Summary: Known for its natural looking and long-lasting results, the deep plane facelift is widely considered to be the gold standard of surgical facial rejuvenation today. Patients often wonder how long the procedure results will last. This blog will discuss the longevity of a deep plane facelift, what recovery entails, and how it compares to other facelift techniques.
After having beautiful results from facial rejuvenation, no one wants to look in the mirror a few short years later and realize the sagging is coming back and they might need another facelift. This scenario is something that many try to avoid while deciding on the type of facial rejuvenation procedure which is why many people choose a deep plane facelift.
Most people start their facial rejuvenation journey with smaller procedures like botox and filler. It’s usually after exhausting these options that people begin to consider more invasive options like a facelift.
However, not all facelifts are created equal. Each technique doesn’t garner the same results when it comes to longevity. While some options like the mini facelift are very effective at targeting early aging changes and mild to moderate sagging in the lower face and jawline, they are known for a limited longevity. Other techniques designed to address more pronounced signs of aging require more extensive surgery but result in far longer lasting facial rejuvenation. One of those techniques is the deep place facelift.
The longevity of the deep plane facelift as well as its natural results are related to a particular surgical technique that involves the modification of deep facial structures rather than superficial tightening.
Obviously that comes at the cost of more surgery and sometimes longer recovery. Making an informed decision before deciding on a type of facelift you get, not only makes a difference in how you look but whether or not you will need another surgery in the future.
Are the Results of Deep Plane Facelift Surgery Permanent?
The results of deep plane facelift surgery are not permanent. A deep plane facelift can absolutely turn back the clock, but it can’t stop time altogether. Although the results usually last longer than other techniques, the natural aging process will always continue after any cosmetic procedure.
A deep plane facelift can’t prevent the loss of collagen and elastin in our skin, which contributes to future sagging and jowling. Additionally, fat and muscle in the face can decrease over time, contributing to a loss of facial volume. The only way to affect those changes and increase the longevity of your facelift result are with your lifestyle, maintaining good skin quality, staying in good health, and limiting sun exposure.
What Can I Expect During the Recovery Process for Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?
Recovery after a deep plane facelift is quite similar to that after other modern facelift techniques. Tightness, swelling and bruising are common during the healing process, and are usually at their peak during the first few days of recovery. By weeks two or three of healing, most patients feel ready to return to their normal daily activities.
However, it’s important to remember that the healing process could be different for different people and some might experience longer-lasting post-surgical effects such as swelling or prolonged numbness.
How Does a Deep Plane Facelift Compare to Other Facelift Procedures?
In order to get the best results for your facial rejuvenation, it’s helpful to understand the different facelift techniques such as SMAS facelift, mini facelift, and deep plane facelift and get a clear idea of the pros and cons to each.
A mini facelift is typically a SMAS facelift performed for patients with early aging changes and focuses on the lower face and jawline. As a result, mini facelift recovery the smallest procedure of the three with the fastest recovery. Given the limited nature of this technique the results tend to be shorter lasting.
A traditional SMAS facelift lies somewhere between the other two. It’s less extensive than a deep plane facelift, but it often involves more correction than a mini facelift. Recovery could be longer than a mini facelift.
A deep plane facelift is an advanced technique that focuses on the deeper facial tissues. The surgery is typically longer and more involved but its results usually last longer than other techniques.
Of course, recovery and longevity always vary from patient to patient and depend on whether you combine your facelift with other procedures and how well you care for your skin in the years following your procedure.
Why Some Patients May Seek Additional Facial Rejuvenation Treatments
Each person’s facial rejuvenation goals are different. Although many patients will never feel the need for another facelift, some do choose to pursue other facial rejuvenation treatments such as fillers, botox, or skin resurfacing.
Typically, these additional treatments are designed to enhance the rejuvenating effects of the facelift and are done in those areas of the face that aren’t directly impacted by surgery. Some people may choose to undergo additional rejuvenating treatments to maintain and prolong their facelift results.
Even the best facelift cannot stop the hand of times, facial tissues and structures will change as you continue to age. Concerns like skin laxity and volume loss will continue to happen after surgery and may be treated with fat grafting, dermal fillers and skin resurfacing.
Sometimes, when these smaller treatments aren’t sufficient to address these new signs of aging, it would not be wrong to consider another facelift surgery. This would be more common in those who had their first facelift done in their 30s and 40s and is most typical with a mini facelift.
A deep plane facelift tends to provide a stronger foundation for long-term facial rejuvenation often delaying or avoiding the need for additional facelift down the line.
Learn More About Facelift Surgery in New York
Figuring out the right facelift technique for you is important. If you’re considering facelift surgery, seeking advice from a trusted professional can make all the difference. Consulting with a highly qualified board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Konstantin who has performed thousands of facelifts throughout his career is a great place to start.
To meet with Dr. Konstantin and discuss your options, request a consultation using our online form or call our Manhattan office at (212) 380-3634.