A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that rejuvenates the face by addressing the lost youthful contours like sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Loss of youthful contours in the face can be due to a variety of factors, including heredity, gravity, environmental conditions, and stress.
Facelift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:
- Sagging in the eyebrows
- Sagging in the middle of your face
- Deep creases and hollows in undereye area
- Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
- Fat that has fallen or has disappeared around mid face
- Loss of skin tone in the lower face that creates jowls and distortion of jawline
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can give even a person of normal weight the appearance of a double chin.
Face aging is not only limited to a fixed and certain portion of the face. Face aging is seen from forehead till the very lower end of neck. It is therefore, face lifting has to be performed in conjunction with the other units of the whole face in most cases including forehead, eyelids, mid face, lower face and neck.
Rejuvenation procedures mostly performed in conjunction with a facelift are:
- EYEBROW LIFT, to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow, to rejuvenate whole forehead
- EYELID LIFT SURGERY to rejuvenate aging upper eyelids and undereye area
- MIDFACE LIFT to address contouring mid face area.
- DEEP PLANE FACE LIFTING to rejuvenate lower face, cheek and jawline
- DEEP NECK LIFTING to address whole neck
- AND a variety of other procedures that further enhance the outcome of a facelift.
And these ‘other procedures’ include:
- Facial implants or fat transfer,
- Soft tissue augmentation to recontour the facial structure,
- Resurfacing techniques to improve the tone and texture of facial skin ,
- Wrinkle reduction by injection of fat or fillers
- Peeling to smoothing the texture of the aged skin
A facelift won’t change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process.
A facelift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery.
During your facelift consultation be prepared to discuss:
- Your surgical goals\ expectations and concerns
- Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
- Previous surgeries
- It’s crucial to follow the surgeon’s pre-operative instructions, which may include abstaining from certain medications and avoiding smoking to reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery.
How is the facelift procedure?
A facelift procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Depending on the degree of change you’d like to see, your facelift choices include:
- Face lifting with SMAS plication or
- Facelifting with SMAS ectomy or
- Deep Plane Lifting and\ or
- Neck lift
Here, in this page, you will find more detailed information regarding DEEP PLANE FACE LIFTING. You can visit other face lift pages in this website for the other versions of facelift.
DEEP PLANE FACE LIFTING
A deep plane facelift differs significantly from the more commonly used SMAS-lifting techniques. One of the most significant difference in outcomes are that deep plane lifts can provide much more natural and long-lasting results plus there is less chance of scarring or complications.
A deep plane lift typically requires more training to be performed safely and properly. Other face lifting techniques (except SMAS techniques) focuses on skin pulling and removal. However, a deep plane facelift focuses on the release and movement of SMAS layer and deep tethering bands. This difference is one of the main distinctive philosophy of deep plane face lifting as by doing this you are allowed to replace these layers back to a more youthful position.
In deep plane face lifting technique, similar to other SMAS-lifting techniques, limited access incisions are made around the ear. The skin is elevated only slightly for a very short distance from incision line. Then, typically elevation goes under the SMAS-platysma complex in the “deep plane.” This is one of the reason to call this technique ‘deep’ plane technique. More clearly, this ‘deep plane’ term is used to describe the anatomical plane that exists between the SMAS-platysma complex (which is muscle and fascia) and the deeper layer of muscles responsible for facial expression. In deep plane technique, a more comprehensive release of this layer is performed.
This comprehensive release allows the vertical replacement of the cheek soft tissues and fat pads. Moving these sagging soft tissues back to a more vertical position significantly restores a more youthful appearance and provides heart shaped appearance to the aging face. Another advantage of this technique is that it can be combined with mid face lifting that the maneuver immediately improves the hollowing and shadowing seen in the lower eyelids and in the lower eyelid and cheek junction.
While preforming a deep plane facelift , I do perform a lateral release of the SMAS in the neck as well. Releasing the tethering points of the SMAS in the lateral neck has also an immense impact on youthful appearance.This manaever helps rejuvenating and refining the neck and jawline with a longer lasting result. Oppositely, some other face-lifting techniques can cause bunching and a loss of definition around the bottom of the ear and angle of the jaw.
The deep plane facelift can be combined with midline platystma tightening procedures which is called platysmoplasty and this procedure is performed through a hidden incision under the chin.
Recovery: What to expect
Following the facelift procedure, patients can expect varying amount of swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are normal parts of the healing process. However, by adhering to post-operative care guidelines, our patients can minimize discomfort and promote faster recovery.
How important the postoperative care?
Post-operative care plays an extreme role in the outcome and success of a facelift procedure. Following the instructions properly not only promotes healing but also helps to minimize the risk of complications such as infection, bleeding and uneven scarring. By following the advice of your surgeon and adopting healthy habits during recovery, patients can enhance their results and enjoy long-lasting benefits from their facelift surgery.
Tips for a Smoother Facelift Recovery
- Follow your Surgeon’s instructions: One of the most important aspects of facelift recovery is following the specific instructions provided by your surgeon. These instructions may include how to care for your incisions when to apply cold compresses and when to resume normal activities and any restrictions on movement or diet. By adhering to these instructions, you can ensure a smoother recovery process. And this will also help to minimize the risk of complications.
2. Managing pain and Discomfort: One of the most important instruction is dealing with managing pain and discomfort. It’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort following your facelift surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage these symptoms during the very initial stages of recovery. Additionally, applying cold compresses to the treated area can help to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
3. Maintain Adequate Hydration and Nutrition: You need to get sufficient liquid to stay hydrated and you need to consume a balanced diet. This is essential for promoting healing and supporting your body’s recovery process. Please drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. You should avoid excessive alcohol consumption and foods high in sodium, as these can contribute to high blood pressure and subsequent swelling\ bleeding and inflammation.
4. Avoid strenuous physical activities: During the initial stages of recovery, it’s important to avoid strenous activities that could increase swelling or strain your incisions. Until cleared instructions given by your surgeon, avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over, or engaging in vigorous activities. You can perform gentle activities such as walking to promote circulation and aid in healing.
5. Protect incision sites: Proper wound care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting optimal healing of incision sites. Keep the treated area clean and dry, and apply the ointments given by your surgeon and follow your surgeon’s instructions for caring for your incisions. Avoid exposing incision sites to direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen or protective clothing when outdoors to prevent sun damage.
6. Keep your head elevated and avoid from abrupt neck movement: Elevating your head while resting can help reduce swelling. And this will also promote drainage of excess fluid from the treated area. You can use extra pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping, and avoid lying flat on your back for extended periods.
7. Attend follow up appointments: Follow-up appointments with your surgeon are an important part of the recovery process. These appointments allow your surgeon to monitor your progress, address any concerns you may have, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. If physically it is not possible contact your surgeon by video calls. Be sure to attend all scheduled appointments and communicate openly with your surgeon about your recovery experience.
8. Incorporate gentle facial massage: Not in the first week after surgery but after it, you need to apply gentle facial massage and this can help promote circulation, reduce swelling, and enhance the healing process following a facelift. Use gentle, upward strokes to massage the treated area, being careful not to apply too much pressure or irritate incision sites. Consult with your surgeon and ask for a a visual guideline regarding how to apply these massage before incorporating facial massage into your post-operative care routine.
9. Proper Resting: Rest is essential for allowing your body to heal and recover from surgery. In the days and weeks following your facelift, take time to rest and relax and avoid overexerting yourself. Listen to your body and permit yourself to take things slow as you recover.
10. Be patient and Positive: You can not the see the expected results of facelift in a week. Recovery from a facelift takes time, and it’s important to be patient and positive throughout the process. You need to understand that swelling and bruising are temporary and will gradually improve with time. Focus on the positive changes to your appearance and the exciting results that await you once your recovery is complete.
Proper care, patience and positivity is crucial for a successful facelift surgery. By following these top 10 tips for post-operative care, you can enhance your recovery experience and achieve optimal results from your facelift procedure. Remember to communicate openly with your surgeon, prioritize self-care, and give yourself the time and space you need to heal fully.
With dedication and commitment to your recovery journey, you can enjoy a rejuvenated appearance and renewed confidence for years to come.
Insurance Guidelines
Because this procedure is considered cosmetic, it is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.
