Do Deep Plane Facelifts Leave Scars?

As one of Australia’s most respected facial plastic surgeons, Dr Marcells is often asked, “Will I have scars after a deep-plane facelift?” Many of our patients have read newspaper articles or seen television stories about disfiguring scars after facial rejuvenation. It doesn’t have to be that way. “Any time you cut skin, there is the possibility of a scar,” explains Dr Marcells. “However, when a deep-plane facelift is performed by a skilled surgeon, scars are invisible.”

Here’s why…

After a Deep Plane Facelift: No One Knows But You

Ideally, facelift scars are undetectable once fully healed. To achieve this ideal, however, a surgeon must have the surgical skill and training to place them in creases and other natural hiding spots to help them be less visible. “I make incisions along the hairline,” explains Dr Marcells. “This allows me to lift and reposition the facial muscles and upper fatty tissue layers in the area of the cheekbone and mid-face.” The same incision is then extended downward, using the natural creases in the skin in front and behind the ear, as well as behind the earlobe.

If a deep-plane facelift is “all that,” why isn’t everybody doing it? “A deep plane lift requires more skill and training on the part of the facial plastic surgeon,” explains Dr Marcells. “That is why it is a less commonly used technique.”

Deep Plane Facelift vs. SMAS

Many people want to keep their foray into facial rejuvenation surgery a secret, even though the world has become quite accepting of cosmetic enhancement. Scars are one tell-tale sign of a procedure. Another is the artificially pulled-looking faces of people who have undergone a SMAS facelift. (SMAS stands for Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System.) “This technique will improve skin tone and texture, but it leaves the skin looking tight and unnatural,” explains Dr Marcells.

SMAS surgery only addresses the lower third of the face and jawline. As a result, many surgeons recommend taking fat from the abdomen or thighs and injecting it into the face (fat grafting) in addition to SMAS surgery. This isn’t necessary with a deep-plane facelift. It is a common misconception that volume loss is the chief reason for facial hollowing and shadows that comes with ageing. “If you look at pre- and post-surgical photos of patients who have chosen a true deep plane facelift, you will see that gravity is the real culprit.”

A deep-plane lift, on the other hand, is especially effective at lifting the mid-face, including droopy cheeks. “With a deep plane lift, there is no pulled skin and no hollowing,” explains Dr Marcells. “Instead, a person simply looks refreshed and well-rested. They appear younger, but not in an obvious way.”

Surgical and Non-Surgical Facelifts

What do you see when you look in the mirror? If you’re dissatisfied with your facial appearance, a deep plane facelift may be the answer to your aesthetic prayers. We invite you to visit Dr Marcells practice to learn more about this revolutionary approach to facial rejuvenation, as well as the many non-invasive services we offer to make you look and feel your best. Call us to schedule an appointment or use our simple online contact form.