Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You? Here’s What to Know!

ByMike Brown

If you are considering a deep plane facelift, you undoubtedly have many questions. Cosmetic surgery is a major commitment, and understanding what your surgeon offers is the first step to making the right decision.

Facelift surgery is one of the most popular procedures offered today. Many people dream of a way to lift sagging skin, revitalize expressions, and smooth the entire face. Facelifts offer all of this, with a single, commonly performed procedure.

But what about those who want something more substantial in terms of lifting and smoothing? While the adage may say that beauty is only skin-deep, an expert facial plastic surgeon will tell you that with a deep plane facelift, that fresher, younger look starts much deeper!

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The phrase “deep plane facelift” might sound intimidating. The “deep” in this instance refers to the layers of tissue beneath the skin. For many people, visible aging has more to do with muscular tissue than it does with surface-level skin.

A standard facelift procedure aims to tighten and smooth the facial skin. This can create a lovely, revitalized look after healing. However, it may fail to address the root cause of visible signs of aging – and thus need to be repeated within a few short years.

During a deep plane facelift, the tissues beneath that surface layer of skin are targeted as well. Muscles that have lost their tone are tightened. Ligaments are released. Fat deposits are removed, reduced, or reshaped. Fat grafting and other procedures may be combined with these techniques, as well as additional restructurings like neck or brow lifts. All of this is done to create the most natural possible results.

Pros and Cons of Choosing a Deep Plane Facelift

As with any cosmetic procedure, there will be risks and drawbacks associated with a deep plane facelift. These are generally far outweighed by the benefits of the surgery, as more than 98% of patients surveyed by popular website RealSelf rate the procedure as worth it. Still, weighing these potential risks and rewards can help you make the most informed decision for your unique needs and goals.

Benefits of deep plane facelift include:

  • Natural-looking results. While you will receive a deeper overhaul of the facial tissues with this procedure, you will also receive a more natural finished look. This is because the procedure combines multiple techniques to create a smooth, sculpted look that enhances your bone structure and musculature, all while honoring the natural features of your face.
  • Substantial results. In addition to looking more natural, your results will also be more than skin-deep. This means that the muscles, ligaments, and fat deposits that may have been the cause of visible aging will no longer be causing those problems.
  • Longer-lasting good looks. When you commit to cosmetic surgery, you want the results to last as long as possible. A standard facelift may need to be repeated within a few years. A deep plane facelift offers a much longer-lasting result, delivering a decade or more of smoother, fresher-looking skin.

Like any facelift procedure, the incisions needed to perform a deep plane facelift will generally be very discreet. The resulting scars should be hidden behind the ears and in the hairline, making them almost impossible to detect.

Some potential drawbacks of deep plane facelift include:

  • Recovery time of two weeks or more. Given that this procedure involves manipulating the deeper layers of tissue, you may experience a longer recovery than you are hoping for. Standard facelifts offer a much shorter recovery time, but less drastic results.
  • Higher cost. Since this procedure involves a greater skill level and more training on the part of your doctor, it will also generally cost more than a standard facelift.
  • Greater risk of complications. The deeper layers of tissue on the face are home to nerves, which can be damaged during this procedure. This higher risk of nerve damage – as well as typical risks such as bleeding, swelling, and infection – should all be carefully considered before committing to a surgical procedure of any kind.

It is important to remember that the drawbacks of any type of facelift will be very similar: risks associated with surgery, as well as the fact that facelifts cannot address skin tone and texture. These procedures work to tighten sagging skin, but issues with dry or oily skin, enlarged pores, and other issues may be better addressed by a dermatologist or aesthetician. Your surgeon may be able to suggest a good provider that they work with.

Is the Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

Only you can determine whether this procedure is the one for you – but your surgeon can help you make that choice! The key to any successful cosmetic surgery is discussing it thoroughly with your provider first. You should leave your consultation confident that you have made the right decision and that you understand what your surgery will entail. The best face or neck lift surgeon in Newport Beach will always be one who explains your procedure in detail, answers all your questions thoroughly, and helps you choose the best course of treatment for your individual needs.