More than 131,000 people in the United States get a facelift each year, making it one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.
A deep plane facelift is a trending technique that only a handful of surgeons are specialized in, so what exactly is it?
Here’s what the best deep plane facelift surgeon in Washington, DC wants you to know!
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift? How Does It Compare to Other Methods?
You’re likely already familiar with facelifts and what they do by now, understanding that this common surgical procedure manually pulls back your skin for a tighter, younger appearance. What if it was possible to improve upon this cosmetic surgery, making it last longer and look more natural?
In fact, it is possible to do exactly that, thanks to the deep plane facelift technique!
This complex method tightens and lifts the middle and lower parts of your face by targeting the soft tissue and muscular layers, addressing the loose and fallen structures and ligaments that contribute to sagging, aged skin.
Traditional facelift techniques, while effective, are considered more of a bandage solution, manually lifting the superficial layers of skin instead of targeting the areas beneath your skin. A deep plane facelift offers similar lifting of the neck and jowl areas, but it also offers the elevation of your cheek muscles and releases cheek ligaments.
What Are the Goals of a Deep Plane Facelift?
The goals of a deep plane lift are similar to any other facelift procedure – to rejuvenate the facial and neck areas with an individualized approach and natural looking, flattering results. This looks different for everyone though, depending on your goals and depth of aging.
This lift is a more comprehensive procedure for treating signs of aging, including sagging cheeks, skin laxity of your lower face, neck, and jawline. It can even improve the appearance of nasolabial folds and marionette lines; a bonus that removes the need for dermal fillers.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for This Facelift Technique?
The ideal candidates are the same as candidates for any other facelift technique.
Patients who undergo this particular method are usually in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Facelifts are incredibly customizable, thorough procedures that can treat a lot of different aesthetic concerns, however you’ll see the most improvement with a deep plane facelift if you struggle with the aforementioned issues.
People who are interested in this procedure should be generally healthy. They should not smoke, or at least willing to quit for a few weeks before and after their surgery. As with any cosmetic procedure, positive yet realistic expectations are a must.
What Can I Expect During and After My Recovery?
This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, which can make you feel tired. So, it’s important to have someone to drive you home and provide care for a minimum of one to two days.
Despite this, recovery isn’t as limiting or difficult as you might expect. Anywhere from two to three weeks of recovery time, sometimes more, is advised for optimal healing. Your head will be bandaged for one to two days, then the bandage is carefully removed.
Swelling, bruising, discomfort, and similar side effects are to be expected but vary from patient to patient. Your lifestyle, diet, genetics, and how well you care for yourself after your surgery impact the recovery process.
Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least three weeks or until you receive approval from your surgeon.
Residual swelling can last three to six months post-op, however you should notice an improvement in your facial features and return to normal much sooner. Scars are well hidden.
Does It Take Longer to Recover After a Deep Plane Facelift?
Contrary to popular belief, recovery doesn’t take longer after a deep plane facelift. In fact, both patients and surgeons have reported an easier, reduced recovery time in some cases because of how this surgery is performed.
The techniques performed by the best deep plane facelift surgeon in Washington, DC preserve blood vessels and supply instead of disrupting either. Additionally, this procedure is no more painful, nor does it carry more risks or complications than a standard facelift, as long as you visit a qualified physician.
Can I Combine Procedures to Improve My Facelift Results?
Many people elect to have other surgeries performed during or after their deep plane facelift, and that’s perfectly fine. In fact, it’s even encouraged in some cases if additional procedures are being considered. Again, facial rejuvenation is incredibly personal and may include only one procedure or many procedures.
You can choose to have a neck lift, fat grafting, an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), a brow or forehead lift, liposuction to reduce a double chin, a lip lift, and /or similar surgical procedures.
If you prefer to be done with surgery after your lift and would prefer to use non-surgical treatments for your anti-aging journey, consider safe and effective procedures like microneedling, chemical peels, cosmetic injectables like Botox and dermal fillers, and laser skin resurfacing. These should be performed only after you have healed enough from your deep plane facelift.
Find the Best Deep Plane Facelift Surgeon in Washington, DC and Beyond at The Cohen Clinic!
Dr. Justin Cohen is a leading board-certified cosmetic surgeon who specializes in the deep plane facelift technique, proudly serving McLean, VA and surrounding areas!
Are you ready to age gracefully, not passively? Then call us at 703-349-7803 to book your consultation!