A good candidate for a deep plane facelift will have moderate to severe facial sagging and skin laxity. They will be in generally good health and a non-smoker. In some cases, the structures of the face sag unevenly. Here, a SMAS facelift procedure where the muscles and skin are tightened separately may be preferred to pull them in different directions.
Medical conditions do not immediately disqualify you as a surgical candidate. If they are well controlled and you receive clearances, you can likely move forward with surgery. Untreated or certain medical conditions may not be compatible with surgery. Dr. Sessa will determine this during a consultation.
Understanding The Deep Plane Facelift Technique
A deep plane facelift is a form of SMAS facelift. During a standard SMAS facelift, the skin and SMAS structures are separated from one another and tightened separately. A deep plane facelift—instead of pulling apart the structures—lifts them together. This technique involves less trauma and maintains natural connections between the skin and SMAS that promote a more natural look.
The SMAS technique has already become the standard for facelift surgery and the deep plane facelift is likely to replace it. However, not all patients may benefit from this technique or need the amount of correction the deep plane technique can provide. Dr. Sessa frequently uses the deep plane technique for patients who qualify for a standard facelift and have moderate to severe sagging.
