Get a Younger Look with a Deep Plane Facelift

Get a Younger Look with a Deep Plane Facelift

February 27, 2023

Getting older certainly comes with growing pains, and one of the most obvious signs of aging is drooping, sagging skin. As the effects of gravity and slow protein production take their toll, many men and women begin to feel uncomfortable with the image in the mirror and wish they could reduce the appearance of sagging facial tissue. Fortunately, you can get a younger look with a deep plane facelift from Jonathan Cabin, MD, so keep reading to learn how this procedure could do the trick for you. 

Here’s What a Facelift Can Do for You

Facelifts are designed to reposition facial tissues and give patients a more youthful appearance. Not all facelifts are the same, however, and the deep plane facelift stands out as a more natural, durable and longer-lasting procedure. 

SMAS Facelift vs. Deep Plane Facelift

The traditional procedure, known as a SMAS facelift, targets two layers of tissue:  the dermis (skin) and a small part of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (the layer that connects the facial muscles to the skin). In general, this surgical cosmetic procedure smooths sagging skin by pulling folds in the tissue up and back, and removing the excess skin that remains. 

A deep plane facelift, on the other hand, takes the procedure much further by completely releasing under the SMAS all the way to the central face, mobilizing this layer and repositioning to where it once was. By fully releasing and repositioning the SMAS, and using it for the support and strength of the lift, a deep plane facelift provides more natural, comprehensive, longer-lasting results.

A SMAS facelift is a less invasive operation that does not fully restore the aging changes of the face, with results that are less natural, predictable, and durable. A deep plane facelift is a more invasive yet comprehensive surgery, and it provides less detectable, more youthful results compared to a SMAS facelift. And because a deep plane facelift places the strength of the lift on the stronger, deeper, SMAS layer, the incisions used for this procedure heal in a much better fashion than a standard SMAS lift. 

Good Candidates for a Facelift Procedure

The first step to a successful deep plane facelift procedure is meeting with Dr. Cabin to decide whether the surgery is right for you. All facelifts are invasive procedures, so ensuring you are a good candidate for surgery is key. These factors will help us determine your eligibility. 

Your Goals

Depending on the outcome you’re looking for, a deep plane facelift may be the best option for you. Dr. Cabin only performs deep place facelifts, as this is the ultimate option for the very best, most natural results. If you have laxity around your cheeks, jawline, and neck be sure to discuss this option with Dr. Cabin. 

Patients looking for a facelift typically voice concerns about: 

  • Jawline contour
  • Sagging jowls or sunken cheeks
  • Loose skin
  • Double chin

Your Health & Age

In general, a patient must be over the age of 18 and in good health to receive most cosmetic procedures. Depending on the patient’s specific anatomy and aging changes, patients as young as 30 can be good candidates for this surgery; however,  the average age of facelift patients ranges from 44-55. Our team recommends getting a facelift as soon as you are bothered by these changes, feel ready for surgery, and are considered a good candidate by Dr. Cabin. Although patients can get this surgery into their 80s, recovery and outcome are generally better when the patient is younger and has stronger tissue and skin to support the procedure.  

Your Skin’s Elasticity

Dr. Cabin will also assess your skin’s elasticity to give you a sense of how much change can be supported by your natural tissues.  Although facelifts target the gravitational changes of all soft tissues of the face, skin elasticity is one factor that can predict the quality of the outcome. If skin elasticity is an issue, Dr. Cabin may recommend skin resurfacing and collagen-boosting procedures – such as laser treatments – to treat the skin at the same time as performing the surgery.  

Your Commitment

Finally, good candidates for a deep plane facelift are committed to the process and their recovery. They’re willing to follow Dr. Cabin’s instructions in post-op, so their skin heals properly and they get the most out of their results. 

Keep This In Mind

If you’re worried about fine lines and wrinkles, a deep plane facelift might not be the right choice for you. This surgery works on a broader scale to fix severe wrinkles, loose skin, and sagging tissues rather than the small lines, wrinkles, and imperfections in the skin. Be sure to communicate your desired results with your doctor during your consultation so that Jonathan Cabin, MD and his team can find the right solution for your needs. 

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

Although the deep plane facelift is considered a more invasive procedure than the SMAS facelift, it actually yields a shorter recovery timeline of about two-to-three weeks on average. During this time, you may experience numbness, swelling, or bruising, but this is a normal part of the recovery process. 

You should spend the first few days following your doctor’s instructions, using cool compresses to reduce inflammation, and elevating your head. The best way to speed up recovery is to relax and focus on caring for yourself. 

Do’s & Don’t’s of Recovery: 

Follow these tips from our experts to keep your recovery on track for success.

  • Don’t take any pain medications other than Tylenol (acetaminophen) or those prescribed and/or recommended to you by your surgeon.
  • Do get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. 
  • Don’t sleep on your face or on your sides until cleared by your surgeon.
  • Do avoid drinking alcohol or smoking.
  • Do try a simple silicone-based scar gel to apply to the incisions in non-hair-bearing regions after three weeks post-op or once cleared by your surgeon.
  • Don’t exercise until your surgeon clears you to do so, which is usually at least two weeks after surgery. Once you are cleared to perform strenuous activities, you should gradually return to your exercise routine to ensure you don’t overdo it too soon.
  • Do avoid direct sunlight to the incisions for six weeks post-op and be careful with sun protection after. 

Get a Younger Look with a Deep Plane FaceliftRejuvenate Your Skin with Jonathan Cabin, MD

Seeking cosmetic treatment is all about revealing your natural beauty and finding your inner confidence. Dr. Cabin believes that your deep plane facelift treatment should begin with honest and compassionate dialogue so our team can deliver long-lasting results you’ll be happy with for years to come. If you’re considering a facelift, contact our team in Arlington to book your consultation today!

Posted by Jonathan Cabin, MD