The Big Hollywood Secret: The Deep-Plane Facelift

Facelifts are among the top five most sought after cosmetic surgical procedures in the world. And these days they are becoming more mainstream with a steadily growing demand among appearance-conscious regular people, not just celebrities. That said, there are facelifts and facelifts, a whole panoply of techniques that have been developed and refined over the past few decades.

The skin only facelift that resulted in the well known stretched look is a thing of the past. When someone refers to a facelift these days, they are very likely referring to a SMAS facelift. This technique is named after the fibrous connective tissue layer called the superficial musculo aponeurotic system (SMAS) that lies between the facial fat layers and the deeper structures of the face. It produces a more natural look compared to the skin only techniques; but may require some level of skin pulling.

Right now, however, the hottest facelift among the celebrity crowd is the deep plane facelift. Let me explain why.

The deep plane facelift

The deep plane facelift is a more advanced technique that addresses the deeper facial structures, muscles and nerves that lie beneath the SMAS layer. This is where it gets its name. Good outcomes in this technique require superior surgical skills and experience in manipulation of the deeper facial tissue layers. This is why only a select few surgeons—and I happen to be one—perform the deep plane facelift.

Although it sounds like a more serious procedure compared to other techniques—the name scares off a lot of people, I know—in reality it actually heals faster compared to other facelifts. This is one reason why it is popular among the Hollywood crowd.

What it does

The deep plane facelift effectively repositions the deep soft tissue layers of your face. By doing so, it lifts the whole face, better accentuating the jaw line, cheekbones and the neck. It is particularly great at lifting the mid face area. And its results last far longer.

Despite going deep inside the face, this procedure is no more serious than other facelifts. It requires only limited dissection under the skin, helping preserve the lymphatics. That means minimal swelling. Less tissue damage and disturbance near the skin means that there will be far fewer complications compared with other techniques. It will also heal faster.

Suitable and in demand among a wider age range

The deep plane facelift is in demand by celebs and non-celebs alike. It is popular among people in a wider age range than most other facelifts.

The typical facelift candidate used to be a relatively older individual whose face was showing its real age; or even making them look even older. The deep plane facelift is very successful with older people, but it opens up the possibility for a much younger group to receive the benefits of a facelift.

A deep plane facelift can last between 10 and 15 years. It is especially attractive to the younger crowd because it produces longer lasting results compared to alternatives. If you are in your forties and are noticing signs of ageing, you might want those signs erased. You most certainly do not want to end up with that plastic, stretched and ‘done’ look, which can come with a more traditional facelift.

Most people in their forties don’t want to look ten years younger. They want subtle changes that improve their current appearance, making them look refreshed and, perhaps, just a shade younger. Basically they are after a rejuvenated, healthy-looking and well-rested version of themselves. A deep plane facelift makes this possible.

A game changer

In the past, younger people who wanted facelifts faced difficult choices. They could either wait until their faces were completely ravaged by age, elements and gravity, or risk having that “worked on” look, announcing to the world they’ve had facial plastic surgery.

The deep plane facelift changes this equation, giving the benefits of a facelift without the telltale signs of having had one. Because healing after a deep plane lift is relatively rapid, it is now possible to have a facelift during the holidays and go back to work looking younger and refreshed. Many people do exactly this. They look as if they’ve had a successful R&R, not a facelift. And younger people love it, especially those who are not into announcing all their health and cosmetic choices to the world at large.

I prefer the deep plane technique to others because it produces superior results: a natural-looking appearance without telltale signs of a facelift. Almost anyone who’s been planning to have a facelift can benefit from it.