Deep Plane Facelift

FAQ

• How is a deep plane facelift different from other facelift surgeries?

  There are many different types of face and neck lift and careful evaluation of your face and discussion of your needs is essential in selecting the most appropriate technique.

  The different types of face lift will give different results and it is therefore essential to appreciate what each procedure will and, more importantly, what it won’t do.

  Deep plane surgery in the neck allows for the reduction of structures not accessible using other facelift approaches such as fat, much and glands. This results in far greater definition of the neck and jaw.

  Extended deep plane face and neck lift surgery is performed by very few surgeons however some members of the Coppergate team have visited leading surgeons around the world to ensure they are able to provide the gold standard in facial rejuvenation surgery to our patients.

• Is this the right treatment for me?

  As the needs and concerns of each patient are unique, a detailed consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon is essential prior to undergoing any surgical procedure. During the consultation, your surgeon will take this opportunity to discuss any problem areas, desired improvements, options available (including no treatment at all) and expected outcomes.

   

   

   

• Is there any downtime with a deep plane facelift?

  Hair may be carefully washed the day after surgery using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. It is helpful to sleep with a couple of extra pillows behind your shoulders to help the healing process. Our highly experienced medical team will be on hand to offer advice in the weeks following surgery.

  Wound check and suture removal is typically 7-10 days after surgery. Return to work is 2-3 weeks after surgery, exercise can commence around week 4, and the final results are visible at about 12 weeks.

• Will the surgery make me look very different?

  Most of our patients don’t want to look radically different after facial surgery, they just want to look fresher and natural. This is the outcome we aim for.

  In a deep plane facelift the neck and jaw is tightened to provide greater definition, whilst the face is restored to a natural youthful appearance.

• Will all the crepey skin in my face and neck go after surgery?

  Deep plane facelift surgery will reduce the amount of skin laxity by removing skin and tightening musculoskeletal and ligaments. It will not change the quality of the skin long term and other treatment options should be explored. Fine lines may be improved with dermabrasion and skin crepiness may be reduced with dermal conditioning, HA fillers, or fractional laser/micro-needling.

• how long will the result last?

  Skin stretches, and whilst this is a desirable property of the skin in breast reconstruction where we want the skin to relax, it is undesirable in facial rejuvenation surgery, where we want the skin to remain tight forever. Inevitably, therefore, the skin will relax a little after surgery. However, after a couple of weeks it will stabilise and the result will then be maintained.

  A deep plane facelift typically sets the ageing clock 7-15 years back. After that the face will continue to age, only from an earlier point in time. Surgeons believe that the tension free lift of a deep plane lift ensures maximum longevity.

   

• Is the procedure suitable for men?

  Male facial surgery presents the surgeon with several challenges. The hairline tends to be higher, with the hair being shorter and thinner. This makes placing scars more difficult and can compromise the vector of pull. The hairline may not be stable, and with advancing years the hairline may recede. The beard may help or hinder scar placement. Conventional techniques may be used, with scars being placed around the ears and within the hairline.

  At consultation, the various options for scar placement will be discussed with you; with the pros and cons of each approach made clear. The principles of surgery are the same as for the female facelift discussed above.

  Another option for a man who is more concerned about the neck area is a Z Plasty Neck Lift.