How a Deep Plane Facelift Delivers the Look You Want

Facelifts can achieve excellent, natural-looking results that can take up to a decade off your appearance – but not all facelift techniques are created equal. If you are looking for the most comprehensive and seamless results, the deep plane facelift is going to be your best option. Here’s why.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a surgical technique that lifts not only the skin but also the deeper underlying tissues, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), by working in the “deep plane” beneath the SMAS. This allows for repositioning of the skin, SMAS and fat pads as a single unit.

Unlike other facelift techniques that rely on skin tightening alone or that reposition the SMAS separately, the deep plane technique lifts both as a single unit. This approach allows for a more effective and balanced repositioning of facial tissues, particularly in the midface, jawline and neck.

Are All Facelift Deep Plane Facelifts?

No, not all facelifts are deep plane facelifts. Another common facelift technique is called the SMAS facelift, which lifts and tightens this layer via plication, or by folding it over itself. The ligaments that attach it to deeper layers are not released. 

A deep plane facelift, on the other hand, does release these ligaments so that the skin and SMAS layer can be tightened and repositioned as a single unit. This technique puts less tension on the skin than during a traditional facelift, resulting in a smoother and longer-lasting final outcome. Thus, when searching for the best facelift plastic surgeon in Alabama or elsewhere, seek out this technique.

What Sets a Deep Plane Facelift Apart?

The deep plane facelift technique stands out from other types of facelifts in several important ways:

• The deep plane facelift lifts the face as a whole, not in pieces. This technique allows Dr. Koehler to lift the midface, jawline and neck in one cohesive motion. By treating the face as a connected unit, the results appear more balanced and youthful and avoid the overly tight or “windswept” appearance that is sometimes seen with older methods.
• It restores volume to the cheeks. A deep plane facelift also repositions the deeper tissues that contribute to facial volume, especially in the cheeks. Instead of adding volume with fillers, this facelift technique can lift the face to naturally restore youthful volume.
• It minimizes swelling, bruising and scarring. Because the skin isn’t overly pulled or separated from the underlying tissue with this technique, most patients experience less swelling, bruising and scarring compared to other facelift techniques. The deep plane technique can also result in a shorter recovery time.
• It delivers longer-lasting results. The deeper tissue repositioning that  deep plane facelift offers results in stronger underlying support than skin-only or SMAS-only facelifts. This can help results to last longer.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for You?

If you are looking for the most natural-looking and longest-lasting facelift results, a deep plane facelift could be your ideal solution. Dr. Koehler has been performing this technique for two decades and has perfected the blend of art and science that it requires. To learn more about your facelift options, call our Fairhope office at 251-929-7850 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Koehler today.