Everything you need to know about Deep Plane Facelift

History of the deep plane facelift

A deep plane facelift is the go-to cosmetic surgery procedure for those who want a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance, to pre-empt or to reverse the effects of gravity on the face.  The deep plane facelift procedure was developed in the 1990s by plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Hamra, as an advanced version of the traditional facelift technique.

The reason it is called a deep plane facelift is that the procedure goes below the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) of the face, which allows the surgeon direct access to the key retaining ligaments and the soft tissue in the midface.

Deep plane is embryologic plane in between the superficial soft tissue envelope (covered by the superficial cervical fascia) and the deeper structure of the face. By operating at this level of the fascia, this technique delivers long-term results and tension free skin, thereby avoiding the somewhat over stretched appearance of a traditional facelift.

This type of surgery requires extensive medical training, and there are very few surgeons in the world who offer this type of specialist procedure. Dr Pietro di Mauro, is the first fully trained and experienced deep plane facelift surgeon in Marbella, southern Spain.

How the midface ages

Genetics, lifestyle and gravity play a large roll in how we age. The skin loses elasticity and soft tissue starts on a downward trajectory, resulting in wrinkles and the dreaded jowly appearance. This is compounded by a loss of volume in the soft tissue, fat and also bone loss.

Areas of the face that benefit from a deep plane facelift

This technique can dramatically improve many features of the midface, including repositioning malar fat pad that have dropped, nasolabial folds, festoons (lax skin and orbicularis muscle that have created large fatty bags below the eyes) and facial dimples (major and minor). It is also an effective procedure to tackle buccal fat deposits that are a contributing factor to the appearance of jowls, delivering dramatic yet natural looking improvements on the mid to lower sections of the face.

Deep plane facelift: procedure

An initial consultation is required before any procedure can take place in order for both parties to ascertain their suitability; the patient’s mental and physical health and the surgeon’s experience, qualifications and bedside manner.

On the day of the procedure, you will undergo a neurological examination to identify the position and trajectory of the facial nerve at the temples (as this will be the deep plan facelift entry point).  Pre-operative photos will be taken, showing all views of the face, registering the position of the ear, hairline (at the temples), position of muscles (including with the chin tucked down) and general shape. After which, incisions will be marked by the temporal hairline in order to ensure it is preserved.

Anaesthesia will then be administered, this could be a local or a general anaesthetic, as both methods can be used for this procedure (as long as the patient is deemed suitable by the surgeon and anaesthesiologist to undergo a general anaesthetic).

In Dr di Mauro’s plastic surgery clinic in Marbella, the doctor’s highly trained nursing team will assist in preparing the patient for the procedure and will continue to monitor post-surgical progress.

The surgery usually takes between three and four hours and towards the end of the operation, before the skin is closed, a small drain will be inserted. After closing, antibiotic cream is applied to the incision and a compression dressing placed over the wound. 

Recovery time after a deep plane facelift

The method used in a deep plane facelift, doesn’t damage the muscle, nerves or stretch the skin, which reduces the risk of long-term swelling. The dressings will be required for one or two days and depending upon how quickly the wound heals, the stitches can be removed after between five to ten days and within two weeks it is possible to resume normal activities.

Every patient is provided personalised post-operative plan to aid a speedy recovery. This will include providing information about how to maintain the wounds and the importance of avoiding heavy lifting or bending over during the first week after the operation.

Who should not undergo a deep plan facelift?

As with all types of cosmetic surgery, it is essential that the patient is healthy both physically and mentally. There is an increased risk of hematoma if a patient has high blood pressure or is taking some types of medications, including anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also surprise you, that the same applies to some sorts of herbal remedies and supplements, such as ginseng, turmeric and garlic.

Unsurprisingly, smokers are not ideal candidates for any type of surgery, as smoking makes it harder for the body to recover, by reducing oxygen in the soft tissue and blood, stress to the heart and raising blood pressure.

One of the best plastic surgeons in Marbella, Dr di Mauro, also stresses that mental health of a patient is equally important and must be assessed before committing to undertaken any type of plastic surgery. For example, patients with a history of depression or those who display a preoccupation with correcting ‘perceived’ defects in their physical appearance, they could have an obsessive-compulsive related disorder – Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

In conclusion, a deep plane facelift is a highly skilled procedure that promises to deliver a more youthful and rested facial appearance. However, the procedure should only be carried out by a highly trained deep plane facelift surgeons with experience of this relatively new type of operation, and upon a patient who has undergone a full medical evaluation.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery in Marbella, find out more about Dr di Mauro’s cosmetic surgery expertise or qualifications by arranging a confidential no-obligation consultation, by calling 648 43 45 93.