Everybody is talking about deep plane facelifts! A quick search on Instagram or Google will instantly bring up hundreds of thousands of mentions. But what are they? Why are we hearing so much about them and what do you need to know? Deep plane facelifts are a signature procedure for Purity Bridge plastic surgeons Nora Nugent and Marc Pacifico and one of their favourite transformations to perform for their patients. We offer deep plane facelifts as day case procedures in our in-house Day Surgery Suite and in other local hospitals if you need to stay overnight.
What is a deep plane facelift?
All modern facelifts lift in at least two layers – the SMAS underlying support layer of the face which blends into the platysma muscle in the neck and the skin. But different types of facelifts lift the SMAS layer in different ways. Some facelifts lift the SMAS and skin in entirely separated layers. A deep plane facelift separates the skin and SMAS for a short distance only in front of your ears and then dips under the SMAS layer and lifts both layers together for the rest of the lift. It is called deep plane because it lifts in a deeper layer than most facelifts but in truth some other types of facelifts also lift in this layer and there is a deeper layer again that has been lifted in facelift surgery.
Why are we hearing so much about deep plane facelifts right now?
Deep plane facelifts are not a new procedure – they have been around for many years. But modern advances in the technique and greater understanding of facial ageing and how to achieve a natural and long-standing result after facelift surgery are now bringing out the true potential of the deep plane facelift. Of course, there have also been some high-profile celebrities who have had deep plane facelifts which has increased interest in them as well. There is also so much information readily available online with more searches for deep plane facelifts driving them up the internet algorithms too.
What are the advantages of deep plane facelifts? Is a deep plane facelift the best facelift to have?
Deep plane facelifts can achieve very natural long-lasting and elegant results for patients looking to rejuvenate their face and necks but not look over done. Compared to some other types of facelift, the early swelling settles quicker. Deep plane facelifts are also versatile – they can be adapted to short scar or extended facelifts easily as needed. They can allow other complementary procedures to be done very nicely in harmony with the facelift such as lower blepharoplasty, brow lift or buccal fat reduction. For patients with very thin or damaged skin or who have had procedures such as thread lifts or radiofrequency before, deep plane facelifts are gentler on facial skin.
Is a necklift part of a deep plane facelift? Is that deep plane too?
A necklift is more often than not part of the facial rejuvenation surgery when we do a deep plane facelift. Including a necklift or not and the exact type of necklift very much depends on your neck and what is needed for you to achieve a good result. The neck lift can be deep as well if contouring deeper tissues such as deep neck fat, deep neck muscles or submandibular salivary glands can help achieve the change you want. This is advanced necklift surgery known as deep necklifting which both Ms Nugent and Mr Pacifico have expertise in.
How do I know if I am suitable or not for a deep plane facelift?
The best way to know is to come and see us for a consultation so that we can fully assess your face and hear about your goals for surgery. We can then advise you whether you are suitable or not and what a deep plane facelift can do for you.
My surgeon wants to do a different type of facelift, not a deep plane for me. Is this ok?
Although we favour the deep plane facelift and really like the results that it achieves, please don’t lose sight of the fact that much more important than having a deep plane facelift is that you have your facelift surgery with a fully credentialed plastic surgeon that you have confidence in and are comfortable with. There are many different ways to do a facelift and still achieve great results and there may be a very good reason that you were offered a different type of facelift. Not every face is the same and the recommendation must be individualised.
Do Ms Nugent and Mr Pacifico perform other types of facelift as well?
Yes, they both perform a range of different facelifts. If another type of facelift is better for you, then this is what they will recommend. However, most facelifts that they do are deep plane facelifts as the deep plane facelift works very well in their hands.
To find out more or to book a consultation, please contact us on 01892 536960 or info@puritybridge.co.uk
