Deep Plane Facelift

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DEEP PLANE FACELIFT AND A SMAS FACELIFT?

The deep plane facelift and a SMAS facelift both address the SMAS (superficial musculoapeoneurotic system) which is a the connective tissue and muscle layer beneath the skin of the face. However, there is a significant difference in how the deep plane technique lifts and rejuvenates the SMAS.

As a double board certified facial plastic surgeon and facelift expert, Dr. Demetri always prefers for his patients to have a natural and refreshed appearance. It is important to avoid the “windswept” appearance from outdated facelift techniques. This “pulled” appearance arises when the surgeon does not address the SMAS layer and instead just tries to overly tighten the facial skin. The SMAS represents a strong fibrous connective tissue layer beneath the skin which also attaches to the facial muscles underlaying it. With a SMAS facelift, the surgeon will use sutures to pull and stretch the SMAS layer upwards. In comparison, during a deep plane facelift Dr. Demetri will actually dissect and release the SMAS from the muscles under it. By releasing the ligaments that anchor the SMAS down, Dr. Demetri can then lift and elevate it without any tension.

While a SMAS facelift can tighten the face near the jawline, the deep plane facelift will further improve the jowls and nasolabial folds that the SMAS facelift will not address.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A DEEP PLANE FACELIFT?

The ideal candidate for a deep plane facelift is typically a female or male patient with skin laxity, especially in the areas of the jawline and neck. If you are considering a facelift, then we would expect you to meet the following requirements:

• Currently in good health with no serious medical conditions
• Non-smoker
• Have excess face and neck skin
• Have a “double chin” or weak jawline
• Have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve

DEEP PLANE FACELIFT BENEFITS

A deep plane facelift is the most common surgical procedure Dr. Demetri performs. As one of the busiest facelift surgeons in the United States, he does on average 3-4 facelifts per week. This surgical procedure offers these benefits:

• Amazing definition to the jawline, neck, and cheekbones
• Lower likelihood of requiring filler or revision procedures
• More natural results than traditional facelifts
• Less noticeable areas of scarring
• Increased self-confidence and self-image
• Eliminates jowls and double chin
• Tightens the skin
• Refreshes your look 10 years

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A DEEP PLANE FACELIFT?

Well, the first step of your facelift journey is a thorough consultation with Dr. Demetri to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals. At that time, he will also examine your face and neck as well as any other areas which may bother you.

Furthermore, Dr. Demetri will explain all aspects of the deep plane facelift technique and recovery so you know exactly what to expect. Our amazing nurses sit down with you to review general guidelines as well. This includes reviewing your medications, vitamins, or supplements that can potentially thin the blood.

On the day of your surgery, you will meet our operating room team. This includes our board-certified anesthesiologist, operating nurse and surgical assistant. Dr. Demetri uses the same staff for all of his procedures to ensure consistent and reliable results. Once comfortable in the operating room, you will be sedated and injected with lidocaine to numb your face and neck. This ensures minimal pain later in the day when you are recovering at home. Dr. Demetri makes precise incisions hidden in your hairline and around your ear so as you heal the scarring is hardly noticeable.

DEEP PLANE FACELIFT RECOVERY

DAYS 1-5:

• After your procedure, you will be able to return to your home or hotel. A significant other, friend or family members should accompany you. If needed, one of our registered nurses can help care for you as well.
• Apply cold packs around your face and neck to help reduce swelling.
• Sleep with your head elevated by placing several pillows behind you.
• Your drains will be removed in a couple days depending the output.
• On the second day after you may shower and wash your hair, even if the drains are still in place.
• Swelling will increase up to the fourth or fifth day after your surgery and then start to subside

OVER THE FIRST COUPLE WEEKS:

• On day 8 we typically remove your sutures
• It is safe to resume light activity such as neighborhood walks
• Do not drive if you are still taking pain medications. Once you feel your strength is back, then you can drive.
• Makeup may be applied after about day 10
• The bruising and swelling will be significantly improved by week 2. We typically say you are “restaurant ready” in about 10-14 days

 
WEEK 3:

• At this point, you may resume moderate exercise.
• There will be a big improvement in swelling and bruising after the third week.
• Resume your skin care routine

WEEKS 4-6:

• Return to the office for your complementary morpheus8 treatment. This helps with any persistent inflammation and further improves your skin texture.
• Most patients resume strenuous activities
• At week 6 you will feel 10 years refreshed!

MEET DR. DEMETRI, DEEP PLANE FACELIFT EXPERT

Dr. Demetri is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in deep plane facelifts. As one of the busiest plastic surgeons in the country , he performs on average 3-4 facelifts per week. He often welcomes fellow doctors and residents to observe him perform facelift surgery. Furthermore, he often attends plastic surgery conferences where he lectures on his surgical techniques.

Dr. Demetri feels privileged to help patients in this journey. He is passionate about the field of plastic surgery and loves meeting wonderful new people in our state of the art office. If you would like to learn more about a deep plane facelift, please contact us for a consultation.

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