Deep Plane Facelift
Deep Plane Facelift Surgery in Houston
Deep plane facelifts have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Though they are more expensive than traditional facelifts, the results of a deep plane facelift on average last for 10 years and tend to look more natural.
Houston’s Dr. Michel Siegel is only one of the few facial plastic surgeons in the country who performs a true deep plane facelift (more on that in a moment). You can read online reviews from our patients, read on to find out more about deep plane facelifts, skip down to our FAQs section on deep plane facelifts, or contact our office in Houston today for a consultation on your new, rejuvenated look. You can discuss your needs with Dr. Siegel in-office or from the comfort of home over Zoom.)
“I had zero to no bruising, minimal to no swelling, and zero pain. The results far exceeded my expectations. All my friends and family are shocked at how perfect and natural the results are! If you are considering a deep plane facelift, or any facial work I would stick with the BEST-Dr. Siegel.” – Bianca Alaoui (see review on Google Maps)
“I am grateful I found such an experienced and talented facial surgeon. The deep plane face lift was so easy to recover from. Minimal pain, minimal bruising and maximum benefits.” – Wendy Nahman (see review on Google Maps)
Deep plane facelifts vs. common skin-only facelifts – also called SMAS facelifts
First developed in the 1950’s, first-generation or skin-only facelifts attempted to rejuvenate the facial signs of aging by tightening and pulling the skin. Because of skin’s elastic qualities, results were short-lived and many patients’ faces appeared “pulled”.
Deep plane facelifts vs. traditional / SMAS / muscle-suspension facelifts
Most facelifts performed today are “SMAS” facelifts. They are called that because the muscles of the face – known as “SMAS” – are separated from the superficial skin and then elevated and tightened to attempt to reverse the effects of gravity and time on the sagging muscles. This superficial lifting of the SMAS creates the “pulled” or tight appearance typically associated with traditional facelifts. Results are also short-lived because the underlying tension in the SMAS has not been addressed.
Working under (or “deep” to) the SMAS – hence the name “deep plane facelift” – allows for more-natural and longer-lasting results. The skin above the muscles is undisturbed, which results in less swelling and bruising. The muscles are not pulled, avoiding the wind-swept appearance seen with traditional facelifts. Working under the SMAS allows for the elevation of fat, muscle and skin as one unit – resulting in a “re-volumizing” effect without any tension. This makes for a more youthful look, preserving patients’ natural appearance.
One benefit of the deep plane facelift: less swelling and bruising
Traditional, SMAS, muscle-suspension facelifts require wide undermining of the skin, separating it from the underlying lymphatics. That separation often leads to more swelling.
A deep plane facelift – so called because surgery is performed deeper in the tissue – allows the muscle and skin to be lifted as a single unit. That minimizes the skin elevation and maintains the lymphatics and keep the blood supply intact, which in turn minimizes swelling and bruising.
Another benefit: deep plane facelifts often look more natural
Traditional, or SMAS / muscle-suspension facelifts are somewhat limited because they do not fully release the SMAS from its underlying attachments, and so they limit the scope for improvement, they do not last as long, and they have higher requirements for revisions.
Deep-plane facelifts and neck lifts allow for repositioning of facial soft tissues below the SMAS layer by releasing them from underlying ligaments and reattaching them at higher and more precise anchor points. This allows for superior results; it creates longer-lasting improvements on the jaw/neckline and cheekbones. Also, because the whole face can be lifted evenly, there is no “pulled” look. It results in more-natural-looking outcomes. Because all the tension has been removed from the skin, compared to traditional facelifts, the chances of bad scarring are largely eliminated.
People incorrectly assume that “deep” means more invasive. But it is the opposite: because the deep plane technique tightens soft tissues “deeper” to the SMAS and skin layer, most of the skin is left alone, with its lymphatics and blood supply intact. Again, that means less swelling and bruising, and a shorter and far less painful recovery period than that of a traditional muscle-suspension facelift.
In fact, the deep plane facelift uses enough of a “light touch” that it can be a preventive option for people in their 40s who would prefer not to look aged before getting a facelift – people who want to maintain a fresh appearance and slow and soften the inevitable process of facial aging. By having an early intervention at a relatively young age, a patient who opts for a deep plane facelift can prevent sagging of facial structures, prolonging a youthful appearance that may be harder to preserve or recreate later.
Frequently asked questions about Deep Plane Facelifts
Question:
How long is the healing after a deep plane facelift?
Answer:
The healing after a deep plane facelift is shorter than that of a traditional facelift. Because the skin remains attached to deeper facial structures, there is less inflammation and bruising. Most of Dr. Siegel’s patients return to work in about 7-10 days.
Question:
How long do the results of a deep plane facelift last?
Answer:
The longevity of any facelift results will depend on genetics, lifestyle, the type of facelift performed, and the skill of the surgeon. In general, though, a deep plane facelift lasts twice as long as any SMAS facelift.
Question:
Is a deep plane facelift better than other facelift surgery?
Answer:
A deep plane facelift is the most innovative facelift technique to date, and the results are far superior to those of SMAS facelifts, because they avoid the “pulled” or “plastic” look often associated with facelifts. By draping the tissues without tension, patients not only seem like a younger version of themselves, but also the loss of volume due to aging is also restored.
Question:
Does a deep plane facelift hurt more than a traditional facelift?
Answer:
By working deeper under the skin and muscles of the face, the superficially located pain receptors which are bypassed. That results in significantly less pain than in traditional facelifts.
Question:
Does Dr. Siegel use drains or tubes after facelift surgery?
Answer:
Because the skin remains attached to the deeper structures, minimal bleeding occurs during deep plane facelift surgery, removing the need to use of drains or tubes after surgery.
Question:
Will the incisions be noticeable, and if so, for how long?
Answer:
Dr. Siegel’s expertise and experience in facelift surgery allow him to create seamless incisions that once healed will be unnoticeable, allowing his patients to keep wearing a ponytail without the telltale signs of surgery.
Question:
Will excess skin be removed?
Answer:
As the tissues if the face are re-draped, excess skin will become redundant and its removal will be necessary.
Question:
How long has Dr. Siegel been performing deep plane facelift surgery?
Answer:
Dr. Siegel has been performing the extended deep plane facelift since 2018.
Question:
Do all plastic surgeons offer deep plane facelifts?
Answer:
Due to the high level of expertise required for this approach to facelift, generally only facelift specialists offer this type of technique. There are variations, but Dr. Siegel favors the technique devised by Dr. Jacono: the extended deep plane facelift.
Question:
Is a neck lift required with a deep plane facelift?
Answer:
The aging process varies from one patient to the next, but in general once jowls have formed, the neck muscles (called platysma) start to loosen, which creates vertical neck bands and fullness. Most patients in their late 40’s will require a deep plane facelift with a neck lift. Recovery for both remains the same.
Question:
Can I have other procedures done with at the same time as a deep plane facelift?
Answer:
If additional procedures are required, like on your eyelids, brows, or skin, or for fat transfer, you may opt to have the procedures done at the same time. That way, you only undergo one recovery period. Because we all age differently, Dr. Siegel tailors his recommendations to your unique needs.