A deep plane facelift lifts the deeper structures of the face, so the result looks smooth, balanced and natural rather than tight.
Men and women usually want different things from a facelift: different facial contours, a different degree of definition, and a different extent of surgery.
At consultation we agree together which areas matter most to you, and how you see a natural, age-appropriate result for your face.
Planning is shared between you and your surgeon. It takes into account your own sense of what looks right, your medical history, the condition of your skin, and the way your face has changed with time.
Every plan is based on a 3D assessment of the face and neck, which helps you see the likely effect of the changes being discussed.
In a deep plane facelift, the lift is made beneath the SMAS, the firm layer of muscle and fibrous tissue under the skin and fat. The retaining ligaments that hold the cheek and jowl down are released, so skin, fat and SMAS move together as one composite unit.
This repositions the tissues that have descended without pulling on the skin. When the neck contour is still good, the same deep plane lift can be done through a short scar.
Before surgery we go through the recovery in detail: what to expect in the first days, how to look after the incisions, and when you can return to work and exercise.
Good preparation and close contact with the surgical team make the recovery more predictable and more comfortable.
As with any operation, a facelift carries risks, which vary from person to person. They are explained in full at consultation, together with the steps taken to reduce them.
Your medical history, and any medical problems in close relatives, may change the advice given and the way the operation is planned.
Because a deep plane facelift lifts the deeper structures of the face rather than the skin alone, the result tends to age in a natural way.
How long it lasts varies from person to person. Sun protection, not smoking and good skin care all help to keep the result for longer.
A facelift is often combined with other procedures: a deep contouring neck lift, an endoscopic brow lift or temporal lift, upper and lower eyelid surgery, or fat transfer to the face.
Which of these suits you, if any, is discussed while planning, so that the face is treated as a whole.
The quality of the skin has a strong effect on the final result. Sun damage and smoking both age the skin, and a facelift does not change the skin's surface.
Where it helps, skin care and skin treatments before and after surgery are part of the plan.
Questions? Just ask.
Talk to our helpful team or book a consultation
with Mr Lucian Ion. Call 0207 486 7757
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Facial surgery
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