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Understanding a Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift

Historically, plastic surgeons focused on tightening the skin during face and neck lifts, however, this has resulted in an ¨operated look¨, wide scars, and short lasting results. Through deep plane face and neck lift, your plastic surgeon tightens and lifts the deep face and neck structures to achieve a long lasting youthful look and defined face and neck anatomy. Given the fact that there is no tension on the skin during this procedure, the results look natural and the scars are very thin, hidden in the natural folds and not noticeable.

The procedure

This procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes around 3 hours, depending on individual cases. Your plastic surgeon operates on the deep layers of the face and neck, namely the SMAS and the platysma, and other structures underneath them. The end goal is the restauration of youthful and defined anatomy. Given the complexity and sensitivity of the deep facial anatomy, this procedure should be performed by an experienced and well trained plastic surgeon.

Recovery

When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, this procedure is safe with little down time, minimal swelling and bruising, minimal pain and discomfort. It can be performed as an outpatient procedure or the patient can be admitted for overnight observation and discharged home the following day.

At least for the first week, patients should sleep with their head elevated to help the swelling go down.

Sutures are removed 1 week after the procedure. Return to work depends on individual cases, but in general, patients should be able to go back to work in 10 days after surgery.