Deep Plane Facelift Beverly Hills

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Plane Facelifts

The questions that Dr. Calvert is commonly asked during facelift or facial surgery consultations include the following; note that if you have further questions or wish to schedule a consultation, you can contact us.

• How Long Will the Results of a Deep Plane Facelift Last?

  A deep plane facelift can last about 10 to 15 years, or even longer.

  This makes choosing a surgeon who has significant expertise and experience performing the procedure particularly important – after all, this is the face that you and your loved ones will be looking at and living with for the next decade or more!

• What is the Difference Between a Deep Plane Facelift and Other Types of Facelifts?

  To start, there are multiple types of facelift surgeries, and some plastic surgeons even create their own special terms for various procedures for branding purposes.

  However, the general concept of a facelift remains the same, and that is what is essential for you to understand during the facelift consultation and decision-making process.

  A deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the skin and underlying tissues of the face while maintaining their alignment (without the use of tension), allowing for more permanent and natural results.

  It starts with the four ligaments that anchor the skin and connective tissue to the face; these are not touched in SMAS or traditional facelifts.

• What is Involved in a Deep Plane Facelift?

  

  The ligaments released include the zygomatic ligaments.

  These are the ones that tether the cheeks, so releasing them means that drooping or sunken cheeks can be elevated in a natural way without making any visible incisions.

  By releasing these ligaments and elevating the cheeks, your surgeon restores cheek shape and volume, resulting in a fuller, more defined cheek and avoiding the need to add filler, fat, or cheek implants.

  This procedure also improves the appearance of nasolabial folds – the creases from the nose to the corner of the mouth – and addresses the shadows or hollows under the lower eyelids by restoring volume that is typically lost during the aging process.

  

  By lifting and releasing zygomatic ligaments, a deep plane facelift essentially re-suspends the skin and facial tissue in a dramatic yet natural manner.

  It is a vertical “redraping” or anatomical lift as opposed to what happens during a SMAS facelift, which can be thought of as a more horizontal stretching and tightening while the skin and connective tissue are still held in the same place by the aforementioned ligaments.

  Because they address problems near the jaw and jowls – the more forward areas of the face (as opposed to the soft tissue near the top of the cheeks and above), deep plane facelifts can fix problems around the lower face, jowls, and jawline.

  Not every facial plastic surgeon performs deep plane facelifts, especially since the techniques involved are relatively modern as compared to SMAS or traditional facelifts.

  When you are seeking a facial plastic surgeon (or any other kind of doctor), consider whether they are board certified in the procedures you are seeking and be sure to ask for before and after images and check out the plastic surgeon’s reviews.

  This will give you insight into their expertise and even their aesthetic – after all, this is your face and how you present yourself to the world, so it’s more than worth the time and the investment!

  Dr. Jay Calvert is a board certified, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon with years of experience.

  Dr. Calvert’s before and after gallery shows results of his continual drive towards helping his patients reach their aesthetic goals.

• What are the Various Common Types of Facelifts Performed?

  

  Two of the more common facelift surgeries are the deep plane facelift and the traditional or superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift.

  Note that various plastic surgeons and other types of doctors may use different terms to describe their facelifts, but when comparing common types like deep plane facelifts versus SMAS facelifts, you can think of deep plane facelifts as involving deeper layers of tissues and ligaments being released for a vertical lift, and SMAS facelifts involving the top layers of skin and fascia for a horizontal lift or tightening.

  Often, the incision size and type for the two aforementioned kinds of facelifts may vary, and the option that works best for you depends on the current condition of your face and neck as well as the results you hope to achieve.

  Consult with Dr. Jay Calvert, a deep plane facelift specialist in Beverly Hills, to learn more about the facelift options that may work for you.

• What is the Difference Between an SMAS facelift and a Deep Plane Facelift?

  If you are considering a deep plane facelift versus an SMAS facelift, then you should first think about the results or end goal you wish to achieve.

  What kind of look do you want, what sort of condition is your face currently in, and other factors such as your age, the laxity of your skin, and your unique facial features all play a role.

  Keep in mind that many individuals find it difficult to understand the difference between a SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift, since the two surgical face procedures seem similar, but each one involves unique techniques that lead to variations in results.

  However, a deep plane facelift lessens the appearance of an aging face and neck by meticulously tightening and securing the deep layers of connecting tissue and muscles together to restore the face to its previous shape.

  It relies on the adjustment and positioning of the deep facial tissue, often resulting in a subtler, natural look.

  

  A traditional or SMAS facelift takes place under the skin, where the muscle is not released.

  An unexperienced facial surgeon will stretch the skin creating a tension, unnatural look.

  On the contrary, an SMAS facelift focuses on the top layers of facial skin that sit above the deep plane, and raises the skin and SMAS layers separately.

  This means that the underlying deep plane tissue is left alone during the procedure, and the skin is pulled over it.

  This is what creates the too-taut or “pulled” appearance that is easily identifiable as a facelift, particularly when performed by a less skilled plastic surgeon.

  

  Furthermore, a deep plane facelift releases the ligaments and allows for the tissue and facial skin to be lifted vertically versus the more horizontal movement of a SMAS facelift, which can result in a more natural and less pulled or tight look.

  Finally, the incisions made during a deep plane facelift are often smaller and easier to hide along the hairline, which also helps to allow for a more natural appearance.

• What Does a Traditional or SMAS Facelift Look Like?

  

  This common type of facial surgery involves a perpendicular hoisting of the face and neck; this can be attained by shifting the craniofacial muscles and fibrous tissue and removing surplus skin that may be causing the droopy or saggy look.

  To put it simply, a traditional or SMAS facelift procedure relies on pulling the top layers of skin tightly over the existing facial structure, which puts you at risk of getting that overdone or “stretched” look that’s a telltale sign of having had a facelift or similar procedure performed.

  That said, when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, a SMAS facelift may be what offers the best results for your specific needs and goals.

  The incisions involved in a SMAS facelift are around the edges of the face, near the ears and the temples, and along the sides of the face next the hairline.

  While the goal of any plastic surgeon is minimal scarring, due to the stretching or pulling of the skin, there may be some scarring that can often be covered by one’s hair.

• What Does a Deep Plane Facelift Look Like?

  

  A deep plane facelift has become an increasingly popular choice for individuals with visible signs of aging because it helps improve one’s skin on deeper levels than a SMAS facelift, which is more superficial.

  It can help achieve longer lasting, more significant and natural looking results.

  Because the layer of tissue addressed during a deep plane facelift is inelastic or fibrous (as opposed to the top layers of skin which are elastic and can be pulled or stretched), a deep plane facelift results in longer lasting positive change to the overall appearance of the face.

  Deep plane facelifts lift the face vertically and since this procedure involves repositioning the skin and its underlying tissue, there is less stretching or straining of top layers of skin, often resulting in a more natural or nearly undetectable look.

  In addition, the incisions used during a deep plane facelift are situated along the hairline or in the sideburn area and they are typically quite tiny, resulting in minimal scarring (if any).

• Where are the Scars Located with a Deep Plane Facelift?

  While the exact location of the incisions for a deep plane facelift will vary based on the facial structure of the patient, they are generally located along the sides of the face hidden in the sideburns or hairline.

  Because a deep plane facelift releases the underlying ligaments and does not pull or tug on the skin to tighten it, the incisions and any associated stretching are minimal and patients often report they are hardly noticeable after healing.

• What are the Advantages of a Deep Plane Facelift?

  

  A deep plane facelift is a new, cutting-edge type of facial surgery that is used by the best deep plane facelift surgeons in Beverly Hills and around the world.

  It can help you turn back the clock and improve your aging skin, taking years off your face.

  A deep plane facelift (or deep plane neck lift technique) can restore volume and fullness to your cheeks, enhance the definition of your jawline, neck, and cheekbones, lift the brow and fix droopy eye areas, and even tighten the jowls and reduce or eliminate a double chin.

  It helps improve the elasticity of your skin by improving blood circulation and smoothing wrinkles and heavy lines.

  Furthermore, a deep plane facelift often requires a shorter recovery time and a reduced likelihood of needing further revisions or future facial procedures.

  There is relatively minimal scarring due to nearly invisible incisions and less skin trauma than other facial surgeries.

• How Old Should You be When You Get a Deep Plane Facelift?

  Because deep plane facelifts result in a more natural but also more permanent change, Dr. Calvert and other leading facial plastic surgeons suggest that patients get one at a younger age than a SMAS facelift since this procedure can help you get ahead of the aging process and correct wrinkles and other problem areas before they deepen and become more challenging to address.

• When is an SMAS Facelift Recommended Versus a Deep Plane Facelift?

  

  While a deep plane facelift can help you achieve long-lasting natural results, not all patients are in need of such an extensive procedure.

  Sometimes, a traditional or SMAS facelift may be enough to get the results you are looking for – consulting with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Calvert can help you determine the best option or way to meet your aesthetic goals.

• What Happens During a Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?

  First, you will be sedated with “twilight” anesthesia or put under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety.

  Next, the SMAS platysma is repositioned, the ligaments are released and lifted, the natural volume and elevation of the cheeks is restored, excess skin is removed, and nasolabial folds are softened, leaving smoother, more youthful skin after your deep plane facelift.

  A double chin or saggy chin can also be lifted and any heaviness in the neck and jawline area can be addressed as well, since the vertical redraping aspect of a deep plane facelift allows for this area to be tightened and lifted, often eliminating the need for a secondary midline surgery.

  The skin and the underlying tissues stay in alignment with each other during a deep plane facelift (as opposed to just the upper layers and skin being worked on during a SMAS facelift).

  By keeping them in alignment and detaching and repositioning them as a single unit, there is less strain on the delicate skin and muscle of the face allowing for a more permanent result.

• What are the Potential Complications from a Deep Plane Facelift?

  Any surgical procedure poses certain risks, such as nerve damage and the risks associated with undergoing anesthesia.

  However, a deep plane facelift is considered to be as safe as other types of surgeries and risks can be mitigated by ensuring the expertise of your surgical team by choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced with the procedure.

  Dr. Calvert is a board certified, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, who has performed thousands of facial plastic procedures.

  Contact Dr. Calvert today to see how he can help you reach your facial aesthetic goals.

• How Long Does a Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Take?

  While there is no deep plane facelift recovery day by day definitive guide, you can expect a recovery period of 3 to 7 weeks after getting a deep plane facelift.

  While your unique skin type and other idiosyncrasies can affect your recovery time, you can generally plan to go back to work and other normal life activities within a 4-week timeline, barring any heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity (these types of actions should be cleared by your doctor and avoided for at least 6 to 7 weeks post-op).

• What Will My Face Look Like Right After a Deep Plane Facelift?

  

  Immediately after the procedure, your face will likely be swollen or even bruised, but around not long after your deep plane facelift surgery, your new face will begin to emerge and you’ll start to see the new you!

  You will need to ice your facial area to reduce swelling for the first few days and will likely be unable to drive and need basic assistance around the house for the first 3 to 4 days post-surgery.

  You may have drains placed or see bruising on your face and neck.

  Most individuals who receive deep plane facelifts feel comfortable resuming most public-facing activities after 2 to 3 weeks, including returning to work, running errands, and even light exercise.

  More strenuous activities can be resumed at around 6 to 7 weeks post-op.

  Note that while some bruising may occur, because a deep plane facelift maintains more of the natural blood supply and adjusts and repositions the facial skin and tissue and underneath, bruising is fairly minimal (as opposed to a SMAS or traditional facelift, which severs blood vessels in the face and may take longer to visibly recover from due to facial bruising).

• Is There Visible Scarring After a Deep Plane Facelift?

  Any surgical technique or procedure holds the potential for scarring and the overall look of any scars depends on your skin condition and type.

  However, the incisions for a deep plane facelift are typically located along the hairline and in the sideburn area, allowing for a minimized appearance that can often be further covered by one’s hairstyle.

• Who is a Good Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

  

  Good candidates for deep plane facelifts are often younger individuals seeking more traditional facial surgeries, since the techniques involved allow these patients to prevent the effects of aging from occurring in the first place.

  You should be in good general health with no serious medical conditions, a nonsmoker, and have realistic expectations about what the deep plane facelift procedure can achieve.

  Most deep plane facelift patients are in their mid-forties to mid-sixties; consult with your doctor to determine your suitability for this procedure.

  Problem areas like a sagging neck or droopy facial skin, prominent jowls, a double chin or poorly defined jawline, sunken cheeks or low facial volume, and similar issues can often be addressed with a deep plane facelift.

  Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Calvert in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach if you think you are a good candidate for a deep plane facelift or similar operation.

• Why is a Deep Plane Facelift Better than a SMAS Facelift or Other Types of Facelifts?

  While various types of facelifts and surgical techniques may be recommended based on your skin type and condition along with the results you wish to achieve, a deep plane facelift is often a good choice in many cases because of the shorter surgical time and more natural, longer-lasting results.

  The recovery also tends to be fairly quick and the procedure offers less noticeable scarring.

• How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Cost?

  The cost of a deep plane facelift depends on a variety of factors, including your location, the extent of the surgery being performed, and the type and cost of anesthesia used.

  If you are interested in a deep plane facelift in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles, your first step should be to contact our office to learn more and schedule a consultation with Dr. Calvert.

• How Do I Find the Plastic Surgeon for a Deep Plane Facelift in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles?

  

  While many plastic surgeons may advertise various types of facelifts and their exceptional results, much of the time these are more traditional procedures like the aforementioned SMAS facelifts.

  Be sure to ask about their techniques and the different types of facelifts as described above to ensure that you get the best possible results that can be achieved.

  Be aware that not every plastic surgeon is qualified to perform a deep plane facelift because of the complex nature of the techniques; what’s more, this is a relatively new procedure that requires training and complex knowledge.

  If you are considering a deep plane facelift or any kind of facial plastic surgery in the Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area, know that you are in expert hands with Dr. Calvert.

  See example photos and schedule a consultation for a deep plane facelift and learn more about your options for a more youthful, rejuvenated face.