Deep Plane Facelift

Face

Take Years Off Your Appearance

A facelift is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to combat the effects of facial aging. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, leading to sagging in the face and neck. Dr. Saxon offers personalized facelifts to lift your skin, reduce wrinkles, and help you reclaim youthful contours. It’s not about transforming you into someone else — it’s about restoring you to your best self.

Lift Your Skin & Restore Youthful Contours with a Deep Plane Facelift

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that rejuvenates the face and neck. As aging takes its toll, skin loses elasticity, resulting in sagging in areas like the middle of the face, along the jawline, and the neck.

Dr. Saxon is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon who has dedicated her career to mastering the intricacies of the face and neck anatomy. When done by an experienced surgeon, a deep plane facelift is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate the face and restore confidence. It’s the best feeling in the world to look as good as you feel!

A Deep Plane Facelift Corrects:

Wrinkles and fine lines
Midface sagging
Jawline laxity
Neck sagging
Jowls or "turkey neck"
Signs of aging in the lower face
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Loss of skin elasticity and firmness
Submuscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) laxity

Before & After

Before

After

What is a

Facelift?

What Facelift Technique Is the Best?

It can be very confusing today with numerous names for facelifts, including ponytail lift, weekend lift, mini facelift, midface lift, SMAS facelift, etc. As a seasoned expert in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Saxon approaches each facelift procedure with a personalized assessment of your unique facial anatomy and skin condition.

After years of specialized training with world experts, including Dr. Mike Nayak, she has added her unique perspective in approaching facelift procedures. To minimize scarring and maximize results, most require a deep plane facelift.

The deep plane facelift is an advanced technique that focuses on lifting the deeper layers of facial tissue, including the submuscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). Several key ligaments in the face lengthen over time. During a deep plane facelift, these ligaments are released so that a more profound lift is achieved with longer-lasting and more natural results. This also allows for the tissues to be redraped without tension on the skin, so the potential for scarring is minimized.

A deep plane facelift has become the technique of choice for most surgeons with particular expertise in facial anatomy. Dr. Saxon will often recommend a deep plane facelift, even in those with mild or moderate laxity, due to the long-lasting effects compared to other techniques.

Dr. Saxon also utilizes a more modern approach to the vectors needed to prevent a pulled appearance after surgery. Past techniques for a facelift have involved lifting the muscle layer (SMAS) and skin in a lateral direction, which can lead to an unnatural appearance and flattening of the cheeks. In a deep plane facelift, the tissues are mobilized more thoroughly, so a vertical vector can be utilized for more natural results.

Addressing Deeper Neck Structures During a Facelift

Genetics and age-related anatomic changes can play a major role in determining what structures in the neck need to be addressed for the best result during a deep plane facelift.

Dr. Saxon can combine a deep plane facelift with a structural neck lift to remove deep neck fat, tighten deep muscle layers, or even reduce the size of the salivary glands hanging below the jawline to achieve a more slender and defined jawline.

It is important to prepare ahead of time before a facelift to ensure a safe and successful surgery. With thorough preparation and guidance from our team, you can embark on your facelift journey with confidence.

Pre-Consultation: Discuss your goals, expectations, and any concerns with Dr. Saxon.

Prepare for Surgery: Discontinue certain medications and supplements that could increase bleeding risk, stop smoking, and arrange for help getting home after surgery.

Stock Up for Recovery: Gather comfortable clothes, ice packs, soft foods, and a body pillow for post-surgical comfort.

Detailed Instructions: Our office will provide a pre-surgery checklist with helpful links.

Initial Swelling & Bruising: Expect swelling and bruising, most noticeable in the first 1-2 weeks, gradually subsiding.

Drains & Rest: Drains are typically removed the day after surgery. Rest and avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks.

Minimal Pain: Regional anesthesia and medication minimize pain.

Dietary and Supportive Measures: Dr. Saxon may recommend dietary modifications and hyperbaric treatments to optimize healing.

Stitch Removal & Settling: Stitches are removed after a week. Allow up to 3 months for tissues to settle and reveal your youthful results.

Facelift FAQs

What are the potential risks and complications of a deep plane facelift?

Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve weakness, and temporary numbness. However, Dr. Saxon follows all necessary precautionary methods to minimize the risk of complications and provides thorough aftercare guidelines to help you enjoy a smooth recovery.

Read our blog, “Potential Facelift Complications and How to Avoid Them” to learn more.

How long do deep plane facelift results last?

While results after a facelift are long-lasting, they don’t stop the natural aging process. Over time, you may notice the reappearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Many may elect to have a revision facelift after about 10-15 years. Dr. Saxon recommends maintaining your skin after a facelift with daily medical-grade skincare and occasional skin treatments like morpheus8 and laser resurfacing to make your results last longer.

Learn more by reading our blog, “How Long Does a Facelift Last? Facelift Longevity Explained.”

How much does a deep plane facelift cost?

The cost of a deep plane facelift varies depending on several factors including the extent of surgery and the need to combine a deep plane facelift with other procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Saxon will provide you with a personalized quote that takes into account your specific needs and goals.

Read our blog, “How Much Does a Facelift Cost in 2024” to learn more.

What is scarring like after a deep plane facelift?

Scarring after a deep plane facelift is typically well-hidden and discreet. Dr. Saxon usually makes incisions along the hairline and around the ears to minimize visible scarring. Incisions are pink initially but fade over time and become less noticeable. Proper post-operative care, including following Dr. Saxon’s instructions and using scar-minimizing products, can further help in reducing the appearance of scars.

Can other procedures be performed at the same time as a deep plane facelift?

Yes, it is common to combine a deep plane facelift with other cosmetic procedures to address multiple concerns simultaneously. Procedures like eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, or neck liposuction are often performed alongside a deep plane facelift to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The decision to combine procedures should be made in consultation with Dr. Saxon, taking into account your individual goals, health, and safety considerations.

What medical conditions can affect my results after a deep plane facelift?

Several medical conditions can potentially impact the results and safety of a deep plane facelift. These may include uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders, and significant heart or lung conditions. Additionally, smoking and certain medications can affect healing and increase surgical risks. It’s crucial to disclose your complete medical history and any medications you are taking during your consultation with Dr. Saxon. She will assess your overall health and discuss any potential concerns or modifications to the procedure based on your medical condition to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

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Why Choose Saxon MD?

Dr. Sarah Saxon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has specialized training in deep plane facelift techniques with Dr. Mike Nayak, a world-renowned facelift expert in St. Louis. She is a true expert in the anatomy and structure of the face and routinely gives lectures at national meetings. Other surgeons travel from all over the country to learn the nuances of how she combines multiple procedures to maximize results. Dr. Saxon is one of the few surgeons in the country who has expertise in facial feminization surgery and incorporates this into her approach when needed. Schedule a consultation today to discover how Dr. Saxon can transform your self-doubt into self-confidence!

Deep Plane Facelift

Face

Take Years Off Your Appearance