Facial aging affects everyone at some point. If you haven’t already, you’ll eventually develop wrinkles and fine lines, sagging skin, and changes in your facial contours due to shifting muscle and fat, volume loss, and gravity. Dr. Neil A. Gordon, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, offers deep plane facelifts in Wilton and Greenwich, CT at the Retreat at Split Rock, to address these common signs of aging for patients so they can look and feel much more youthful.
If you’re like most people, then you probably aren’t enjoying the aging process much. Signs of aging may be normal, but it’s not uncommon for them to affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem. If you look in the mirror and you’re surprised by how old you look vs. how old you feel, then a deep plane facelift may be right for you.
Table of Contents
- What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
- Who Can Benefit from a Deep Plane Facelift?
- The Facelift Consultation
- Preparing for Facial Plastic Surgery
- The Deep Plane Facelift Procedure
- Recovery and Returning to Normal Activities
- Risks and Potential Complications
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Deep Plane Facelifts at The Retreat at Split Rock
- Why Choose Dr. Neil A. Gordon
What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
Almost everyone knows what a facelift (rhytidectomy) is. It is a surgical procedure that is performed to rejuvenate the face, typically the lower and/or midface. After a facelift, patients look forward to a refreshed appearance with decreased skin laxity, jowls, and wrinkles.
A deep plane facelift is an in-depth technique, as the name suggests. Rather than tightening the skin, which does not provide optimal or natural-looking results, the surgeon dissects the facial tissues down to the fascia, below the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system). This technique effectively addresses all the different tissues involved in facial aging and creates incredible results.
Deep plane facelifts are most effective in the midface region. The procedure can lift sagging cheeks and create a brighter, more youthful appearance. Each deep plane lift is customized to address the patient’s individual needs.
Facelift procedures can turn back the clock years and provide long-lasting results that can slow down the aging process for a decade or more. But some techniques do not provide the long-lasting, natural look of a deep plane facelift. Facelift procedures, if executed poorly, can provide results that look artificial and tight, while a deep plane lift provides natural-looking rejuvenation.
Who Can Benefit from a Deep Plane Facelift?
Both women and men can benefit from a deep plane facelift. Anyone who is concerned with significant signs of aging in the middle and lower face may want to consider a facelift procedure. Non-surgical treatments can help reduce signs of aging, but they cannot provide the dramatic and long-lasting effects of a deep plane facelift.
Prospective patients should be healthy and must have realistic expectations for the procedure. A facelift can produce incredible results, but it can’t typically make you look like you’re in your 20s again. Looking at before and after photos of prior deep plane facelift patients is a great way to understand what the procedure can and cannot accomplish.
The Facelift Consultation
Before a deep plane facelift can be scheduled, a consultation with the surgeon is required. This is to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. It is also an opportunity for the patient to learn more about the surgery and recovery process, ask questions, and decide whether or not a deep plane facelift is the right choice for their needs.
During your consultation in Connecticut, Dr. Gordon will ask about your goals and age-related concerns. What bothers you most about your face? Why do you want a facelift? These kinds of questions will help him determine if a deep plane facelift is appropriate for you.
He will also review your medical records and ask questions about your health. As safety is the most important factor in determining candidacy, it’s important to be very honest and disclose all medical conditions and medications. He will go over the benefits and risks of the procedure.
Be sure to come prepared with a list of questions for the surgeon. You should feel confident and excited about your treatment plan when your consultation is complete.
Preparing for Facial Plastic Surgery
You may need to undergo lab testing prior to booking a deep plane facelift. Since this is an elective procedure, safety is the top priority. You’ll need a clean bill of health before proceeding.
Additionally, those who smoke must quit well in advance of the procedure and during healing as complications can arise due to the use of nicotine. Your surgeon will also give you a list of medications and supplements to stop taking in the weeks leading up to your procedure. Some of these products can increase bleeding risks during surgery.
The Retreat at Split Rock is unique in that patients can relax and recover in the state-of-the-art inn on the property. After surgery with Dr. Gordon in our accredited surgical facility, patients can eliminate the stress of travel and begin their recovery process in comfort.
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The Deep Plane Facelift Procedure
Because the procedure is in-depth and can take several hours to complete, most patients are put under general anesthesia for their procedure. At our facility, we only work with board-certified anesthesiologists. General anesthesia provides the safest experience for patients.
To begin the procedure, incisions will be made in discreet locations, typically hidden within the hairline and in the creases of the ears. This will allow the surgeon to access the facial tissues.
Once the incisions have been made, Dr. Gordon lifts up the facial tissues as one unit and carefully rejuvenates the face using advanced surgical techniques. Fat may be repositioned during this process to create more youthful contours.
Unlike in other facelift techniques, such as the SMAS, the facial layers are not separated. This provides excellent results with less trauma, discomfort, and bruising. Dr. Gordon can reposition the loose, sagging soft tissues all at once, offering tremendous cosmetic benefits.
After the facial tissues have been repositioned as needed, the incisions will be closed. Patients will be monitored in a recovery area until they are awake and can begin the healing process.
How Do Facelifts Differ: Understanding The Deep-Plane Facelift
Recovery and Returning to Normal Activities
Major plastic surgery like a deep plane facelift does involve some recovery time. But despite the major improvements patients will see as they recover, a deep plane facelift typically has a shorter, easier recovery than a traditional facelift procedure. This is due to the surgical techniques used, which are easier on the facial tissues.
Soon after the procedure, patients can expect to see some swelling and bruising. This is normal. Sleeping with the head elevated and using an ice pack as directed can help ease these symptoms somewhat.
Some discomfort can also be expected. Pain medication will be provided for use during the initial recovery period. Many people are surprised by how quickly they start to feel better.
Light activities, such as short walks, can be resumed soon after the surgery and are encouraged. The sutures are typically removed in 1-2 weeks. Returning to work and exercise will have to wait at least a few weeks longer, at the specific recommendation of Dr. Gordon.
Risks and Potential Complications
Risks are inherent with any plastic surgery. However, Dr. Gordon is careful to minimize the risks of developing complications as much as possible, taking precautions and meticulous care with each surgery. Choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon helps to ensure safety and good results.
Deep plane facelift patients may rarely develop any of the following complications:
- Anesthesia complications
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Unfavorable scarring
- Persistent numbness
- Nerve injury
- Skin necrosis
- Blood clots
- Poor results
Risks should be discussed during your consultation. If you have concerns about anything relating to the procedure, don’t hesitate to address them prior to your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a deep plane facelift right for me?
To find out if you are a candidate for the procedure, you need to schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and discuss your goals. Everyone is different and facelift procedures are customized to meet patients’ individual needs. If you’re not a candidate, a plastic surgeon will suggest a more appropriate option.
Why isn’t the skin tightened during a deep plane facelift?
Tightening the skin provides temporary, often unnatural results. The skin is very elastic and will soon begin to sag once again. Lifting the lower tissues of the face, however, produces excellent, long-lasting results.
What’s the right age for this procedure?
There is no “right age” for facelift surgery. Aging progresses at an individual rate. Healthy adults ranging from their late 30s to 60s routinely undergo facelift surgery. You and your surgeon will decide if it’s the right time for you.
When can I go back to work after my surgery?
Most people go back to desk jobs within a couple of weeks. However, it’s always good to take more time off than you think you’ll need. Rest and allow yourself to be pampered!
Why is smoking dangerous before plastic surgery?
Nicotine can cause a host of surgical and recovery complications, including excessive bleeding and poor healing. It is best to leave nicotine products behind for good when planning your surgery as they will also accelerate aging and reduce the longevity of your results.
Deep Plane Facelifts at The Retreat at Split Rock
A procedure at the Retreat at Split Rock is a unique experience. Dr. Gordon is an experienced and respected surgeon with the skill and knowledge to help you reach your goals. You’ll have the opportunity to recover in a safe and beautiful facility so you can feel relaxed and rejuvenated after your deep plane facelift. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Gordon, call (203) 834-7700.
Why Choose Dr. Neil A. Gordon
Dr. Neil A. Gordon is recognized as one of the global thought and technical leaders in the small, elite group of international facial plastic surgeons. As a facial plastic surgeon, he only performs surgery of the face and neck.
Dr. Gordon’s specialty is facial rejuvenation and rhinoplasty. As an international expert in his specialty, his skill is noted in both primary procedures and revision, or secondary procedures. Acclaimed for being one of the early pioneers of the deep-plane rhytidectomy, recently, he has been recognized for advancing the technique and creating the most advanced facial rejuvenation procedures, the “Vertical Platysma Advancement” and the “Vertical Galea Advancement”.