Advanced Facial Surgery
Where a standard facelift lifts the skin by pulling on the superficial muscle layer of the face, the Deep Plane Facelift works by first releasing the deep retaining ligaments of the face. This allows a tension free repositioning of the deeper muscles and tissues, resulting in a more youthful appearance that is both striking and natural looking without the windswept appearance that is a feature of other techniques.
As with all facial surgical rejuvenation, Mr Juling Ong will tailor his recommendations to your individual requirements, established during the initial consultation period.
Surgery Time
5 – 6 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Hospital Stay
Overnight
Time Off Work
2 weeks
Full Recovery
6 – 8 weeks
Am I suitable for a Deep Plane Facelift?
Deep Plane Facelifts work well for patients in their 50s or 60s, with advanced signs of facial ageing as well as younger patients below the age of 50 with premature signs of ageing.
The deep plane facelift is particular effective at treating patients with signs of premature facial ageing without excessive skin sagging. This may include midfacial ptosis or sagging which can present as deflation or volume loss in the midface. Repositioning of the muscles and fat pads can restore the fullness of the midcheek, reduce the nasolabial fold, jowls and rejuvenate the area below the eye to achieve a fresher, brighter appearance. This deep plane facelift is a powerful technique and provides a foundation, which can be combined with additional procedures to achieve a comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a deep plane facelift different from other facelifts?
In a standard facelift, the skin and SMAS layer are tightened separately. In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon releases and repositions the entire composite of skin, SMAS, and facial fat compartments as a single unit from a deeper tissue plane. This allows the midface – particularly the cheeks and nasolabial folds – to be repositioned more effectively and with less tension on the skin, which contributes to a more natural and longer-lasting result.
Is a deep plane facelift better than a standard facelift?
For patients with significant midface descent, deep nasolabial folds and jowling, a deep plane technique can offer more comprehensive improvement than a standard SMAS facelift. However, the best approach depends on the individual patient. Mr Juling Ong selects the technique most appropriate to each patient’s anatomy and goals rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
What can I do to prepare for a deep plane facelift?
Before any surgical procedure, it is vital to ensure that your body is in the best possible health. This means eating a balanced diet, ensuring you are fit and active, getting plenty of sleep, and, if you are a smoker, quitting at least 6 weeks before the surgery.
Are the risks higher with a deep plane facelift?
The deep plane approach requires dissection near the facial nerve branches and therefore demands a high level of technical expertise. In experienced hands, the risk profile is comparable to a standard facelift. Selecting a surgeon with specific experience in deep plane technique is essential.
What scarring can I expect after a deep plane facelift?
All surgical procedures carry the risk of scarring; however, during the Deep Plane Facelift procedure, Mr Juling Ong ensures that incisions are made along the hairline and around the ears to minimise the visibility of any scarring. As the tissues are suspended with minimal tension, scars appear thinner and healing is faster.
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
Because the deep plane facelift addresses the structural foundations of facial ageing rather than the skin alone, results are generally longer-lasting – often seven years or more. The repositioning of deeper tissues means the result ages more gracefully and naturally over time.
What is the recovery after a deep plane facelift?
Recovery is broadly similar to a standard facelift: two weeks off work, with bruising and swelling gradually resolving over several weeks. Some patients experience slightly more swelling in the midface early in recovery due to the extent of dissection, but this settles. Full maturation of the result may take three to six months.
Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, a Deep Plane Facelift is often combined with other surgical procedures, such as fat grafting, blepharoplasty, neck lifts or brow lifts, or with non-surgical treatments. As everyone ages differently, Mr Juling Ong will be able to advise you on the most suitable treatment strategy to achieve your aesthetic goals with a personalised treatment plan following your consultation.
Can a deep plane facelift address the neck?
Yes. A deep plane facelift is often combined with platysmaplasty (tightening the neck muscle) and neck liposuction to address jowling and the neck simultaneously. The two areas are closely anatomically related and are often treated together for a comprehensive result.
During your consultation, Mr Juling Ong will explain all potential risks and discuss your treatment options in full. Please call us on 020 7927 6528 or email us at info@julingong.com to arrange an appointment.
