Question:
Can you explain what a deep plane face lift is? What is it used to treat and who is a candidate? Is it as effective as other facelift techniques?
Answer:
The deep plane facelift is technique that I use to perform a facelift. There are various advantages to this technique. This procedure allows for a simultaneous lifting of the midface (cheeks), jowls, and the neck. It does this while maintaining a very natural look and avoids a pulled appearance.
I use the deep plane facelift to treat almost all of my patients requiring a facelift procedure. I do this because most of the patients that I see in the office have the typical signs of facial aging. For example, most women have some midface descent, as is evident by the prominent nasolabial folds. Elevation of the midface, using the deep plane technique, improves the nasolabial fold. Patients may also show prominent jowls in the lower face and excessive skin in the lower neck. These two areas are also improved with the deep plane technique. By working on the deep tissues and repositioning the muscles back to their place, the jowls and the neck are greatly improved. The procedure also involves tightening of the muscle in the neck. This is the platysma muscle, which can also account for the descent of the skin in the neck. A platysmaplasty is also performed in conjunction with the deep plane. This part of the procedure involved tightening of the muscles through a small incision in the chin crease. Patients that undergo the deep plane procedure are very satisfied with their results.
Posted by Dr. Bustillo