Deep Plane Facelift

As we age, gravity and laxity of our facial tissues leads to the drooping of skin and deeper tissues in the face and neck area.

These visible changes could manifest as:

• A droopy eyebrow
• Excess skin folds on the eyelid
• General droopiness of the cheek area
• An indistinct jawline
• Prominent jowls
• Ill-defined neck with bands due to laxity of muscles in that area

These are the usual physical characteristics which can be treated with the deep plane facelift. This is a surgical procedure designed to remove the excess lax skin and tighten the underlying tissues to give a younger, firmer appearance to the face and neck.

Facelifts have evolved over time and you will come across a variety of procedures all grouped under the term “facelift”. However, the gold standard is a Deep Plane Facelift.

Let’s talk about the different varieties of facelifts:

Comprehensive Deep Plane Facelift 

The deep plane technique is a full-face lift that works to lift the sagging lower face and upper neck in its entirety. The skin and muscle are lifted together as one unit which repositions all deep facial muscles. This is usually done by a “hidden” cut that runs from the front of your ear around to the back and then ends within your hair at the back. The incisions are well hidden and are not apparent after a few weeks (please look at the pictures). 

Even though the results of the Deep Plane Facelift are more rejuvenating and longer lasting by 10 years, on average, than any other facelift technique, the majority of surgeons do not offer this treatment. They often perform a more superficial lift above the muscles in the name of a comprehensive face lift. This has a short lasting effect as the superficial surgery fails to address the sagging foundation of the face. This also leads to a tighter, unnatural feel as all the stretch is directed to the skin rather than the deeper layers of tissue.

The Deep Plane Facelift is performed by less than 5% of surgeons because it is a technically more difficult procedure and requires  intense training and excellent surgical skills. 

Recovery

Given the extent of surgery involved in the deep plane technique, you do need to schedule 2-3 weeks for recovery. You will likely experience minor self-resolving inconveniences such as temporary numbness, bruising, swelling and you will have to take good care of the wound. 

However, the investment you put in during the recovery is truly worth it as there is no other procedure that can give you a comparable outcome.

The Deep Plane Facelift is my preferred technique for everyone except for those with mild ageing of neck or midface. 

The SMAS lift or ‘weekend facelift’

The weekend facelift is a minimal facelift that elevates a limited part of the face by tightening the skin above the facial muscles. 

The biggest attraction is the fast recovery. Because this procedure requires limited tissue manipulation, patients can usually recover over a weekend, hence the name. 

The downside is that the stress is mostly on skin which can lead to an unnaturally tight appearance. Inevitably, the lift lasts for a much shorter period, just over a year or so.

Thread face lift 

This procedure works extremely well and is an excellent choice if you have very little ageing changes. The procedure itself takes just under an hour and is minor enough to be done under local anaesthesia. The effects last just over a year.

This technique is not suitable if you have significant ageing changes.

Advantages of Deep Plane Facelift

• Natural appearance
• Longest lasting results
• Less bruising
• Minimal pain or discomfort

Disadvantages of Deep Plane Facelift

• Limited surgeons offering true deep plane lift
• More costly

• General anaesthetic risks
• Temporary nerve weakness in 1-2%

• No procedure as facelift is a lifestyle surgery
• SMAS lift/ mini face lift

A Deep Plane facelift is the ultimate facial procedure, which, when done correctly, has an unparalleled effect in giving a younger, rejuvenated look.