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What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift goes beyond merely pulling the skin tight to elevate the underlying structures of the face in a natural and long-lasting manner. The scaffolding of the face (beneath the outermost skin) is made up of a network of fibrous connective tissue called the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System, or SMAS, which attaches to a muscle layer. During your procedure, the SMAS layer is lifted up through the release of key ligaments. This allows your surgeon to sculpt all of your facial contours as a single unit in a more precise and detailed way. The end result appears unforced and effortless, allowing you to confidently face the world knowing you look your best.

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Dr. R. William Thompson Award-Winning, Board-Certified Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Denver

Dr. Thompson is an accomplished, seasoned facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon who strives to deliver natural-looking outcomes carefully tailored to your unique vision for a beautiful, refreshed appearance. He draws on a prestigious training background that prepared him for the delicate and precision-oriented art of facelift surgery. 

After receiving his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Dr. Thompson pursued an in-depth residency in head and neck surgery at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was then selected as one of only forty-nine surgeons for an elite fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). 

Dr. Thompson is board-certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and has authored numerous scientific and medical articles presented at meetings sponsored by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Triological Society, and Facial Plastic Surgery International. He is devoted to patient safety and insists on a rewarding, seamless patient experience from start to finish.

Deep Plane Facelift at a Glance

What Does It Address? 

Getting a deep plane facelift in Denver is designed to lift drooping cheeks, sharpen the jawline, reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds, correct jowling, and improve the overall profile.

Technical Considerations

During a deep plane facelift, Dr. Thompson will release four key ligaments (the zygomatic retaining ligament, the masseteric retaining ligament, the mandibular retaining ligament, and the cervical retaining ligament). This allows him to reposition the entire facial structure and SMAS layer with enhanced precision and artistry, resulting in a stunning transformation.

How Long Will the Results Last?

Results after a deep plane facelift can last from 12-15 years, which is slightly longer than with a traditional facelift. 

How Long Will Recovery Take?

It can take up to three weeks to complete the initial phase of your recovery. You will be fitted with a compression garment that will help to reduce swelling, and you may be asked to wear drains for several weeks to help escort excess fluids out of the body.

What Are the Potential Complications?

By choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Thompson in Denver, the risk of complications is dramatically lowered. However, some inherent risks exist with all surgeries. For a deep plane facelift, these include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring, poor reactions to anesthesia, asymmetry, pain, nerve injuries, and others.

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What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift in Denver, Co?

Patients choose a deep plane facelift in Denver for its dramatic, age-defying results and the self-confidence that their outcome brings. Benefits include the following:

  • Minimal skin trauma when compared to other types of facelift surgery
  • Enhances jawline definition
  • Reshapes the midface
  • Elevates drooping contours
  • Eradicates jowls

  • Smooths away nasolabial folds
  • Reduces submental fullness
  • Lowered risk of needing a revision
  • Well-concealed scars

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Am I a Good Candidate For a Deep Plane Facelift?

If you are in or near the Denver area and are concerned by signs of aging that make you look older than you feel, a deep plane facelift may be the comprehensive solution you seek. The surgery can help to lift sunken cheeks, improve your jawline, eliminate jowls, and smooth away wrinkles, creases, and lines, leaving you looking refreshed, energized, and revitalized. While most patients undergoing the surgery have traditionally been 50 or older, many younger patients are seeking out the surgery, and it is not uncommon for someone in their 40s to have the procedure done.

Many younger patients want to avoid the complications or unnatural appearance of overdone or poorly placed filler.

To qualify, you need to be in good mental and physical health, a non-smoker, and realistic in your expectations for your results. To best determine your candidacy, Dr. Thompson will meet with you at his Denver offices to conduct a thorough consultation process, which includes a detailed physical evaluation, an in-depth review of your medical history, and a frank discussion of your cosmetic goals. 

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What Can I Expect From My Treatment?

A deep plane facelift is performed under general anesthesia and can take 2-4 hours to complete. Once you are resting peacefully, Dr. Thompson will create small incisions within your hairline encircling the ears, being careful to ensure that your scars will be inconspicuous. He will release the underlying facial ligaments and then elevate and reposition the SMAS layer to achieve an elegant, organic-looking outcome. Once the facial tissue has been reshaped, Dr. Thompson will close your incisions with fine sutures and place you in the recovery area to be monitored before you return home.

What Is The Recovery After a Deep Plane Facelift?

Recovery after a deep plane facelift is often less intense than with a conventional facelift, the reason being that the deep plane approach results in less superficial trauma to the skin. Your healing timeline will likely be as follows:

The first few days

You will still be groggy from anesthesia after your procedure, so it’s important to have a friend, helper, or family member drive you home from your surgery and assist you for the first day or so. You can use ice on your face and neck at first to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Make sure to sleep with your head elevated, as this will further decrease your swelling. Drains will be removed within the first few days.

The first few weeks

At first, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Gentle walks outdoors are advisable, however, as they can boost your mood and circulation. Around day 4 or 5, your swelling will peak and then will gradually begin to decline. Within around 7-10 days, you can start wearing makeup and driving again.

The first month

After about 4 weeks, you can begin to return to your exercise routine if you are cleared to do so by Dr. Thompson. Your swelling and bruising will have greatly diminished, and you will enjoy a more attractive, youthful appearance. Dr. Thompson and his team in Denver, CO, will continue to provide ongoing support and guidance should you need it. 

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FAQs

Can a Deep Plane Facelift Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Will a Deep Plane Facelift Improve the Appearance of the Neck?

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Painful?

Can a Deep Plane Facelift Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes. Dr. Thompson often pairs a deep plane facelift with facial fat transfer to enhance volume and fullness. He can also perform a brow lift or blepharoplasty to refresh your forehead and eye area.

Will a Deep Plane Facelift Improve the Appearance of the Neck?

Repositioning and elevating the SMAS facial layer can positively impact the jawline and submental region. If needed, Dr. Thompson can combine your deep plane facelift with a deep neck lift for the ultimate anti-aging protocol.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Painful?

During surgery, you will sleep peacefully under general anesthesia and will not feel any pain or discomfort. After surgery, it is common to experience soreness and tenderness in the treatment areas. You can use ice to ease your swelling, and Dr. Thompson will prescribe narcotic painkillers to be taken during the first few days. After this, you can safely switch to over-the-counter pain medications.

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