When some of us hear the words plastic surgery, or even the word facelift, images of Joan Rivers or Jocelyn Wildenstein may be flashing through our minds. You know, the oh-so-obvious-I-had-work-done kind of look.
The reality, however, is that today, subtle results are more popular than ever. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2003, among individuals considering plastic surgery, 68% preferred subtle changes over dramatic transformations.
Enter the deep-plane facelift. Its popularity stems from its ability to achieve more dramatic, YET natural-looking results, and people are loving it. But, let the results speak for themselves. In a study of 93 people who underwent deep-plane facelifts, an impressive 96.7% felt they looked noticeably younger (by an average of nearly 12 years, just so you know). Even more compelling, 82.8% of people from the same study reported a boost in self-esteem, and 69.6% experienced an overall improvement in their quality of life. So yes, people clearly seem to be loving deep-plane facelift procedures.
Join us as we let’s learn a bit more about this amazing, youth-restoring surgery.
How A Deep-Plane Facelift Can Help Turn Back Time, Naturally
So, how does a deep-plane facelift achieve its glorious results? Simply put, it is a special kind of surgery that lifts and repositions the muscles and tissue just below your skin, called the SMAS (i.e. the superficial musculoaponeurotic system). This means this beauty of a surgery does not just tighten your skin, it also lifts your cheeks, jowls, and midface (basically all the areas on your face that tend to show signs of ageing).
Okay, but why is this special? Because before, facelifts mostly just pulled back the skin, which could sometimes look a bit fake. However, when the deep-plane facelift came about in the 1980s, it really revolutionised this surgical approach by working with your face’s natural structure. The surgeon makes small incisions, usually hidden around the ears or hairline, and gently lifts the skin to reach the SMAS layer underneath. That means, instead of just pulling the skin tight (which can look unnatural), the surgeon repositions the SMAS layer to its more youthful position, lifting sagging cheeks, jowls, and the midface. Because the lift happens at a deeper, structural level, the outcome looks more natural and lasts longer than traditional facelifts. And since the skin isn’t being overly stretched, healing is smoother, scars are more discreet, and the risk of a “windblown” look is significantly reduced.
It is also a particularly great option for individuals with moderate to severe facial sagging. Once seen as a niche option, this advanced technique is now favoured. And just to reiterate, what sets the deep-plane facelift apart is its focus on repositioning deeper layers of facial tissue rather than merely tightening the skin. This approach delivers a more organic and enduring outcome, redefining the concept of beauty enhancements.
PLUS, when combined with the strategic use of injectables like Botox and fillers, the results are nothing short of transformative. They blend effortlessly to enhance your natural beauty while preserving the unique features that make you, you.
Let’s Discuss Discreet Enhancements That Come With A Dramatic Impact
The deep-plane facelift is a type of “stealth surgery,” meaning the results look so natural that most of your friends, neighbours, and coworkers will not even notice that you had anything done after your time “off”. And all credit goes to minimising visible scarring. This is because scarring equates to work done, and invisible scarring to stealth surgery.
The incisions technique aside, advanced suturing techniques further enhance scar concealment, allowing patients to enjoy results that look entirely natural.
But what about the ultimate combination-station to emphasise your overall results? Imagine the deep-plane facelift tackling the core structural issues, while powerful injectables like fillers and Botox step in to perfect every detail. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Probably because it can be! Look, fillers work their magic by restoring youthful volume to areas like under-eye hollows and nasolabial folds, beautifully enhancing the surgical lift. Meanwhile, Botox smooths away dynamic wrinkles (those pesky crow’s feet and frown lines), softening your expression for an effortlessly refreshed, radiant look.
That means, together, they create a flawless harmony that takes your transformation to the next level! This powerful synergy between surgery and non-invasive treatments unlocks a truly transformative, head-to-toe rejuvenation experience. Injectables supercharge and extend the life of your facelift results by keeping your skin radiant and targeting those finer details that surgery alone cannot reach. Imagine plumper, perfectly sculpted lips, a sharper jawline, and skin that glows with renewed texture and tone. So, together, they create a flawless, youthful look that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Renowned surgeons like Dr Jacono often share incredible success stories, highlighting a revolutionary goal to turn back the clock while preserving each patient’s unique individuality. By expertly blending surgical precision with the artful use of injectables, practitioners achieve stunning results that look effortlessly natural. Dr Jacono himself has praised the technique’s transformative power, calling it:
“a breakthrough that goes beyond surface-level fixes to tackle the very roots of facial ageing.”
And what does this mean? It means that THIS surgery truly is a transformation like no other. Similarly, Dr Duplechain highlights the importance of combining surgery with injectables, noting:
“Injectables are the perfect complement to surgery, filling in the gaps where a scalpel cannot reach.”
These insights underscore the collaborative nature of modern cosmetic treatments, blending science and artistry to achieve unparalleled results.
But, of course, like any surgical procedure, the deep-plane facelift carries potential risks, including bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness. When combined with injectables, there is also the risk of over-treatment, which can lead to an unnatural appearance if not expertly managed.
Let’s take another look at the statistics. A meta-analysis comparing facelift techniques found that the overall complication rate for deep-plane facelifts was 12.12%, significantly higher than the 4.18% complication rate associated with the SMAS technique.
But when we break down the specific risks even further, here is what the numbers REALLY tell us. Auricular nerve injury, which can cause numbness around the earlobe, occurs in up to 7% of cases. Skin sloughing, or peeling, is relatively uncommon, affecting fewer than 3% of patients. Hematoma formation is even less frequent and typically seen in under 2% of cases (but it does require swift medical attention to prevent further complications).
As for the more serious concerns, facial nerve injury is rare, occurring in less than 1% of procedures, and infections are equally uncommon, also affecting fewer than 1% of patients.
So yes, it is a pretty safe surgery all in all. Agree? Another question weighing heavily on potential deep-plane candidates’ minds is: How do clinics support patients through the full treatment journey? And this is a rather important question. Most reputable clinics will be by your side from the get-go to your last post-op follow-up. 111 Harley St., situated on the prestigious Harley Street, London, call their approach to the patient journey the 360° approach, as they offer support from the moment you walk through their doors for the first time to the moment you leave for the last.
The Psychology Of Subtle Changes
The desire for subtle, natural-looking enhancements reflects a broader shift in societal beauty standards. Today’s patients prioritise individuality and authenticity over dramatic transformations. For many, the goal is to feel like the best version of themselves rather than conforming to a specific ideal.
This mindset is particularly empowering, as it allows individuals to make changes that align with their personal identities. Subtle enhancements like those achieved with the deep-plane facelift and injectables can boost confidence without drawing attention to the procedures themselves, striking a balance between self-expression and discretion.
The deep-plane facelift, paired with the strategic use of injectables, represents a revolutionary approach to cosmetic rejuvenation. By focusing on natural anatomy and combining minimally invasive techniques, this method offers long-lasting, undetectable results that prioritise individuality and authenticity.
As advancements in cosmetic surgery continue, the future points to even more personalised and less invasive solutions. For those seeking to enhance their appearance while embracing their unique beauty, the deep-plane facelift and injectables provide a gold standard for achieving timeless, natural radiance.
