Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?
April 18, 2023 | Facelift
4 Minute Read:
Dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM®, neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic, and other non-surgical facial treatments have come a long way. However, many women and men seek more dramatic and longer-lasting anti-aging results than these options can provide.
When individuals consider surgical procedures to address their age-related facial concerns, they have several techniques to consider. The deep plane facelift is an advanced, surgical facial rejuvenation option that has recently gained popularity.
Deep Plane Facelift Benefits
The deep plane facelift technique is designed to provide natural, long-lasting results by recontouring muscles and other deep facial tissues rather than only lifting and pulling the skin to make it tighter.
In many patients, the deep plane technique offers several benefits over the older, more traditional facelift:
- More natural-looking – Older facelift methods often led to an artificial, tight, wind-swept appearance because they focused on pulling the skin outward to tighten sagging skin and eliminate wrinkles. The deep plane facelift restructures the underlying facial tissue while smoothing wrinkles and redraping the skin for natural-looking results.
- Longer lasting – Since the deep plane technique repositions facial muscles and fat, the results often last longer than older facelift techniques.
- Highly customizable – A deep plane facelift can restore an authentic, younger-looking version of yourself or make subtle changes to the shape of your face according to your preferences.
- Appropriate for patients of all ages – The deep plane facelift’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for those who want natural but dramatic results.
Differences Between SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift Techniques
Before the deep plane facelift technique became widely available, the SMAS plication method (another comprehensive facelift technique) was typically used. While both techniques aim to achieve a more youthful appearance, there are some significant differences between the two.
- SMAS Flap and SMAS Plication – The SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) is the stronger layer of tissue beneath the skin. In the SMAS flap technique, the skin is elevated off the SMAS, and the SMAS is elevated. The tissues are then repositioned and sutured higher on the face separately.
In this method, the SMAS is folded over and sutured to itself to tighten the layers of tissue beneath the skin. These facelift techniques have been used for many years and involve lifting the skin and underlying layer of connective tissue called the SMAS. While the skin and SMAS layer are tightened (and noticeable contouring is achieved), some surgeons have transitioned to the deep plane facelift technique. The SMAS plication is often used for repeat facelifts due to the challenges of elevating tissue that has already been altered. Plication means “to fold.”
- Deep plane facelift – There are similarities between the deep plane and SMAS flap techniques. Dissection occurs beneath the SMAS in both, but there is one important difference. In the deep plane approach, the skin is left attached to the SMAS, and the lifting and repositioning of the SMAS have a strong lifting effect on the skin. This process can produce a more extensive lift of the facial tissues, including the muscle and fascia. The deep plane results are characterized by very youthful and natural results. This approach tightens the lower and midface together for a more balanced aesthetic post-surgery. Similar approaches are used in the neck to complete the rejuvenation.
- Incision placement – Incision types may vary depending on the plastic surgeon and the patient’s anatomy. The incisions often are hidden well around the sideburn, in the contours in the front of the ear, and behind the ear into the scalp.
- Tightening approach – The most significant difference between these two advanced facial rejuvenation muscles is how they tighten the tissues. During a SMAS facelift, the skin is separated from the underlying SMAS tissue, which is tightened separately. In a deep plane facelift, the skin, muscles, and SMAS tissue are pulled up together. This approach often allows for more natural-looking results that tend to last longer than other methods.
Combining a Deep Plane Facelift With Other Cosmetic Procedures
A facelift targets the lower half of the face (from the cheeks down and usually the neck) but does not address the eyes, brows, or forehead areas.
The deep plane technique can be combined with eyelid surgery or a brow lift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Find a Reputable Plastic Surgeon for Your Facelift in Austin, TX
Dr. Adam Weinfeld is a well-respected, board-certified plastic surgeon performing the deep plane facelift in Austin, Texas. He is passionate and dedicated to meeting the needs of his Austin facelift patients as well as those that come to him from all over the country.
Our plastic surgery practice offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures, including:
We are conveniently located just north of central Austin and invite you to schedule an in-depth consultation by calling (512) 540-8410 today!