Deep Plane Facelift

The Benefits and Effects of a Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift (DPFNL)

How to create a deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical procedure used to reshape the face appear more youthful to give. This procedure focuses on addressing signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin on the face and neck, caused by aging or weight loss. By targeting the deeper layers of the face rather than just the skin, this technique offers natural and long-lasting results, making it an attractive option for many people seeking facial rejuvenation.

De deep plane facelift directly targets the deeper tissues of the face, such as the fat in the cheeks, for precise repositioning and improved contours. This creates a more natural and youthful appearance without the risk of a “pulled” appearance. This approach also minimizes the chance of excessive disruption of facial nerves, reducing the chance of nerve damage and long-term swelling.

Compared to traditional facelifts and subperiosteal techniques, the deep plane method offers better results with fewer complications, such as scarring or unwanted changes in the appearance of the eyes. The incision points are strategically placed along the natural contours of the hairline and ears, which creates subtle and barely visible scars. In addition, this technique causes less tension on the skin, which promotes the recovery process and further reduces the risk of complications.

This type of facelift is particularly effective for addressing sagging cheeks (sagging of the skin along the edge of the lower jaw), a common phenomenon around the age of fifty. In addition, it is very effective in tightening the neck and improving contours. The effects of a deep plane facelift are also exceptionally long-lasting, with results often lasting 8 to 10 years or longer.

By focusing on the deeper layers of the face, the deep plane facelift offers a more comprehensive solution for facial rejuvenation. By lifting and repositioning not only the skin, but also the muscles, connective tissue layers, and fat structures, wrinkles are reduced, facial volume is restored, and a natural-looking, rejuvenated appearance is achieved. This makes the deep plane facelift an ideal choice for those who want to renew their appearance in a lasting and natural way.

Natural and Youthful Results

One of the most important benefits of a deep plane facelift is its ability to create natural results. Unlike traditional facelifts, which typically focus on tightening only the skin, the deep plane facelift targets the deeper layers of the face, including the muscles, connective tissue, and underlying fat. This approach lifts the facial structures as a whole, rather than just stretching the skin, resulting in a more youthful and naturally rejuvenated appearance. This creates smoother facial contours and a refreshed appearance without the telltale signs of a “pulled” or unnatural appearance.

Long Lasting Effects

The results of a deep plane facelift are typically longer lasting compared to more superficial facelift techniques. By lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of tissue, the surgery restores the face to a more youthful position and reduces sagging. This helps to slow the aging process for several years, often with results lasting 8 to 10 years or more and rejuvenating the appearance by more than 10 years. The improved durability of the deep plane facelift means that patients can enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for longer before additional treatments or side effects are needed.

More Comprehensive Rejuvenation

The face consists of five layers:

1. Skin
2. Subcutaneous fat
3. SMAS – platysma
4. Gliding layer (loose areolar tissue)
5. Periosteum/deep fascia

A deep plane facelift offers a more complete solution to the signs of aging by addressing multiple areas of the face at once. The procedure not only lifts the skin, but also tightens the underlying muscle and fascial layers (1, 2, and 3) and repositions the fat pads in the face. This results in a more complete restoration of facial volume, reduction of deep lines, and smoothing of sagging cheeks, jawlines, and neck areas. In comparison, traditional facelifts often focus only on the skin, leaving certain areas of the face susceptible to visible aging.

Minimal Scars

Reduced Risk of Nerve Damage

A major concern with facelift surgery is the risk of nerve damage, particularly to the facial nerves that control muscle movement. Because the deep plane facelift technique involves more precise dissection and does not rely on cutting or repositioning superficial layers of skin, the risk of nerve damage is lower, provided the surgeon is experienced and well-trained. An experienced surgeon works in a manner that minimizes nerve trauma while achieving optimal lifting effects. This is especially important to ensure that facial expressions remain natural and unaffected by the surgery. I learned this technique through cadaver courses (e.g. Lennert Minelli, Ruth Graf, and Bryan Mendelsohn), conferences (e.g. Teo Nayak, …), live surgery, and by visiting experienced surgeons such as Mike Nayak and Dominic Bray.

Enhanced Neck Contour: The Comprehensive Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Reduction

For a heavy neck, a deep neck reduction is performed with operations on the deep structures below the platysma (submandibular gland, deep fat and the digastric muscle).

Recovery time

While every surgical procedure has a recovery period, many patients who undergo a deep plane facelift report a faster and smoother recovery compared to traditional facelift methods. This is because the procedure places less tension on the skin and preserves the natural structures of the face. Swelling and bruising are typically less severe, and patients can often return to normal activities within 3 to 4 weeks. However, it is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure the best results.

Suitable for Advanced Aging

By targeting the underlying layers of muscle and fat, the deep plane facelift can lift and reposition these features more effectively than traditional facelifts, which may only target sagging skin. Facial sagging occurs in the central third of the face, which is most effectively addressed by the deep plane technique, as opposed to superficial methods such as the Minilift or Macs lift, which target sagging in the outer third of the face.

Conclusion

The deep plane facelift is a transformative procedure that offers numerous benefits for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance. With its ability to provide natural results, long-lasting effects, and a more comprehensive facelift, it’s no wonder this technique is becoming a preferred option for many. As with any surgery, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if a deep plane facelift is the right choice for your specific needs.

The skin is then detached from the underlying tissue. This is done up to a few centimeters beyond the cutting lines and deeper at the cheekbone. At the jawline, a special instrument with light is used to be able to work precisely around the platysma, a muscle in the neck. Local anesthesia is used to prevent bleeding as much as possible.

The SMAS (a deep layer of connective tissue and muscles) is tightened and carefully loosened further. During this process, care is taken to ensure that the important nerves in the face remain well protected. The fat pad in the cheek can be moved upwards and fixed, especially if the eyelids are also corrected. This is done via a small incision under the muscle around the eye.

The excess SMAS tissue is removed, and the remaining portion is fixed in place to strong structures such as connective tissue bands at the parotid gland. Finally, the excess skin is removed and the skin is carefully sutured.