nature of their job and the extent of the surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks. Light activities like walking are encouraged to keep your blood flowing and promote healing. You can always ask us for advice before resuming specific activities.

Results and Longevity of Your Deep Plane Facelift

The results can last up to 10-15 years, depending on factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and your natural aging process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following post-operative care instructions, and keeping your skin healthy can all help prolong the benefits of the facelift. To keep more signs of aging from appearing, always protect your skin from the sun and develop an anti-aging skincare routine with proper hydration and ingredients that promote cellular turnover.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You? Find Out Today!

A face lift with Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates can rejuvenate your appearance, offering long-lasting and natural-looking results. Located in Sacramento, CA, we serve patients from all over northern California. We offer many resources for patients who are from out of town and need help finding accommodations or caregivers. If you are considering a facelift, we can help you understand the best options. To learn more or schedule a consultation, reach out through our website or call us at (916) 480-9080.