The deep plane face lifting is one of the most modern and effective techniques used by plastic surgeons in the field of aesthetic facial plastic surgeries and face lifting! Aging is one of the main concerns for people, as the passage of time leaves its marks on the face.
Deep face lifting, therefore, can offer you a very beautiful result, as it is one of the methods developed to holistically address the changes that occur in our face and neck over the years. However, to appreciate the benefits of deep plane face lifting, we must first better understand what happens when a face ages.
Deep plane face lifting and the changes in the face over time
The goal of the deep plane face lifting method is to strengthen and lift the skin deeply! Aging changes affect the skin, fat, muscles, facial ligaments, and bones. The skin is the “covering” of the face and over the years, it atrophies, loses its elasticity, and undergoes changes from sun exposure.
However, what mainly leads to the most significant changes is the fat beneath the skin, which also atrophies but mainly shifts downward, thus disrupting the harmonious lines of the face.
The ligaments and muscles are the most stable elements of the face. These are the structures that hold the fat and skin in place, and over the years, they gradually lose their stability. Finally, even the skeleton shows, over time, some minor changes, which must also be taken into account when studying the effects of aging on our face.
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Deep plane face lifting is tailored to your individual needs, respecting the physiology and aesthetics of your body.
How does deep plane face lifting differ from other lifting techniques?
What is certain is that the deeper we go into the face, the more stable tissues and structures we encounter. This means that a superficial face-lifting surgery is less effective and shorter-lasting, while the deeper we go, the more stable the long-term result becomes.
The Deep Plane face lifting technique, which translates in Greek as lifting of the deep plane, has been developed precisely with this criterion in mind: how to achieve an effective and stable face lift.
For this reason, the deep plane face lifting technique has become worldwide the “Holy Grail” of facial surgeries, and most patients now specifically seek this procedure to address facial sagging.
Indications fordeep plane face lifting
In general, the areas we aim to correct with deep plane face lifting are the neck, the jawline, and the midface. However, this procedure can also be combined with other anti-aging facial surgeries, such as blepharoplasty, brow and forehead lift (brow lift), lip lift, as well as anti-aging skin treatments like lasers, peelings, fractional RF, etc.
When evaluating each case, in order to achieve an overall natural and fresh appearance, a holistic approach is needed. Deep plane face lifting reverses a very large and significant portion of aging, but sometimes it is preferable to combine it with some of the above interventions.
Deep plane face liftingtechnique
The deep plane face lifting procedure can be performed either under general anesthesia or with local anesthesia and sedation, and takes about 3 hours without necessarily requiring an overnight stay in the clinic. The method of tissue lifting differs radically from other types of lifting surgeries, mainly due to the depth of tissue mobilization and the lifting angle, which is 60–70 degrees.
This means that the tissue lift occurs almost along a vertical axis, directly against gravity, which is much more effective and provides a far more natural result.
Another major advantage of deep plane face lifting is the depth of the lift. The undermining of the skin is very limited, usually 2–3 centimeters, which does not leave a large dead space for bruising and significantly reduces healing complications.
A key maneuver for effective tissue lifting is the release of the five main facial ligaments—the connective tissue that holds the skin and soft tissues in place. After the ligaments are released, the tissues are re-secured onto strong structures, such as the temporal and parotid fascia and the mastoid process.
Deep plane face lifting:
Are there any scars after healing?
The scar around the ear is placed in such a way that it is not visible after a few months and also does not change the hairline or hair position at all. Additionally, the shape of the ear is not affected, and the skin is sutured without any tension! This way, there is no risk of the scar spreading after deep plane face lifting or causing any deformity in the ear area.
The preparation of tissues in the deep plane starts from the angle near the eye and continues seamlessly down to the neck, beneath the mobile part of the SMAS, which are the superficial muscles of the face. This means that the face and neck are lifted as a single entity, which is much stronger and more effective.
Regarding the neck, in addition to the deep plane lift backwards, sometimes access to the center of the neck is needed to create a “hammock” fixation and better address issues under the jaw in the “double chin” area.
The latest innovations in lifting procedures have allowed us to significantly reduce bruising and swelling. The combination of new medications and a special hemostatic net usually eliminates the need for drains and greatly shortens the return to daily activities. One of these innovations is the deep plane face lifting!
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Recovery after deep plane face lifting
All surgeries require a certain period for the aesthetic result to mature, and the same naturally applies to deep plane face lifting. The first week is the so-called healing week. From the 10th day, the decongestion period begins, where the fluids accumulated in the face gradually start to subside.
From the 3rd to 6th month is the remodeling period. During this time, the tissues begin to return to their normal function. The final aesthetic result of a deep plane lift fully matures after the 6th month and may even take up to 12 months.
Detailed recovery timeline after deep plane face lifting
From the 3rd to 6th month after deep plane face lifting is the remodeling period, during which the tissues begin to return to their normal function. The final aesthetic result of a deep plane face lifting fully matures after the 6th month and may take up to 12 months. Most patients can return to work and their daily activities 10–15 days after deep plane lifting, without any noticeable distortion.
The scars almost completely disappear after 3–4 months. However, both the recovery process and the appearance of scars vary from person to person and are not always predictable.
There is usually no pain throughout the recovery period after deep plane face lifting; however, there is a feeling of pressure in the neck, which can last 2–3 weeks. Facial numbness gradually subsides after 3–6 months, and muscle movement may also be temporarily affected, without any consequences or clinical significance.
Based on experience over the past years with various face and neck lifting techniques, deep plane face lifting generally has an easier recovery. This is likely because it is less traumatic and the main lifting process occurs deep, leaving fewer traces on the skin surface.
If you are interested in learning more about deep plane face lifting in Thessaloniki or Athens, contact us!
Deep plane face lifting results
