A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure for individuals seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Burchhardt offers this advanced technique to target deep facial tissues, providing long-lasting results by addressing loose skin, muscle laxity, and deep lines.
How Age Affects Your Face
The aging process impacts your facial skin, facial fat pads, the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, and even the bony skeleton, leading to noticeable changes in your appearance. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and firmness, resulting in laxity and the formation of wrinkles and lines. The loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid as well as changes in the skin’s ground substance and enzymes contribute to the changes in skin texture and appearance. Facial fat decreases in volume, and fat pads descend and change their shape leading to the loss of a youthful facial contour.
Simultaneously, the SMAS layer, consisting of muscles and connective tissues beneath the skin and fat, becomes lax and descends, contributing to the loss of facial definition. The result is the appearance of jowls and deep facial lines such as pronounced nasolabial folds or marionette lines. Dr. Burchhardt offers the deep plane facelift to address the structural changes responsible for the signs of aging, helping you reclaim a more youthful and refreshed appearance while preserving a natural look.
Deep Plane Facelift: An Overview
A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure to rejuvenate the face by addressing aging-related concerns in the skin and the deeper facial tissues. During this technique, Dr. Burchhardt lifts and repositions the skin and the SMAS layer to combat the signs of aging. The deep plane facelift elevates and repositions this deeper layer rather than pulling on it, thus creating a natural and long-lasting result.
Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional or SMAS Facelift
The primary distinction between a deep plane facelift and a traditional or SMAS facelift lies in the surgical approach and the depth of correction. A deep plane facelift is performed deep into the SMAS layer, targeting the deeper facial tissues and muscles. It repositions these tissues as a single unit, which minimizes trauma to the skin. The deep plane technique also prevents the skin from being pulled tightly and thus leads to the most natural-looking appearance while delivering the greatest degree of lifting. Furthermore, the results of a deep plane facelift have the potential to last longer.
Deep plane facelifts can provide comprehensive rejuvenation by detaching and repositioning both skin and underlying muscles as one unit. This technique is suitable for a wide range of patients, from those in their younger years looking for early prevention to older individuals seeking dramatic yet natural results without a “pulled” look. Dr. Burchhardt performs both SMAS and deep plane facelifts and will counsel you on your options based on your facial anatomy and your goals.
Deep Plane Facelift Corrects:
- Sagging skin
- Muscle laxity
- Jowls and jawline definition
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Marionette lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Loss of facial volume
- Facial asymmetry
- Signs of aging in the midface
Preparing for Deep Plane Facelift
The preparation for your deep plane facelift starts with a thorough consultation with Dr. Burchhardt. During this meeting, discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. It’s vital to provide comprehensive information to ensure the surgery is tailored to your unique needs. Dr. Burchhardt will provide pre-operative instructions, including discontinuing specific medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risk and smoking cessation.
In the weeks leading up to your deep plane facelift, maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Ensure you have a support system for the post-operative period and arrange transportation to and from the surgical facility. Following Dr. Burchhardt’s guidance and adhering to these guidelines will ensure a smoother and more successful deep plane facelift, ultimately contributing to optimal aesthetic results.
Benefits of Deep Plane Facelift:
- Comprehensive rejuvenation of the face
- Addresses sagging skin, muscles, and deep tissues
- Longer-lasting results compared to traditional facelifts
- Natural and balanced facial appearance
- Reduced skin trauma and scarring
- Enhanced jawline definition
- Suitable for various age groups including advanced facial aging
- Minimal risk of a “pulled” or overdone look
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery & Results
The recovery period may last up to several weeks. You can expect redness, swelling, and bruising, which occur after all surgeries, and typically last up to two weeks. While the incisions are placed along the hairline, they may be more noticeable in the initial weeks, particularly if you have short hair or prefer wearing it up. Dr. Burchhardt designs the incisions to be well-hidden so that your natural hairline is preserved. It is recommended to plan on any major events such as a wedding for no sooner than two months after surgery to ensure that you’ll look and feel your best.
Plan for approximately two weeks of downtime before you can comfortably return to your daily activities, although it is recommended to hold off on strenuous activity or workouts for 4-6 weeks. Activities involving excessive neck motion should be avoided during this time as well, and you may need to adjust how you turn your head during this time. Generally, post-surgery discomfort is minimal and manageable with medications during the first 1-2 weeks. You may experience tightness in the face and neck that will continue to resolve during the weeks and months after surgery.
Deep Plane Facelift FAQs
Am I a suitable candidate for a deep plane facelift?
The ideal candidates are generally healthy, with noticeable signs of facial aging, such as skin laxity and deep lines or jowls. However, the suitability of the procedure can only be determined through a consultation with Dr. Burchhardt.
How long do the results of a deep plane facelift typically last?
The deep plane facelift results are known for their longevity, often lasting a decade. As aging continues, wrinkles and skin laxity will gradually reappear. Individual results can vary.
What is the recovery process like after a deep plane facelift?
You can expect a recovery period of several weeks. You may resume light activities within two weeks, but activities involving excessive neck motion and strenuous workouts should be avoided for up to 4-6 weeks.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to a deep plane facelift?
Non-surgical options like dermal fillers and Botox can provide some rejuvenation. However, these treatments all address unique aspects of the aging process that do not involve lifting facial tissue. Laser treatments improve skin texture and color, while dermal fillers or fat transfer restore lost volume. However, only surgical lifts can address the more advanced signs of aging by repositioning tissue that has descended due to gravity and removing loose skin.
What can I do to maximize the success of my deep plane facelift?
Follow Dr. Burchhardt’s preoperative and postoperative instructions carefully, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and allow adequate time for recovery to achieve the best possible results.
Why Choose Dr. Daniela Burchhardt?
Dr. Daniela Burchhardt is the ideal choice when considering a deep plane facelift. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with specialized expertise in cosmetic surgeries of the neck and face, she stands out as a leader in cosmetic facial surgeries. Her impressive background includes a fellowship in facial plastic surgery at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine following her head and neck surgery training at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Her commitment to facial balance and harmony guarantees a beautifully natural look—schedule your consultation today.
