What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that has become the gold standard in aesthetic facial rejuvenation. Facelifts have long been sought after for their ability to powerfully refresh a person’s appearance and address signs of aging, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and volume loss. This blog will discuss how the deep plane facelift differs from other techniques, its unique benefits, and who is an ideal candidate. 

What Types of Facelifts Are There?

To understand what makes a deep plane facelift special, it’s helpful to compare it with other techniques. Ms Nora Nugent has specialised training in a variety of facelift techniques. Her advanced understanding of facial anatomy enables her to achieve transformative results and help patients determine which technique will best suit their aesthetic goals.

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift can actually refer to any number of techniques, but for the most part, they all focus on manipulating the SMAS layer. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a layer of connective tissue above the muscles that provides structural support to the face. As part of the natural aging process, this layer weakens and begins to sag, contributing to jowls, sagging, deep wrinkles, and other undesirable consequences. A SMAS facelift focuses on tightening this layer, restoring it to a more youthful position and recapturing smoother, more vibrant contours.

When appropriate, Ms Nugent might use techniques such as high SMAS flaps, SMAS plication, or SMASectomies to address a patient’s facial concerns. Typically, ideal candidates are patients experiencing sagging in the lower face, including jowls or loose skin in the neck, as SMAS facelifts don’t often reach the midface. 

Midface Lift

A midface lift focuses on lifting the central portion of the face. Ms Nugent uses lower eyelid surgery techniques to reposition fat and elevate the tissues of the cheek and central face to a more youthful position. The results include a lifted, refreshed appearance in the lower eyelid, cheek, and midface.

It’s ideal for patients with lower eyelid bags, deep lines between the cheek and upper lip, and sagging or volume loss in the cheek area. This procedure won’t significantly affect the jawline or lower face. 

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift targets the deeper structures of the face for more powerful rejuvenation. This procedure involves more than simple lifting or repositioning. There are two main differentiators with the deep plane technique:

1. Ms Nugent goes deeper than the SMAS layer, creating stronger structural support than other types of facelifts.
2. Ms Nugent cuts facial retaining ligaments that hold the SMAS layer in place. This allows her to manipulate the tissues with greater freedom and release the nasolabial folds for powerful lower- and mid-face rejuvenation.
3. The deep plane facelift can lift both the lower and mid face as needed.

Due to its ability to deliver comprehensive rejuvenation and long-lasting results, this is Ms Nugent’s preferred technique for addressing significant signs of ageing and midface descent.

Benefits of the Deep Plane Facelift

This advanced technique offers many benefits, with one of the most prized being the refined, natural-looking results that age exceptionally well. Other benefits include:

• More natural facial movement and expressions compared to other facelift techniques
• Improved midface volume and cheek appearance
• Softer nasolabial folds
• Improved jawline definition with significantly reduced jowls
• Long-lasting results compared to more superficial techniques
• Reduced tension on the skin (because it is placed in the deeper structures) supports better healing and reduces scar formation

Because a deep plane facelift lifts the face as a cohesive structure, results often appear more balanced. Patients feel they look like a younger version of themselves rather than like they “had work done.” 

Who Is a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

If you are unhappy with your facial appearance and desire powerful yet natural-looking rejuvenation, you may be a candidate for a deep plane facelift.

Ideal deep plane facelift candidates:

• Present with moderate to severe signs of ageing, including jowling, deep nasolabial folds, and sagging cheeks
• Want a natural yet comprehensive facial transformation
• Are in good overall health
• Are non-smokers or willing to quit
• Have reasonable expectations for results

The best way to learn whether you are a good candidate for a deep plane facelift is to schedule a private consultation. Ms Nugent will examine your face, look at photos of your younger self, and discuss your goals to help you explore your options.

Learn More About the Deep Plane Facelift in Tunbridge Wells

If you’re considering a deep plane facelift, it’s important to seek out a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Ms Nugent has expertise in this advanced technique and an intimate understanding of the delicate facial structures it treats. Together with you, she’ll help you explore your options to reach your aesthetic goals, just as she’s helped countless other patients achieve results that have them feeling confident, youthful, and vibrant.
To schedule your facelift consultation in Tunbridge Wells or Harley Street in London, please call 44 (0) 1892 619248, or you can use our online contact form.