Facelift surgery has evolved significantly in recent years, with newer techniques offering better results with fewer complications. One of the techniques that saw a lot of use in the past was the deep plane facelift. However, it has some drawbacks, which we'll talk about. In this blog post, we’ll go into detail on the subject, so you have the information and can make an informed decision for your facelift procedure.
The deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that targets the deep tissues of the face, particularly the tissues beneath the skin. The goal of the procedure is to lift and reposition the deeper tissues of the face to provide a more youthful appearance. The deep plane technique involves making incisions along the hairline and in front of and behind the ear to access the deep tissues.
The deep plane facelift offers some benefits. It can significantly improve the jawline, the nasolabial folds, and the marionette lines. However, the technique is more invasive than other techniques since the surgeon operates much closer to the nerves that move the face and therefore can have a higher risk of temporary or permanent injury. Additionally, the technique can cause prolonged swelling and bruising, which can take several weeks to subside. Some surgeons say that this particular technique leads to better results or lasts longer. Studies on identical twins have been done and did not show a difference between results of deep plane facelifts and SMAS facelifts. There was even a bold study in which patients received a deep plane composite facelift on one side of the face and a SMAS facelift on the other side of the face and there was no significant difference between the two face halves after six months and a year postoperatively!
The SMAS facelift, which stands for Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System, targets the layer of tissues just beneath the skin that is attached to the fat compartments underneath it. When done artistically, this technique is excellent for those looking to achieve a more youthful appearance by lifting the underlying facial muscles, creating a natural look. The SMAS facelift is ideal for resolving midface sagging, hollow cheeks, smile lines, jowls, sagging fat and skin, and loose skin and fat beneath the chin and at the jawline. This advanced surgical technique requires a high level of expertise to achieve the best results.
The deep plane facelift is technically a type of SMAS facelift because it also lifts the SMAS layer. The key difference between the deep plane facelift method and a SMAS facelift is the separate elevation of the skin and SMAS layers used in the SMAS facelift, allowing the physician to tighten each layer in distinct directions. During a deep plane facelift, the skin is not separated, so adjustments can only be made in the deeper tissue. Compared to the deep plane lift, the SMAS facelift is less invasive, has a lower risk of facial nerve injury, and results in a quicker recovery period. Like a lot of other things in plastic surgery, the results probably have more to do with the surgeon’s ability to use a particular technique to achieve the goal than the technique by itself.
This is Dr. White’s approach to facelift and necklift surgery in which he targets the drooping jowls by resuspending them underneath the skin in a safer level of surgical dissection, keeping the nerves as safe as possible. He also divides and resuspends the deep muscle of the neck, the platysma, and tightens it in a way that the skin can be redraped to lead to a very naturally refreshed appearance without causing any over-pulled or wind-blown features about which people tend to be concerned. He also takes a very three-dimensional approach to this surgery by using the SMAS to fill in gaps along the jawline and performing fat grafting to areas that have lost volume over the years. The fat not only helps to bring back the curves of youth, but has amazing skin-revitalizing properties as well!
The deep plane facelift offers some benefits. It can significantly improve the jawline, the nasolabial folds, and the marionette lines. However, the technique is more invasive than other techniques since the surgeon operates much closer to the nerves that move the face and therefore can have a higher risk of temporary or permanent injury. Additionally, the technique can cause prolonged swelling and bruising, which can take several weeks to subside. Some surgeons say that this particular technique leads to better results or lasts longer. Studies on identical twins have been done and did not show a difference between results of deep plane facelifts and SMAS facelifts. There was even a bold study in which patients received a deep plane composite facelift on one side of the face and a SMAS facelift on the other side of the face and there was no significant difference between the two face halves after six months and a year postoperatively!
Dr. Jeremy White has developed the ARC Lift, a minimally invasive procedure that achieves outstanding facial rejuvenation results. This technique lifts the neck skin and shrinks underlying fat while tightening the underlying platysma muscle through tiny skin incisions. The ARC Lift is an excellent option for patients with small amounts of neck laxity and excess fat who want a more youthful appearance without the need for extended downtime. Thanks to its precise technology, the ARC Lift is an excellent choice for those seeking subtle yet noticeable results.
The procedure begins with the application of anesthetic to ensure the patient’s comfort. Dr. White will then make small incisions around the neck and ears. Using radiofrequency energy and focal liposuction, the surgeon targets deep structures to create a lifted appearance. Surgical thread is then inserted to lift the skin and underlying muscles, tightening the neck and jawline contours. Finally, RF microneedling with Morpheus8 is used to promote further skin tightening at different depths across the neck and face.
The deep plane facelift has been used for several years, but it has some drawbacks, such as a higher complication rate and longer recovery times. In Dr. Jeremy White’s practice, alternative techniques like the SMAS facelift, the JW lift, and the ARC Lift provide excellent outcomes with fewer complications. If you are considering a facelift, it is vital to discuss your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best technique for your specific needs.
Your new life starts here
If you’re considering plastic surgery in Miami, Aventura or Fort Lauderdale, choosing the right plastic surgeon could not be more important. Dr. Jeremy White is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the 2021 Doctor’s Choice Award Miami, the 2016 RealSelf Top 500, and the prestigious Castle Connolly Top Doctors Award Winner since 2017. We invite you to have a consultation about the procedure you need. Schedule your consultation today.
6550 N Federal Hwy #330-B,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
20950 NE 27th Ct #302,
Miami FL 33180
500 SE 15th St #108-B,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
