What is a Deep Plane Facelift, and Why Is It Gaining Popularity?

It’s natural to long for a more youthful and refreshed appearance as we age. It’s precisely why there’s a growing interest in procedures that deliver natural-looking results. 

Among these innovative techniques, the deep plane facelift has emerged as an increasingly popular choice.

But facelifts can be overwhelming, with so many options and techniques to consider. So, in this blog post, we’ll discuss what a deep plane facelift is, how it differs from traditional facelifts, and why it’s gaining popularity among those seeking a refreshed and revitalized appearance.

Understanding the Signs of Aging

But before we dive into facelifts, let’s discuss why they’re needed first.

Our skin gradually loses its elasticity and volume as we age, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of youthful definition. 

This is due to a combination of factors, such as:

• the breakdown of collagen and elastin
• the redistribution of facial fat
• the effects of gravity over time

You may notice fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, forehead, and mouth, as well as a loss of volume in your cheeks and temples. Facial sagging can lead to the formation of jowls, deepening of nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), and a less defined jawline.

While these changes are a normal part of aging, various options are available to help address your concerns and restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance. 

From non-surgical treatments like injectables and laser resurfacing to surgical procedures like facelifts, solutions are tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Defining the Facelift

A facelift, known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to turn back the clock on visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It lifts and tightens sagging skin, lifts and repositions facial structures and muscles, and gives you a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

Now, different types of facelifts are out there, each tailored to address specific concerns and deliver unique results.

If you want to learn more about facelifts, check out this article.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift goes beyond the traditional facelift by elevating and repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue and muscle, called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). 

The deep plane facelift can achieve a more natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation by lifting and repositioning these deeper structures.

How It Works

During a deep plane facelift, Dr. Agha will make incisions along your hairline and ear, carefully designed to minimize visible scarring. 

He will first separate the skin from the underlying SMAS layer over the outer aspect of the face.  Next, he carefully opens up the deep facial layers by dissecting under the SMAS all the way to the nasolabial folds on each side.   He also extends the deep facial dissection under the neck platysma muscle.  This dissection requires advanced training in the deep plane facelift that Dr. Agha completed under Dr. Bryan Mendelson, one of the grandfathers of deep plane facelift.  The SMAS layer and neck muscles are then lifted and repositioned without stretching the skin. 

By releasing key ligaments that tether the SMAS to your facial bone, Dr. Agha can create a smoother, more youthful contour without that dreaded “pulled” look.

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Other Facelifts

So, how does the deep plane facelift stack up against other techniques? Let’s break it down:

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift

While a traditional facelift focuses mainly on tightening the SMAS layer, the deep plane technique goes deeper to address the root cause of sagging. 

This means less skin trauma, more natural results, and a lower risk of needing touch-ups.

Deep Plane Facelift vs. SMAS Facelift 

Both techniques target the SMAS layer, but they do so in different ways. 

A SMAS facelift typically involves lifting and tightening the SMAS with sutures, sometimes leading to a tight, “worked on” appearance. 

On the other hand, the deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the SMAS as a continuous unit, creating a smoother, more seamless result.

Why Is the Deep Plane Facelift Gaining Popularity?

The deep plane facelift has recently taken the world of cosmetic surgery by storm, gaining popularity among women and moms seeking a natural, long-lasting solution to the signs of aging. 

So, what makes the deep plane facelift so special? Here are some reasons:

Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation

One of the key benefits of a deep plane facelift is its ability to address multiple signs of aging simultaneously. 

Unlike traditional facelifts that focus primarily on tightening the SMAS, the deep plane technique repositions the underlying tissues and muscles. 

By lifting and repositioning these deeper structures, the procedure effectively combats sagging jowls, neck laxity, and loss of facial volume. It gives a better definition in the jawline, neck, and cheekbones without the need for fillers.

Natural-Looking Results

The deep plane facelift is renowned for delivering natural-looking results. Since it works on the deeper layers of the face, the technique allows for a more subtle and harmonious rejuvenation. The outcome is a refreshed, youthful appearance that doesn’t look “done” or artificial. 

Celebrities like Marc Jacobs and Sonja Morgan have showcased the stunning results of this procedure, further fueling its popularity.

Minimal Scarring and Downtime

Another advantage of the deep plane facelift is the finer scarring involved. 

The incisions are strategically placed along the hairline and within natural facial contours, making them less visible. 

Additionally, recent advancements in medications have reduced the recovery time, making it comparable to that of a mini-lift.

If you’re ready to turn back the clock and embrace a more youthful, refreshed version of yourself, the deep plane facelift might be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

Deep plane facelifts are ideal for those with more severe skin laxity, especially in the jaw and neck area. 

This technique could be perfect for you if you’re noticing prominent jowls, a double chin, or a poorly defined jawline.

While deep plane facelifts are often perfect for older patients, younger people with significant sagging can also benefit. In some cases, these changes can start as early as your 40s.

You should be in generally good health with no serious medical conditions to be a good candidate. Smoking is also a big no-no, as it can interfere with healing.

Realistic expectations about what a deep plane facelift can achieve are also essential. While it can deliver dramatic results, it’s not a magic wand that will erase every sign of aging.

If you’re tired of seeing a tired, droopy reflection in the mirror and think a deep plane facelift might be right, the next step is to consult a qualified plastic surgeon that performs deep plane facelift. They’ll be able to assess your individual needs and help you decide if it’s the right path to a more youthful, refreshed you.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of seeing a tired, sagging reflection in the mirror and think a deep plane facelift could be the answer to your aesthetic goals, it’s time to take the next step. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Siamak Agha at The Aesthetic Centers to discuss your needs and determine if this game-changing procedure suits you. 

With their guidance and expertise, you’ll be on your way to embracing a refreshed, revitalized version of yourself in no time.