Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is an advanced facelifting technique that provides the most dramatic result among all other facelift techniques.
What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a more invasive facelift variety. It goes an extra layer deeper compared to the traditional SMAS facelift. This allows Dr Turner to target and lift the deeper structures of the face, resulting in more significant and more natural lifting.
The oldest facelift techniques used to lift the skin alone. This, however, resulted in an unnaturally tight-looking face with an obvious “done” appearance. The skin was lifted, but all the deep droopy facial structures (muscles and connective tissue) remained lax and stretched.
Then came the SMAS facelift, and it was a revolution. It allowed surgeons to lift both the skin and the lax and droopy SMAS layers of the face. By doing so, surgeons were able to do more dramatic lifting and achieve more natural-looking results. The SMAS allows surgeons to lift several layers together, leading to long-lasting results. It’s now considered the standard facelift technique by most plastic surgeons.
The deep plane facelift technique came next as an option for people who want to get the most out of their facelift. Compared to the SMAS facelift, the deep plane lift goes an extra layer further. It goes below the SMAS layer and gives access to the facial ligaments and muscles of facial expression.
The deep plane facelift allows Dr Turner to release the ligaments and reposition them in a higher location. He can tighten the facial muscles and fix them higher up. Moreover, the deep layer access allows Dr Turner to target any herniated fat pads causing excessive droopy jowls on the sides of the face.
Are You a Good Candidate for Deep Plane Facelift?
The deep plane facelift is not for everyone. It’s usually recommended for people with more significant signs of facial ageing who would not fully benefit from a traditional facelift alone. As such, you might be a good candidate for a deep plane lift if:
- You have puffy and droopy jowls obscuring your jawline
- You have deep facial wrinkles
- You have droopy and deflated cheeks
- You have excess lax skin on your face, jawline, and neck
- You have lax neck skin bands or rolls
- You have a double chin
- You have deep nasolabial folds (the skin folds extending from the nostrils outward)
- You have marionette lines (vertical deep lines on the sides of your mouth)
All of these are considered reversible signs of facial ageing. A deep plane facelift can provide more dramatic improvement and take more years off your appearance compared to a traditional SMAS procedure.
If you only have mild signs of facial ageing, then a deep plane facelift may not be not necessary. A traditional SMAS facelift can be a perfect choice.
Benefits of Deep Plane Facelift
There are several benefits for a deep plane facelift that give it an advantage over other types of facelift. These include:
- More dramatic lifting
- More durable facelift results
- Takes more years off your appearance (at least 10 years)
- Allows more effective removal of jowls
- Lifts the skin, SMAS, and deeper layers of the face
- Allows better repair and repositioning of droopy muscles
Browse Before & After Images
Before & After Deep Plane Facelift Photos
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Recovery After Deep Plane Facelift Surgery
Although deep plane facelift is generally more invasive than the SMAS facelift, the recovery is pretty much the same. During your recovery period, you will likely experience symptoms like:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Mild pain
- Numbness around the wounds
These usually peak during the first week of facelift recovery and then start to gradually decrease. All in all, the full recovery after a deep plane facelift usually takes 3-5 weeks. You can, however, get back to work and most of your daily routines much earlier.
You can usually resume light work 7-10 days after your procedure. Sports & Exercise should be minimal during the recovery period, however, walking is encouraged. You can try to pick up the pace as of the third week of facelift recovery and gradually increase your physical activity over the coming weeks.
The results of the deep plane facelift are immediately apparent once the bandages are taken off. The results will settle in around 6 weeks, and then will improve some more over the months to come as the residual swelling becomes absorbed.
What are the potential risks & complications of Deep Plane Facelift?
The deep plane facelift is considered to be a safe procedure with minimal risks. Nevertheless, there’s no absolutely risk-free surgery. Some of the complications that rarely occur include:
- Wound infection
- Facial nerve injury
- Salivary gland/duct injury
- Seroma (fluid collection in the wound)
- Hematoma (blood collection in the wound)
Although the risks of the deep plane facelift are rare, you can minimise them even more by choosing a certified experienced plastic surgeon. Dr Turner is considered as one of the top facial plastic surgeons in Sydney and Newcastle. His deep plane facelift technique allows him to achieve wonderful results with minimal surgical risks.
Next Steps
Your Cosmetic Plastic surgery consultation
During your consultation, Dr Turner will discuss your goals, and provide an in-depth explanation of your desired surgery and what that means for you. He can also discuss different surgical techniques, benefits, and risks of procedures available.
Most importantly, however, this is the time for you to have all of your questions answered and to be completely listened to and understood by your surgeon. We ask that you please come prepared with any questions you may have for Dr Turner, and look forward to discussing your individualised plan.
1
Research
Ensure you have done your research, both on your desired surgery, as well as your surgeon.
2
Book a consultation
Submit an enquiry through our website or give us a call before booking your consultation. To ensure you are a suitable candidate for your desired procedure, Dr Turner asks to review your images before making a booking. This saves time and money if you are not a suitable candidate, in which case our lovely team will help direct you to an alternative procedure.
3
Meet with Dr Turner
Once your images have been approved and your consultation has been booked, we ask that you prepare any questions you may have for Dr Turner, as well as some images of desired outcomes for your surgery, this helps ensure you and Dr Turner are on the same page when discussing realistic results.
4
More questions?
Looking for more information before your consultation? You can book an additional 15min complimentary consultation with one of our patient liaisons here https://calendly.com/patients-bookings/patient-consult?month=2023-02
5
Keep up-to-date
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in Dr Turner’s clinics around NSW by following our Instagram @faceplus.aesthetics and @drscottjturner
Other procedures commonly combined
with a Deep Plane Facelift
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions about Deep Plane Facelift Surgery
What is the Perfect age for a deep plane facelift?
There’s no minimum or maximum age to get a facelift. In general, however, patients who need a deep plane facelift are aged between 50 and 70. Nevertheless, many patients can come at a younger or older age, and they all equally enjoy the full benefits of the procedure.
How many years does a deep plane facelift take off?
A deep plane facelift has the potential to take more than 10 years off your appearance. It’s the most effective type of facelift that leads to the most facial rejuvenation possible.
Is a deep plane facelift forever?
No. A deep plane facelift is not permanent. The skin will still age and the deep facial structures will still stretch due to the effect of ageing and gravity. Nevertheless, a deep plane facelift is considered the most durable type of facelift there is. Since the deeper facial structures are targeted, the result tends to be more long-standing.
What are the different types of facelifts?
There’s the superficial musculoaponeurotic system SMAS facelift, deep plane facelift, lower facelift, middle facelift (cheek lift), and upper facelift (brow lift). Depending on the severity of the signs of ageing and their location, the most suitable procedure will be recommended.
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How painful is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift is not especially painful. Like any other facial rejuvenation procedure, there will be some pain involved. However, it’s nothing that can’t be handled with routine painkillers.
What are the scars of a deep plane facelift?
The scars of a deep plane facelift are almost invisible. The incision starts in front of the ear, goes down around the earlobe, and ends behind the ear. The scar is hidden within the natural curves of the face and the natural skin creases. This means that there won’t be any noticeable scars after a few months of your facelift.
Which is better: SMAS or deep plane facelift?
There’s no right answer to this question. Both the SMAS and deep plane facelifts can achieve wonderful results. The choice of procedure depends on your facial anatomy, skin quality, the severity of the signs of ageing, and the results you are aiming for. A deep plane facelift is the better procedure for those who have more severe signs of ageing, more droopiness, and want the most lifting possible.
About Dr Scott Turner FRACS (Plas) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Scott J Turner has spent a lifetime acquiring the qualifications, education, training, and hands-on surgical experience to perform superior cosmetic plastic surgery to give you beautiful results. He is one of Sydney’s great Specialist Plastic Surgeons with a focus on face surgeries in New South Wales.
Achieving this personal goal requires not only in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and refined surgical techniques but an ongoing commitment to learning the latest procedures around the world. This is why Dr Turner regularly attends both local and international surgeon meetings – discussing these advances with the leaders around the world in order to offer you the most effective and safest surgical procedures.
Dr Turner and his highly trained staff will do everything to ensure that you are fully informed, while providing exceptional cosmetic plastic surgery, in a personal and caring environment.
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