Going a step further than a traditional facelift, a deep plane facelift can address the underlying muscle and tissue layers of the face. The technique has the potential to achieve a more extensive change and possibly longer-lasting results.
Just as with a traditional facelift, a deep plane facelift (Rhytidectomy) may not be suitable for everyone. In this blog, we’ll explore who may be a good candidate and what factors typically need to be considered.
If you want personalised advice and an individual assessment of your facial features, get in touch with our team to book your consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Hunt. Based in Sydney, Dr Hunt has over 20 years of experience performing surgical procedures, including facelifts and deep plane facelifts.
What is the deep plane facelift, and how is it different from a traditional facelift?
While a traditional facelift works on the more superficial layers of the face, including the underlying muscles, to some extent, a deep plane facelift goes a little further.
The deep plane facelift works further beneath the skin to lift and reposition the deeper structures of the face, particularly the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer.
The approach is often found to be effective for candidates with pronounced skin laxity and excess skin in the middle of the face, lower face, and neck. It targets areas like the nasolabial folds, jowls, and jawline while minimising tension on the skin, which reduces the risk of visible scarring and achieving an unnatural appearance.
Who is suitable for a deep plane facelift?
Candidates for a deep plane facelift are often individuals who are beginning to notice moderate to significant signs of ageing in their face and neck.
If you’ve noticed your cheeks appear flatter or have begun to descend, the deep plane technique can lift the tissue in this area. Candidates with noticeable nasolabial folds may also be suitable – these lines, running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, often deepen with age. By addressing the underlying muscles as well as the overlying skin, a deep plane facelift can effectively reduce these lines.
Another common sign of facial ageing that can make a candidate suitable for the procedure is tissue laxity around the jawline. A deep plane facelift can effectively target the jawline and create a comprehensive lift in the lower face.
Those with neck skin laxity can also be suitable for a deep plane facelift, as the procedure can be extended to focus on both the neck and the face.
When it comes to being suitable for surgery, other factors, such as health factors, need to be carefully considered. We’ll go over these later in the blog as we discuss the factors to consider in more detail.
Who isn’t suitable for the deep plane facelift?
Just as with any other procedure, a deep plane facelift isn’t suitable for everyone. Candidates who only have minimal signs of ageing may be more suitable for a less extensive approach.
If you have minor to moderate skin laxity and excess skin on the face, a traditional facelift can often be sufficient. A deep plane facelift is more extensive and typically chosen for those who have signs of ageing on the more moderate to significant end.
Some health concerns or certain conditions can also make a candidate unsuitable for surgery. Let’s examine each factor that can influence a candidate’s suitability.
Factors to consider when deciding if the procedure is right for you
During the consultation process, you’ll need to discuss a variety of factors. Your personal needs, age, condition of your skin, overall health and personal expectations for the surgery are just some of the factors that need to be considered.
- Age and signs of skin ageing
While there isn’t a strict age requirement for a deep plane facelift, most candidates tend to fall within the age range of their late 40s to 60s, as the procedure is designed to address more moderate to significant signs of ageing. However, the suitability of the procedure has more to do with the condition of your facial tissues than your chronological age. Some younger patients with significant skin laxity (which can sometimes occur due to factors like genetics or weight fluctuations) may also be suitable for a more extensive method.
- The level of skin elasticity
Even though the procedure can be suitable for moderate to significant skin laxity, it can be important that candidates still have some level of skin elasticity. Sufficient skin elasticity allows the remaining skin to adapt well after the surgery, which can affect the quality of the results.
- Your overall health
Candidates will need to be in good general health before undergoing a deep plane facelift. Any current or past health conditions should be discussed in detail, to ensure that you don’t have any condition that could interfere with the procedure. You may need to have some tests during the consultation process to assess your health.
Medications should also be discussed, as some medications can impair healing after surgery. You may need to stop taking some types of medications before surgery. If you are a smoker, you’ll likely be instructed to quit before undergoing your procedure. Smoking can increase the chance of encountering complications throughout the procedure process.
- Your expectations for the procedure’s results
Having realistic expectations is important when undergoing any type of plastic surgery that is designed to focus on appearance. During your consultation, you’ll get to discuss your goals in detail to determine if the procedure aligns with your needs. It’s also important to understand that while results are very long-lasting, the natural ageing process will still continue after the procedure and can interfere with the results much later. A deep plane facelift is a personalised surgery, so the steps of the procedure will be tailored to achieve results that suit your needs and features.
Discuss your suitability with Sydney-based Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Hunt
To find out if you’re a suitable candidate for a deep plane facelift and learn more about the procedure, contact our team to book your consultation with Dr Hunt.
As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Jeremy Hunt has over 20 years of experience performing plastic surgery. He has seen thousands of patients and will always take a personalised approach, considering each patient’s needs.
Get in touch with our team today to learn more, or schedule your consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney.
