Deep Plane Facelift

Deep Plane Facelift Bellevue & Kirkland

Facelifts are among the most popular surgeries for patients over the age of forty. As we age, the skin, tissues, and muscles of our face can become lax, saggy, and wrinkled. While there are ways to prevent aging, it cannot be totally stopped. Thus, for patients who want to maintain a youthful look for as long as possible, facelift surgery may provide an option to consistently look younger than their peers. Dr. Craig Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers the best deep plane facelift Bellevue and Kirkland provide.

Overview: What Is A Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a form of facelift surgery that is often considered one of the most effective and longest lasting. It uses nearly identical incisions to a traditional facelift, but does more because it uses resection of the facial muscles to release ligaments and tighten the muscles. It is similar to—but more extensive than—a SMAS facelift. Once Dr. Jonov removes and tightens the skin as is standard with any facelift, it allows for a better appearance and longer lasting results.

The reason why a deep plane facelift tends to result in better and longer lasting results is that the procedure addresses aging from the inside and outside. Like your skin, your muscles weaken over time, which can contribute to the descent of the cheeks and other fat and tissue. Thus, this helps promote longer lasting results considering a traditional facelift will either not address the muscles or it is a minimal correction.

Candidates

Many patients who are good candidates for another facelift procedure could benefit from a deep plane facelift. While the name may imply that only those with more advanced aging will benefit, this is not the case. It is often preference and other factors that determine whether a deep plane or traditional facelift is performed. 

One notable situation when a patient would benefit from a skin-only facelift is in younger patients who have developed loose skin due to weight changes or general aging, but who still have a fairly strong and tight musculoskeletal structure.

Candidates for a deep plane facelift tend to follow similar demographics to a traditional facelift patient. They are often somewhere between 45 and 65 and have developed noticeable sagging of the lower face. Deep plane facelift patients should be in overall good health, actively treating any major medical conditions, understand the risks and benefits, and have realistic expectations.

Certain medications, blood disorders, medical conditions, and smoking may affect candidacy for a deep plane facelift in Bellevue. Make sure to disclose your entire medical history to Dr. Jonov during your consultation appointment.

The Deep Plane Facelift Surgery

Once anesthetized, Dr. Jonov will make an incision just in front of the ear and that often wraps around the ear. It hugs the contours of the ear because this tends to result in more hidden scarring. Via this incision, Dr. Jonov will tighten the underlying facial muscles while releasing ligaments. He will then reposition descended fat pads if necessary before tightening and removing extra skin.

Depending on the specific procedure, a deep plane facelift can take anywhere from around two to four hours. Occasionally, it may take under two hours. It is also common for patients to undergo additional procedures at the same time such as chin liposuction, a midface lift, or a brow lift.

Benefits & Risks

A deep plane facelift in Bellevue comes with various benefits and risks. While for many patients, the benefits outweigh the risks, it is important to consider them equally. Dr. Allegra will also evaluate the benefits and risks based on your medical history. 

The benefits of a deep plane facelift include:

• Correction of saggy or loose skin
• Removal of extra skin
• Tighten skin and facial muscles
• Repositioning of descended structures
• Correction of fine lines and wrinkles
• Tighten the muscles and skin of the neck
• Address skin laxity
• Reduction in the appearance of the nasolabial folds and/or smile lines
• Results tend to look more natural
• Goes beyond the SMAS layer
• May provide more definition of the facial features
• Less trauma to the skin
• Increased support for aging structures
• Longer lasting results
• Easily combined with other facial plastic surgeries
• May cause fewer side effects such as swelling and bruising
• Uses traditional facelift incisions
• Less risk of needing a facelift revision surgery
• Overall younger appearance
• Performed by an experienced Bellevue plastic surgeon

Like with all surgeries, there are risks associated with a deep plane facelift surgery. While mild for many patients, it is important to understand the risks and how they may differ for you. Some of the risks of a deep plane facelift include:

• Infection
• Visible or raised scarring
• Fluid collection
• Nerve damage
• Skin necrosis
• Blood clots
• Prolonged bruising or swelling

Major complications from a deep plane facelift are rare. Other complications are often treatable and temporary. Dr. Jonov will take various precautions to prevent complications before, during, and after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Deep Plane Facelift Painful?

Patients undergoing a deep plane facelift are generally placed under general anesthesia. This keeps them perfectly comfortable and unaware of the surgery. Therefore, feeling no pain during surgery.

 After surgery, some pain and discomfort are expected once the anesthesia wears off. Dr. Jonov will likely prescribe some pain medication to help keep you comfortable. For the first two to three days, patients can also use ice packs to address pain and swelling. It is not infrequent that patients report minimal post-surgical pain after a deep plane facelift. However, all patients will experience this differently.

Still, when compared to other surgeries, a deep plane facelift is overall not considered too painful after surgery. If patients have concerns about pain management before surgery, discuss this with Dr. Jonov at a consultation.

How Long Does A Deep Plane Facelift Last?

The deep plane technique is known to last longer than traditional or mini facelifts. With that said, not taking good care of yourself or your skin has an impact on how long results last. On average, the results of a deep plane facelift last between ten and fifteen years. 

There are ways to promote the longest lasting results possible A few examples of ways to help enjoy your results longer include:

• Take good care of your skin
• Eat well and stay hydrated
• Maintain your weight
• Always wear SPF and avoid direct sun exposure
• Consider Botox injections for wrinkles
• Follow recovery instructions

What Can I Expect From Recovery?

Recovery following a Bellevue deep plane facelift will look similar to other facelift surgeries. While recovery instructions can vary based on the patient’s medical history and lifestyle, some commonly provided post-operative instructions include:

• Do not smoke or drink (drinking can begin after a few days, but you should limit alcohol intake)
• Keep out of the sun and wear sunscreen whenever going outside
• Take time off work
• Avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks
• Continue to limit or refrain from certain activities for up to six to eight weeks as advised by Dr. Jonov
• Take medications as prescribed
• Wear wraps or compression garments as prescribed
• Do not pick at incisions or sutures
• Attend all post-operative appointments

Will The Results From A Deep Plane Facelift Look Natural?

Yes, the results of a deep plane facelift are considered some of the most natural looking. This is because when only the skin is addressed, the underlying structures still look aged and will continue to age disproportionately to outward appearance. However, when both the skin and muscles are more than superficially addressed, this leads to a more natural looking result in most cases.

How Much Is A Deep Plane Facelift In Bellevue?

The exact cost of a deep plane facelift may vary based on the amount of correction necessary. Facelift surgery with Dr. Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery starts at $9,995. Once you come for a consultation and Dr. Jonov can evaluate your facial structure and condition, you will receive a personalized price quote.

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery does work with outside financing companies including Care Credit. You can find out more information about our financing options and direct links to apply on our financing page.

The Best Deep Plan Facelift With Dr. Craig Jonov

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is a premier plastic surgery practice and medical spa. Located near the junction of I-405 and I-5, The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery serves the Eastside and Greater Seattle area with top-notch plastic surgery, cosmetic injectables, and medical-grade skincare. Our facility is Medicare and state certified. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery provides the best deep plane facelift Bellevue and Kirkland perform.

Dr. Craig Jonov is a plastic surgeon with years of experience. He specializes in plastic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. Dr. Jonov has performed liposuction across the entire body, including under the chin. He has achieved amazing results and helps his patients determine the best procedure for them based on their goals, health, and anatomy.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online using Price Simulator, chat, or our contact form.