13
Feb
Frequently asked questions about the deep plane facelift
Finding ways to combat the signs of aging without surgery is often very limiting for men and women who want to make more dramatic and noticeable changes when it comes to their facial appearance. Individuals interested in the deep plane facelift procedure at Springs Aesthetics of Colorado Springs, Colorado, will want to talk to a specialist like Dr. John R. Burroughs, who has experience and talent in providing facial procedures and surgery. Let’s look at many of the frequently asked questions heard about this particular procedure.
What is a “deep plane facelift?”
Dr. Burroughs and his team at Spring Aesthetics describe the deep plane facelift as a surgical procedure designed specifically to target the deeper layers of facial tissue, specifically the muscular and fascial structures found in the “deep plane.” This technique allows for a comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and neck, resulting in natural-looking, long-lasting results for men and women seeking solutions to reverse some of the natural aging processes.
Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
John R. Burroughs, M.D. finds that the deep plane facelift is ideal for individuals with significant signs of aging in their mid to lower face and neck. This includes sagging skin, jowls, drooping cheeks or brows, and deep wrinkles. It is also suitable for those who have lost volume and definition in these areas due to age or weight loss. However, despite having deep plane facelift surgery experience, Dr. Burroughs no longer performs deep plane facelift rhytidectomy surgery. Dr. Burroughs has found that generally, patients can have a quicker recovery with good results and longevity undergoing a more limited facelift that, outside of repositioning sagging tissue, includes volume restoration, energy skin tightening and quality treatments, and resurfacing of the outer skin. These additional modalities can be done with a deep plane facelift but can carry higher risks because of the deeper dissection required for the deep plane approach.
What are the three types of lower facelift surgery?
Lower facelift procedures can be performed by skin only, SMAS surgery (such as plication, tightening, or partial removal), or deep plane, which involves extensive release of facial retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS layer of the face, according to Dr. Burroughs. This is an oversimplified explanation of these various methods; there are numerous variations, some of which surgeons have named. Although Dr. Burroughs has done deep plane facelifts, he only does SMAS surgery now because he finds that the results are frequently just as good as those of deep plane facelifts, sometimes even better, in newly consulted patients who are either dissatisfied or looking to address new facial areas (like the eyes). Additionally, deep plane dissection usually heals much more slowly and carries a higher risk of motor nerve damage or paralysis. He has observed that many deep plane facelifts are not ideal from other angles, including pixie-ear deformities and an irregular cheek-ear interface where the skin is pulled over the ear’s edge. However, non-deep plane facelift techniques can also carry these risks. Since every patient is unique, a personalized plan is suggested at the consultation. If he believes it is best for the patient or their stated personal preference, he can refer them to friends and colleagues who frequently perform deep plane rhytidectomies (facelifts).
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What happens during a deep plane facelift?
The deeper layers of the facial tissue are released, lifted, and repositioned to restore a more youthful appearance. The procedure typically takes up to four hours and is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Who is a good candidate for facelift surgery?
Ideal candidates for a neck tightening surgery are adults who have:
- Loose or sagging skin of the lower face
- Jowls
- Prominent melolabial, nasolabial folds (“marionette, parentheses”)
- A desire to improve the appearance of their jawline and upper neck
- Individuals with stable and within about 15 pounds of their target or ideal weight
Our candidates must also have realistic expectations and good overall health before undergoing this procedure.
Are there any risks or complications associated with this procedure?
As with any surgical and medical procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and asymmetry. A severe potential complication with the deep plane facelift is motor nerve damage that can lead to temporary or permanent facial paralysis.
How long do the results last?
The deep plane facelift aims to provide long-lasting results for patients seeking facial rejuvenation. While individual results may vary, many patients may enjoy the many benefits of this procedure for a decade or longer before considering additional treatment.
Who can I call in the Colorado Springs, Colorado, area to learn more about facelifting options?
Dr. Burroughs and his Springs Aesthetics team are pleased to offer numerous surgical and nonsurgical solutions for aging skin. If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to call our office at (719) 749-3606 to request an upcoming appointment at our clinic, which is located at 300 Garden of the Gods Road, Suite #100.
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John Burroughs, M.D.
Dr. John Burroughs specializes in eyelids, orbits, and faces and has performed over 20,000 related procedures. His role in oculofacial plastic surgeries has been highly appreciated.
He is an alumnus of the Air Academy High School, University of Texas, and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine), Maryland. He later followed a transitional internship and ophthalmology residency in San Antonio, TX, and has decades of aesthetic treatment experience.
Dr. Burroughs is American Board of Ophthalmology-certified and is a Fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons, the Oculofacial Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of many other associations. He is a lifelong learner and teacher.