Put Your Best Face Forward With a Deep Plane Facelift

If you’re looking for a more youthful and refreshed appearance in your face and a boost in your self-esteem, then a deep plane facelift may be a great choice for you.

A deep plane facelift is a type of facial surgery that addresses the deeper layers of the face, including the muscles, fat, and connective tissue. 

This procedure aims to lift and tighten the deeper structures of the face and to address issues such as sagging jowls and nasolabial folds. 

Learn more about deep plane facelift surgery and how to find a double-board-certified plastic surgeon to help you achieve the best results. 

How deep plane facelifts are performed

The deep plane facelift is more invasive than other facial procedures and requires the patient to be under twilight IV sedation. 

While some offices use general anesthesia during the surgery—our office does not. We believe that IV twilight sedation is a much safer option as it allows the patient to breathe on their own without a tube. Combined with a lidocaine injection, the patient won’t feel any of the procedure and will be put in a relaxed, trance-like state.   

Once placed in a twilight, Dr. Emmett will begin to make incisions, in the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin.

The skin is then lifted to reveal the deeper structures of the face, including the muscles and connective tissues. 

Dr. Emmett will then reposition the underlying muscles and connective tissue in order to create a more youthful appearance. 

The skin is then re-draped over the newly repositioned structures, and any excess skin is removed. 

The incisions are then closed with sutures or surgical tape. Deep plane surgery typically takes between 3-5 hours to perform, depending on the extent of the procedure. 

Average recovery time from deep plane facelift surgery

The recovery period for a deep plane facelift can vary depending on the individual patient and the extent of the surgery. 

Generally, it can take several weeks for the initial swelling and bruising to subside. 

Patients will typically experience some pain and discomfort for the first few days following the surgery, which can be managed with medication.

Most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within two to three weeks, although strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks. 

The final results of the surgery may not be visible for several months as the swelling and bruising continue to subside. 

To help with your recovery, it’s important to follow Dr. Emmett’s specific post-operative instructions.

Deep plane facelift vs SMAS facelift

Deep plane facelift and SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system facelift) are both surgical procedures that aim to lift and tighten the deeper structures of the face to create a more youthful appearance. 

A deep plane facelift addresses the deeper layers of the face, including the muscle, fat, and tissue.

A SMAS facelift, on the other hand, addresses the SMAS layer, which is a layer of tissue located just below the skin that is composed of muscle, fascia, and fat. 

The surgeon lifts and repositions the SMAS layer to get rid of any facial sagging and drooping that often comes with age. 

This type of facelift is considered less invasive than a deep plane facelift and the recovery time is shorter.

Both deep plane facelifts and SMAS facelifts are considered more advanced techniques than traditional facelifts. 

Who is a good candidate for a deep plane facelift?

Deep plane facelift surgery is typically recommended for individuals who experience the following: 

• Sagging or dropping skin in the mid-to-lower face, cheeks, jowls, and neck
• Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• Loss of definition in the jawline
• Loss of volume in the cheeks and temples
• Loose skin and wrinkles in the neck

A deep plane facelift is generally performed on patients over the age of 40, as the aging process is more advanced at this age. However, it’s not limited to that age group.

The best candidate for this procedure is someone whose skin still has good elasticity and who has loose skin and muscle in the mid-to-lower face and neck.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Emmett will ensure that you are an ideal candidate by going over your health and expectations.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Emmett and have all your questions answered 

Dr. Jennifer Emmett, M.D. is a double board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

Her office is located in Lone Tree, Colorado, and she serves the greater Denver area, though many of her patients have traveled from around the world for her skill and care.

She maintains a high patient satisfaction rate and strives to help every patient achieve their desired look as painlessly as possible.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Emmett has become one of the country’s top plastic surgeons by receiving additional training and becoming a lifelong learner. 

She stays up to date with the newest technologies and advancements, allowing her to bring the trendiest and most-requested procedures to her office sooner than other practices. 

Dr. Emmett and her team specialize in facial surgeries, Botox, derma fillers, lip injections, breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reduction, body contouring, tummy tuck, mommy makeovers, and more. Contact us to set up your consultation, ask questions about our services, and discuss financing.