Are you seeking a powerful gold-standard facial rejuvenation procedure that results in minimal trauma to the skin? If so, you might make an excellent candidate for a deep plane facelift, one of the most transformative cosmetic procedures available today. By targeting the deeper facial structures and elevating them as a single unit, a deep plane facelift produces profound anti-aging results that are natural, effortless, and elegant.
In this blog, our team at Mangat Copit Plastic Surgery in Vail Valley and Aspen explores what makes this cutting-edge procedure so effective and popular.
Essential Takeaways
- A deep plane facelift addresses the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), repositioning the deeper facial structures with minimal tension, resulting in a highly natural, unforced outcome.
- Incisions with a deep plane facelift are hidden in the hairline and within the fine folds surrounding the ears, allowing for imperceptible scarring. The surgery involves the utmost precision and artistry when manipulating sagging tissue and rewinding the clock on aging.
- Deep plane facelift results tend to last longer than those of their more conventional counterparts, often over a decade with the right skincare and lifestyle. Results also look more effortless and natural overall.
Understanding the Deep Plane Facelift Technique
As the aging process progresses, changes originate in the deeper facial structures that alter the superficial appearance. A deep plane facelift is an advanced version of a SMAS procedure that targets these deeper structures, including the underlying tissue, muscles, and fat layers. Rather than merely pulling the outermost skin tight, which can result in a “deer in the headlights” distortion, the deep plan method offers a sophisticated elevation-based approach that releases key ligaments and then gently lifts the core facial structures with reduced side effects, discomfort, and downtime when compared to traditional facelifts.
How Is a Deep Plane Facelift Performed?
A deep plane facelift is performed through a series of steps as follows:
- Consultation – Patients undergoing a deep plane facelift first meet with their surgeon for a detailed consultation process that involves an in-depth medical review to check for contraindications. Patients are carefully screened to ensure their safety and well-being. During the consultation, all questions are answered, and the patient gains a clearer understanding of the risks, benefits, recovery time, costs, and potential results for a deep plane facelift, ensuring their expectations are grounded and realistic. Once candidacy has been confirmed, the surgery date is set, and patients receive detailed preparation instructions.
- Anesthesia – A deep plane facelift is performed under IV sedation (twilight anesthesia), which keeps the patient relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure while remaining semi-conscious. This allows for a quicker recovery time compared to general anesthesia. Patients are not fully asleep but feel no pain and have no memory of the surgery once it's complete. In some cases, the surgeon may use local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the specific needs of the patient.
- Incisions – Similar to a conventional facelift, the surgeon will create small incisions that stretch into the hairline and curl around the ears. Incisions are always placed in such a way as to minimize future scarring.
- Dissection – As a next step, the surgeon will carefully separate the superficial skin layer from the deeper facial structures (muscles and ligaments).
- Release of the ligaments and SMAS – The surgeon will release the facial ligaments (the zygomatic, masseteric, and cervical ligaments) and reposition the SMAS layer, allowing for gentle lifting that results in natural rejuvenation effects.
- Skin redraping – Once the deeper tissues have been restored, excess skin is then artfully trimmed.
- Incision closure – As a final step, incisions are sealed with advanced suturing techniques that minimize scarring.
Advantages of a Deep Plane Facelift
- Superior facial rejuvenation techniques
- An effortless, natural-looking transformation
- Delicate facial lifting instead of skin pulling or stretching
- Restores midface firmness
- Sharpens a lax jawline
- Combats jowls and nasolabial folds
- Long-lasting, sustainable changes
- Improves balance and harmony among the features
- Increases symmetry
- Heightens self-confidence and self-esteem
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?
- Typically around age 40 to 65
- Seeking a lasting, dramatic transformation
- Desiring natural-looking changes
- In good mental and physical health
- Non-smoker
- A fair amount of skin laxity
- Realistic expectations
- Unhappy with signs of aging like skin laxity, folds, wrinkles, and loss of definition
Recovery and Aftercare After a Deep Plane Facelift
The recovery process after a deep plane facelift is a critical period during which it is important that patients follow their surgeon’s instructions and adhere to their aftercare plan. At least two weeks are needed for the body to heal and the face to adjust to its new contours. During the first week, common side effects include swelling, bruising, discoloration, and soreness. These are the body’s natural mechanisms for healing. Patients have the option to take oral pain medications and later switch to over-the-counter painkillers. Tips to support a healthy recovery process include:
- Staying properly hydrated
- Sticking with a nutritious diet
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking
- Postponing rigorous exercise
- Getting plenty of rest
- Keeping the head elevated while resting
- Using cold compresses
- Avoiding harmful UV rays
- Attending all scheduled follow-up visits
Combining a Deep Plane Facelift With Other Treatments
To maximize aesthetic results, a deep plane facelift is commonly paired with other cosmetic solutions, such as laser skin resurfacing, dermal fillers, facial fat transfer, a neck lift, or a lip lift. Once the facial contours have been rejuvenated to such a dramatic degree, it stands to reason that other treatments should follow that support the transformation.
Laser therapy can revitalize the skin tone and texture, removing irregularities, blemishes, sun damage, and acne scarring. Fillers and facial fat transfer can combat volume loss in the lips, temples, cheeks, and jawline. Both a neck lift and a lip lift can further rewind the clock on aging and create the more comprehensive changes that most patients desire.
Conclusion
Today’s discerning patients are choosing the deep plane facelift due to its natural results, reduced skin trauma, and enduring changes. By artfully repositioning and elevating the deeper facial layers rather than merely pulling the skin tight, this advanced rejuvenation technique results in an effortless return to a more youthful, energized look.
To augment results, patients can choose to combine their deep plane facelift with other procedures, including laser skin resurfacing, facial fat transfer, fillers, BOTOX, or a lip lift. And by carefully following their surgeon’s aftercare instructions, patients can enjoy their outcome for years to come, with profound gains in confidence, peace of mind, and quality of life.
Want to Learn More About a Deep Plane Facelift in Vail Valley and Aspen? Contact Our Team at Mangat Copit Plastic Surgery Today to Book a Private Consultation!
Dr. Copit at Mangat Copit Plastic Surgery offers a world-class, luxurious experience, where patients can access the latest in transformative aesthetic procedures, including the deep plane facelift. With over 30 years of experience and more than 1,000 deep plane facelifts performed, Dr. Copit has perfected this technique, delivering refined, natural results. As the longest-established plastic surgeon practice near Vail Valley, Aspen, and Breckenridge, we maintain the highest standards of safety and excellence. Book a private consultation with Dr. Copit today to explore how a deep plane facelift can help you achieve effortless, youthful beauty.
