Facelift Surgery involves tightening of the facial and neck muscles as well as the removal of any excess skin. The skin begins to wrinkle and sag as a result of age, sun exposure and genetics.
Over time, the skin sags and folds, causing the chin, jawline, and neck to become prominent. Not only does a facelift improve facial appearance, but it also has a dramatic effect on the neck, enhancing its contour and profile. A facelift can make a patient look 5 to 10 years younger. As dramatic as the end results are, this is not a simple procedure. It requires a week to 10 days of recovery.
Understanding the Anatomy Involved
To understand the difference between a deep plane facelift and a traditional facelift, one requires a thorough understanding of the facial tissue structure, particularly the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), facial muscles, and underlying tissues. The SMAS is a critical layer of connective tissue and muscle beneath the facial skin that plays a significant role in facial rejuvenation. The deep plane facelift technique specifically targets the SMAS and deeper tissues to achieve a more youthful and rested appearance.
The facial structure consists of multiple layers, including:
- Superficial cervical fascia: This layer encompasses the majority of superficial facial fat and is continuous with the platysma muscle in the neck, SMAS in the midface, and galea in the upper face.
- Deep cervical fascia: This layer covers the deeper structures of the face, including the masseter muscle, facial nerve, and buccal fat pad.
- Deep plane: The deep plane is the embryologic cleavage plane that separates the superficial soft tissue envelope from the deeper structural aspects of the face.
Let the experts at Omni Plastic Surgery Seattle help you navigate the complex anatomy and achieve optimal results. By precisely repositioning the deeper structures, the deep plane facelift technique ensures a more natural and long-lasting rejuvenation, enhancing both the appearance and function of the facial features.
Advantages Over Other Facelift Techniques
A deep plane facelift offers several distinct advantages over other facelift techniques, making it a preferred choice for many seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation:
- Longer-lasting results: The deep plane facelift can provide results that last for 7 to 10 years or more, offering a more durable solution compared to other facelift techniques.
- Natural-looking results: By allowing for natural facial movements and expressions, the deep plane facelift technique creates a more authentic and youthful appearance, avoiding the “pulled” look often associated with traditional facelifts.
- Comprehensive rejuvenation: This technique addresses multiple concerns simultaneously, including sagging jowls, sunken cheeks, and deep wrinkles, providing a more holistic approach to facial rejuvenation.
- Customizable: The deep plane facelift can be tailored to meet individual needs and aesthetic goals, making it a versatile option for patients seeking personalized facial rejuvenation.
These benefits make the deep plane facelift a highly effective and sought-after procedure for those looking to achieve a youthful and natural appearance.
The Facelift Procedure
Facelifts and Deep Plane Facelifts are frequently performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery, brow lift, chin augmentation, and/or liposuction to create an overall rejuvenation of the face. The procedure can be repeated as gravity continues its effects after the first surgery.
Facelifts are performed in our surgery center under general anesthesia for total patient comfort. The surgeon will make incisions inside the hairline at the temple, in front of the ear, then around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending at the scalp area. Excess skin is removed, and sagging muscles and connective tissues are tightened. Neck contouring may require an incision under the chin. Incisions are closed with small sutures.
The procedure may take up to 5 hours, depending on whether any other procedures are performed at the same time.
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We will review your medical history to better understand your overall health. Our doctor will discuss your goals and help you understand what options may be available and what to expect from treatment.
Post Operative Care
We recommend that you stay in our overnight suite or have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Initially, you will have a dressing wrapped around your head. You may or may not have surgical drains attached to bulbs hanging at your neck. These will be removed in approximately 24 hours. The stitches around the ears will be loosened or removed in a few days. The scalp sutures will be removed in 7 to 10 days.
To minimize scarring, the doctor may remove the sutures in stages. Scarring fades quickly. Swelling and discoloration decrease within two weeks. Tightness in your face will be present for several weeks, and there may be slight changes in your hair pattern around the incision.
We recommend that you avoid the sun for several weeks after surgery. Complications following a facelift are rare. These include bleeding, infection, loss of skin behind the ears, facial nerve injury, discoloration of the skin, numbness, asymmetry, and scarring. Infection is rare due to the large blood supply to the face. As mentioned, the risk of bleeding is greater if you take aspirin or blood thinners within 2 weeks of the surgery. The risk of wound complications increases in diabetics, people with a history of radiation, autoimmune and collagen disease, as well as in smokers. By following pre- and post-operative instructions, you will minimize potential problems.
In the weeks following surgery, the facial skin and area around the ear may be numb. There may also be some temporary discoloration as healing begins, which may take a few months to disappear. Occasionally, a facial nerve is bruised during surgery, resulting in temporary loss of function or sensation. However, actual permanent damage to the facial nerve is rare.
The healing process is gradual, so you will not notice the final results for up to 6 months. A single procedure often achieves the desired results. Most patients who have had facelifts are pleased with their new, more youthful appearance. Additionally, deep plane facelift recovery typically involves less trauma to the skin and muscle, resulting in a shorter recovery time compared to other facelift methods.
FAQ’S
Before your consultation, compile your medical history, including past surgeries, medications, and any health conditions, as this information is vital for assessing your suitability for surgery. List your concerns and questions about the procedure, recovery process, risks, and anticipated results to ensure all topics are covered. Bring photos of yourself to illustrate your facial features and desired changes. It’s also important to discuss your lifestyle habits, like smoking, alcohol consumption, and skincare routines, as these factors can affect surgery and recovery.
During your consultation, we will thoroughly explain how to prepare for facelift surgery. Preparation can extend for 4-6 weeks before surgery, which includes skin prep, medications you cannot take, and medications to take for swelling and bruising. We will also provide other instructions to help maximize your healing. To prepare for your facelift surgery day, follow Dr. Lee Pu pre-operative instructions closely, which may include: Medication guidelines and dietary restrictions. Arrange transportation for the day of surgery and plan for someone to accompany you home afterward. Set up a comfortable recovery space at home with pillows, blankets, and necessary supplies. Familiarize yourself with post-operative care instructions, such as wearing compression garments and using cold packs to reduce swelling. Stock up on supplies like gauze pads and pain relievers, and prepare easy-to-eat meals for the initial recovery period. Follow the fasting guidelines provided by Dr. Lee Pu. Wear comfortable, loose clothing on the day of surgery.
In general, facelift surgery takes 3-6 hours depending on whether forehead, eyelids, and fat grafting are included in the procedure.
There are non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation that provide some benefits similar to a traditional facelift. These include:
- Injectable dermal fillers to add volume
- Wrikle-relaxer to relax facial muscles and smooth fine lines
- Thread lifts for mild to moderate lifting of the cheeks and jawline
- Laser resurfacing to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles
- Chemical peels to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin
- Lasers to stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness.
While these non-surgical options offer less invasive alternatives with shorter recovery times, depending on individual expectations and goals, their results may not be as dramatic or long-lasting as those achieved with a surgical facelift.
To prolong the results of your facelift, diligently follow Dr. Lee Pu’s post-operative instructions, which include:
- Wearing compression garments and using cold packs
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, hydration, and minimal alcohol and tobacco use to support skin health
- Protect your skin from UV rays by wearing sunscreen daily and avoiding excessive sun exposure
- Establish a skincare routine tailored to your skin type, incorporating products that promote collagen production and maintain skin elasticity. Consider non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers or Botox to complement your facelift results over time.
- Manage stress effectively and attend regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon for personalized advice and maintenance strategies
These steps will help sustain the rejuvenated appearance achieved through your facelift for as long as possible.
Most patients can go out in public about one week after surgery with makeup. Bruising and swelling vary from person to person, but in most cases they are nearly gone within 2–3 weeks.
Walking is encouraged in the same week, but strenuous exercise is usually recommended 6-8 weeks from surgery.
The duration varies depending on the specific type of surgery, but typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks on average.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications during and after a facelift surgery. Therefore, it is highly recommended to quit smoking before undergoing the procedure.