Descent and atrophy are the unfortunate impacts of the passage of time on the tissues of the human face. Face and neck lifting are the attempts to surgically correct these, aiming to restore a lasting youthful contour and volume, without disfigurement with untoward scars or damage to essential structures.
The technicalities of the surgery are in constant evolution, basically undergoing a constant revision of ways of repositioning both superficial and deep facial anatomy, always with consideration paid to duration of surgery, recovery time, attendant risks to vulnerable facial structures, and costs.
The Deep Plane Facelift addresses the unavoidable consequences of face and neck ageing with the appropriate attention paid to all relevant levels of facial tissue, hence achieving durable but natural looking results - and yet doing so without compromising safety and with short recovery times.
It must be appreciated at the outset, that facial and neck tissues are closely allied, and that surgery to either can only rarely be performed independently.
Who would benefit from a Deep Plane Facelift?
The Deep Plane Facelift is a comprehensive surgical technique aiming to correct the following:
The Technique
1. Surgical Skin Access
The surgeon starts by making an incision along the hairline in the temple, it carries on in front of the ear, and extends to the back of the ear and ends into the hairline of the neck.
2. The Deep Plane Elevation (SMAS layer)
By safely accessing the deep plane of the face, the surgeon is able to fully release and mobilise the relevant anatomical structures. This is the step that separates this technique from other face and neck lifts. In this step the surgeon dissects under the SMAS layer, which is a robust structure of normal anatomy, formed by fibrous tissue and muscles, mobilising it and lifting it into a new and elevated position.
3. Lifting
The fully mobilised SMAS layer of the face and the neck is lifted and attached to strong areas of the temple with sutures, using a specific vector (or direction of pull) that has been proven to give the most youthful result.
4. Volume Restoration
The SMAS suspension brings volume to the cheeks, lifts and tightens the skin of the face and neck, creating a youthful appearance on the face with definition of the jawline and the neck.
What Makes This Technique Special?
By separating and lifting the SMAS layer of the face and neck, this technique turns back the time on an ageing face and neck not only by tightening the loose skin but mainly by repositioning fat on the mid face where it used to be. This technique has a longer lasting effect.
Recovery and aftercare
When consulting with a qualified surgeon, all the procedures relevant to a patient’s concern are discussed in detail, concentrating on the benefits and implications of each. It is a bespoke service, with personal tailoring designed to offer the very highest level of professional care.
In my NHS practice, my profound interest in the face and neck has offered me irreplaceable experience in facial anatomy and facial reconstructive techniques, something which perfectly complements my aesthetic surgery focus in facial rejuvenation. Hence each patient receives detailed attention as to what surgical interventions are relevant, and how applicable deep plane lifting may be in their particular circumstances.
The procedures themselves are discussed in detail, concentrating on the benefits and implications of each. It is a bespoke service, with personal tailoring designed to offer the very highest level of professional care.
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