Overview of a deep plane facelift:

Innovative approaches to rejuvenating the face have evolved over time and the deep plane facelift represents a significant development in the evolution of surgical facelifts. It differs from a regular facelift as it involves the surgical dissection of the Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer, put simply, this means that the deeper structures of the face can be tightened and lifted. The SMAS layer is implicated in the ageing process and is therefore also critical in facelift surgery. The dissection of the SMAS layer which occurs in deep plane facelifts allows for the deep retaining ligaments of the face to be released, this is something that is not possible in other types of facelifts. Essentially, the deep plane facelift offers a more comprehensive lift as it is able to target more than just the mid-face and it results in minimal scarring as incision lines are hidden within the natural creases of the face and hairline. It is one of the most advanced facelift techniques and very few surgeons are actually capable of performing this surgery, however our surgeons at Coppergate have been fortunate enough to visit and learn from leading surgeons around the world to ensure that they are able to offer patients the highest standard possible.

What happens prior to a deep plane facelift?

Patients who are curious about what they can do to target fine lines or sagging skin can book in with our front-of-house team for a consultation with one of our surgeons. Once they have been assessed by the surgeon and a deep plane facelift has been decided on as the best course of action, a second consultation will then be arranged. It is important to note however, that this surgery is not suitable for all patients and our surgeons will not perform the surgery if they think that the results will be unsatisfactory or if a patient is not a suitable candidate. The second consultation takes place at least two weeks before their surgery date and the purpose of this is to ensure that patients have had sufficient time to consider whether or not this is something that they definitely want to go ahead with. Any surgical procedure is a big decision, and it is therefore important that an appropriate amount of time is devoted to properly weighing up the pros and cons.

What is the actual procedure for a deep plane facelift?

On the day of their procedure patients will be sedated and local anaesthetic will also be used to reduce the pain as much as possible for patients. The surgeon will then make incisions in front of the ear which extend down towards the lobe, around the ear, and into the posterior hairline. Following this, the deeper layer of face beneath the SMAS layer is then gently dissected. Once the deep plane dissection has been performed, the surgeon will divide any stretched facial ligaments from their anatomical attachments. These facial ligaments will then be tightened and anchored upwards with stitches to sit higher in the face, this creates a significant lifting effect on all the saggy facial tissue. Excess loose skin is then surgically trimmed away, and the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed with stitches leaving a well-concealed scar.

What happens after a deep plane facelift?

Overall, this surgery typically takes around four hours. Patients are then woken up and put into one of our recovery rooms where they may experience some swelling, slight bruising, and mild pain, however they are always discharged with suitable pain killers so that they can be as comfortable as possible whilst they recover. It goes without saying that each patient’s experience will be unique as each body responds differently but often swelling and bruising are at their worst on day two post-surgery. Wound check and suture removal is typically 7-10 days after surgery, patients are able to return to work approximately 2-3 weeks after surgery and finally, exercise can recommence around week 4. It goes without saying that it is of paramount importance that patients adhere to their surgeon’s advice on scar care and attend their follow-up appointments to achieve optimal results. Final results are typically obtained 12 weeks after surgery.

Why are deep plane facelifts popular?

Deep plane face lift surgery is so popular as it allows patients to preserve their individuality whilst turning the clock back on ageing. Of course, the ageing process can never be prevented with surgery and so over time the natural effects of ageing will run their course only now the process starts as though the face were 7-15 years earlier.

Who can I talk to about deep plane facelifts?

If you are interested in finding out more about deep plane facelifts or discovering what the best course of action is for you, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly front of house team at 01904675222 who will be happy to answer your questions.