What is the Ideal Age to Have a Deep Plane Facelift?

• December 10, 2024
• Mr Mrinal Supriya

Last updated on December 3, 2024

When considering a deep plane facelift, understanding the best age to undergo this specialised procedure is a common question. Unlike traditional facelifts, a deep plane facelift provides a more comprehensive and long-lasting result by lifting and repositioning the deeper facial tissues.

While there isn’t a definitive “perfect” age, most patients find that between the ages of 40 and 60 is ideal for addressing signs of ageing like sagging skin, deep facial lines, and drooping jowls. However, several factors, beyond just age, influence the suitability for this advanced facial rejuvenation surgery.

What Makes a Deep Plane Facelift Different?

A deep plane facelift targets deeper structures in the face, lifting the skin and underlying muscle and SMAS as a single unit rather than just tightening the skin. This technique delivers a more natural, youthful appearance and longer-lasting results by repositioning the facial tissues and restoring volume.

Because of its depth, the ideal age range for a deep plane facelift may differ from that of a traditional facelift, emphasising factors like skin quality and overall facial structure.

Key Factors to Consider Before a Deep Plane Facelift

• Skin Elasticity and Quality

• Why It Matters: Good skin elasticity ensures that the facial skin conforms well to the new, lifted contours. Younger patients, or those who have maintained good skin health, often have more favourable outcomes.
• For Younger Patients: If you are in your late 30s or early 40s and are noticing sagging skin or volume loss, a deep plane facelift may help you maintain a youthful look for years to come.

• Facial Volume and Bone Structure

• Support for Long-Lasting Results: A strong, well-defined bone structure provides a solid foundation for a deep plane facelift. Patients with a robust bone structure often experience more harmonious and lasting results.
• Volume Restoration: This facelift technique naturally restores volume to the cheeks and midface, making it a desirable option for patients who have experienced volume loss.

• Overall Health and Lifestyle

• Importance of Good Health: A deep plane facelift is more extensive than traditional facelifts, so being in excellent health is paramount. Factors such as smoking, chronic illnesses, and medication use are thoroughly evaluated to minimise surgical risks.
• Active Lifestyle: Patients who lead a healthy, active lifestyle often recover more quickly and enjoy better results.

Age Ranges and Suitability for a Deep Plane Facelift

Late 30s to Early 40s

• Early Rejuvenation with a Subtle Touch
  • Some individuals in their late 30s or early 40s may notice early signs of ageing, such as mild sagging in the midface or early jowls.
    While a full deep plane forehead, neck and facelift may not be necessary, a more conservative approach can help delay significant signs of ageing. Isolated procedures e.g. Neck lift and liposuction or mini facelift to target the neck and lower face around the jawline may also be suitable. At BFC, we typically carry these in the deep plane i.e. deep to Platysma for best possible and longest lasting natural results.
• Who Opts for It?
  • Younger patients with genetic predispositions to premature ageing or those who have experienced substantial weight loss or those who have excessive fat and /or prominent neck bands are also suitable.
    
  • People seeking long-term rejuvenation without a “pulled” or overly tight appearance
• Benefits of Early Intervention:
  • Maintains a youthful appearance longer
    
  • Addresses drooping skin and restores facial volume subtly and naturally

Mid-40s to late 50s

• Optimal Time for a Full Deep Plane Facelift
  • This age range is often ideal for a deep plane facelift. By the mid-40s to early 50s, most individuals experience noticeable sagging skin, deep facial folds, and a loss of cheek volume. The deep plane technique can address these concerns more effectively than a traditional facelift.
• What This Age Range Typically Experiences:
  • Sagging jowls and loose neck skin
    
  • Nasolabial folds (deep lines between the nose and mouth)|
    
  • Hollow or sunken cheeks
  • Excessive fullness and bands in the neck
  • Drooping of eyebrow with excess eyelid skin and or eye bags with deep tear trough line.
• Why It Works Well: The deep plane facelift combined with eyebrow repositioning, eyelid surgery and neck lift provides a comprehensive lift that not only tightens the droopy muscle and SMAS but also removes any excess skin, restoring a youthful and natural facial appearance.

In 60s and Beyond

• Dramatic, Natural Results for Advanced Ageing
  • Patients in their 60s, or even 70s can still achieve outstanding results with a deep plane facelift. Although skin elasticity may be reduced, the deeper lifting technique ensures natural and long-lasting outcomes.
• Health and Healing: As with any surgery, a comprehensive health evaluation is necessary. Older patients may need to be more mindful of the recovery process and follow their surgeon’s recommendations carefully.
• Comprehensive Approach:
  • Many older patients combine a deep plane facelift with other procedures, such as lip lift, neck lifts or eyelid surgery, to achieve a full facial rejuvenation. Typically they would also need fat injection and chin implants to address volume loss.

 

Why a Deep Plane Facelift is Age-Independent

• Individual Ageing Process: Genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking influence when and how facial ageing appears. People who have taken good care of their skin may not need surgery until their 50s or 60s, while others may benefit from intervention in their 30s or 40s.
• Tailored Results: The deep plane facelift provides more natural outcomes compared to traditional facelifts, making it suitable for a wide range of ages. It is designed to lift and reposition sagging facial tissues rather than just tightening the skin, creating a youthful but not “overdone” appearance.

Benefits of Early vs. Later Deep Plane Facelift

Early Deep Plane Facelift (30s-40s)

• Preemptive Rejuvenation: Addressing early signs of ageing with a deep plane facelift can prevent the need for more extensive surgery later, while minimising downtime and ensuring quicker recovery.
• Natural Look: Provides a subtle, natural enhancement that can set the stage for graceful ageing.

Later Deep Plane Facelift (50s-70s)

• Comprehensive Restoration: For patients with significant sagging skin, drooping jowls, and loss of facial volume, a comprehensive deep plane facelift can provide a more dramatic rejuvenation.
• Longevity: This technique offers longer-lasting results compared to traditional facelifts, making it a worthwhile investment for older patients.

Consultation: The Key to Choosing the Right Age

The most crucial step in deciding when to undergo a deep plane facelift is a personalised consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon. During consultation at BFC, Mr Supriya will evaluate your skin quality, bone structure, and the extent of your facial ageing. Together, you’ll create a tailored plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals and ensures a successful outcome.

How to schedule a consultation

To schedule a consultation to discuss a rhinoplasty procedure, you can either call us on 07590817036, book online via our website, schedule a video consultation or visit us at one of our clinics in London, Milton Keynes, or Northampton.

FAQs

What is the best age for a deep plane facelift? 

The best age for facelift surgery, specifically a deep plane facelift, generally falls between late 30s to mid 60. However, the ideal age for a facelift depends on factors like skin laxity, overall health, and the extent of sagging skin. Consulting Mr Supriya will help determine the right timing based on your unique needs.

Can younger patients benefit from facelift surgery, including a deep plane facelift? 

Yes, younger patients in their late 30s or early 40s may benefit from facelift surgery, especially if they are experiencing early signs of ageing, such as a double chin, mild saggy skin, or loose skin around the jawline. In some cases, less invasive procedures such as a  mini facelift may be more appropriate for addressing these concerns and delaying more extensive procedures in the future.

Is a deep plane facelift effective for older individuals or should they consider a different cosmetic surgery? 

A deep plane facelift is highly effective for older patients, even those in their 60s or 70s, who have significant sagging skin or skin laxity. This type of facelift surgery provides more natural and long-lasting results compared to traditional facelifts. In some cases, older patients may combine a deep plane facelift with a neck lift or other facial rejuvenation procedures such as eyelid surgery to address multiple areas of concern.

How does a deep plane facelift differ from a mini facelift or other types of plastic surgery? 

Unlike a mini facelift, which targets minor sagging and early signs of ageing, a deep plane facelift addresses deeper facial tissues, lifting and repositioning them for more comprehensive and longer-lasting results. This facelift procedure can also improve sagging skin around the midface and neck, making it suitable for individuals with more advanced signs of ageing.

Does excessive sun exposure impact facelift results? 

Yes, excessive sun exposure accelerates the natural ageing process, leading to skin damage and saggy skin. While a deep plane facelift can correct these issues, patients may need additional treatments to maintain optimal results. A qualified plastic surgeon can recommend skin care routines and sun protection strategies to help preserve your facelift results.