Deep Plane Facelift Bellevue & Kirkland
Procedure Time 2 to 5 hours
Recovery Time 1 week
$219 20 Units with Surgeon/Injector
$299 30 Units with Surgeon/Injector
Aging is an inevitability. There is no true way to stop wrinkle formation or the loss of production. Modern science and technology can help us slow down how quickly we show our age. Whether it be through injections such as Botox, skin rejuvenation like microneedling, or even at-home skincare, there are several ways to prolong the aging process. The goal is not to change how you look, but to restore what time has taken in the most natural way possible. When non-surgical methods are no longer enough, facelift surgery may become an option. One of the most effective facelift techniques is known as a deep plane facelift. Dr. Ludwig Allegra at Northwest Face & Body, a cosmetic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in advanced facelift techniques, performs the best deep plane facelift Bellevue and Kirkland offers. His contributions to plastic and general surgery has earned him national and international recognition. He has been featured on national TV (the Rosanne Show), as well as print media worldwide.
What Is Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?
When facelifts began more commonly performed in the mid-to-late 20th century, surgeons largely only tightened the skin of their patients. This led to the windswept look often associated with bad facelifts. However, facelifts evolved to also tighten the underlying muscles. This became known as a SMAS facelift and part of the standard facelift. SMAS facelifts do look more natural than their predecessors.
However, the exact technique for lifting the SMAS has begun to vary in the latest evolution of the facelift. This is what differentiates the SMAS technique from a deep plane facelift. Still, for most patients in the United States, SMAS facelifts are the most commonly performed, but the deep plane technique will likely start to become the standard. In this modern approach to facelift, the surgeon lifts the face as a single unit rather than separating layers.
What Is The SMAS?
SMAS stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system and is a fibrous network of tissue that connects the facial muscles to the skin. When lifting the SMAS, there are two primary techniques.
First, during a traditional SMAS facelift, the skin and SMAS layer are separated. This allows the surgeon to tighten each portion separately. This can and does look natural in most circumstances and tends to age well. Thus, why the technique has been the standard for facelift surgery for several years.
The Deep Plane Facelift Technique
The second technique is the one used during a deep plane facelift. In this technique, the surgeon does not separate the skin and SMAS. Instead, they lift them and remove excess tissue together. Many believe that a deep plane lift looks more natural since the connections between them are not completely severed.
Benefits & Risks of Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift surgery comes with many benefits for patients wanting to address skin sagging and loss of laxity. Among some of the benefits that patients may enough following a deep plane facelift include:
Structural Improvements
- Tightening of skin and underlying muscles
- Repositioning of descended fat pads
- Possible correction from the neck through the midface
- Correction of loose, saggy skin
- Increases support for aging facial structures
- Reduces surgical trauma by lifting skin and muscle as one
Aesthetic Improvements
- Extra skin removal
- Improved appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Can help reduce the appearance of smile lines and nasolabial folds
- Younger-looking facial profile
- Overall more youthful appearance
- Tends to provide more natural-looking results
Longevity and Safety Advantages
- Longest-lasting results (on average) of any facelift surgery
- No extended incisions; uses traditional facelift incisions
- Reduces risk of future revision surgery
- Performed by a plastic surgeon with decades of experience in facelifts and facial plastic surgery
The risks of a deep plane facelift procedure are generally considered low and minimal. However, like any surgery, there are inherent risks. For most healthy patients who are good candidates, significant complications are extremely unlikely. However, it is still important to know and understand them. Dr. Allegra will also evaluate the risks with your health history and profile as this can affect the likelihood of developing complications. The risks of a deep plane facelift may include:
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Visible or raised scarring
- Fluid collection
- Skin necrosis
- Prolonged bruising and swelling
- Nerve damage
- Blood clots
- Complications associated with general anesthesia
Overall, most patients have a low risk of significant complications. However, patients who smoke or have certain major diseases may be at a higher risk of complications. Dr. Allegra will evaluate and discuss this with you at your consultation.
The Deep Plane Facelift Procedure
The deep plane facelift is a carefully planned surgical procedure designed to address deeper facial aging while maintaining natural results. The procedure typically involves:
- Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort throughout surgery.
- Incision placement: Incisions are placed discreetly along the natural creases around the ears and within the hairline to help conceal scars.
- Muscle and tissue repositioning: Instead of only tightening the skin, the surgeon gently lifts and repositions deeper facial muscles and connective tissues to restore natural structure and support.
- Fat pad adjustment (if needed): Descended fat pads may be repositioned to improve facial contours and soften deep folds.
- Approximate procedure time: A deep plane facelift typically takes several hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether additional procedures are performed.
Deep Plane Facelift vs. Other Facelift Options
Not all facelift techniques address aging in the same way. The most suitable option for an individual depends on the degree of facial aging, skin quality, and personal goals.
- Deep Plane Facelift: This is the most comprehensive facelift option. It addresses deeper facial structures, repositions muscles and fat pads, and provides long-lasting, natural-looking results. It is often recommended for patients with more advanced signs of aging.
- SMAS Facelift: A SMAS facelift focuses on tightening the superficial muscle layer beneath the skin. It can improve moderate aging but does not reposition deeper tissues to the same extent as a deep plane facelift.
- Mini Facelift: A mini facelift targets mild to early signs of aging, usually in the lower face and jawline. It involves shorter incisions and a quicker recovery but offers more limited correction.
While a deep plane facelift offers well-rounded rejuvenation for advanced aging, SMAS and mini facelifts may be appropriate for some patients with earlier or less extensive concerns.
Deep Plane Facelift For Men vs. Women
Men and women can both undergo a deep plane facelift. While facelifts are more associated with women, the number of men seeking out facelifts and plastic surgery, in general, is increasing. While technically the same procedure, Dr. Allegra does slightly alter the surgical techniques because men and women have certain different anatomical structures and features that warrant slight deviations to ensure a good result for both. The table below details some of the possible differences between a deep plane facelift for men versus women.
Women
- Consistent incision location (in front of and behind the ear)
- Weaker facial structures which make tightening without over-correcting easier
- Aim to maintain/restore a soft overall face shape
- May focus equally on the lower face, neck, and midface
- Can benefit from skin-only facelifts in certain situations
- Follow averages for recovery time and side effects
Men
- Incision location may vary to avoid disrupting facial hair
- Tightening must be done carefully to avoid over-correcting due to stronger facial structures
- Aim to maintain/restore strong and sharp facial structures
- Less focus on the midface (for most facelifts)
- Unlikely to benefit from a skin-only facelift
- May experience longer lasting side effects
Every facelift is different. Some women with naturally sharp features may not want the softer results. Additionally, some men may be able to benefit from traditional facelift incisions without alteration. Dr. Allegra will examine your unique facial features and structures to determine the ideal facelift surgery for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get A Deep Plane Facelift If I Have Medical Conditions?
It depends. In most cases, yes, medical conditions that as well managed often pose little extra risk that will stop you from having surgery. However, certain medical conditions such as blood disorders, immune-suppressing disorders (or those that require you to take immune-suppressing medications), untreated or severe diabetes, a history of deep vein thrombosis, or significant heart conditions may complicate your candidacy. A lot of conditions that can be managed well do not automatically disqualify patients. Dr. Allegra evaluates each patient as an individual and holistically to determine if they are a good deep plane facelift surgery candidate.
What Is The Healing Process Like?
Healing from a deep plane facelift is generally found to be fairly easy when compared to other major surgeries. Patients typically take about one week off of work and cease using prescription pain medication after two to three days. Many patients can get up and be fairly functional after three days or so, but this will vary based on medical history and the specifics of the surgery.
Side effects are expected and usually not severe. Side effects may include:
- Post-operative pain or discomfort
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Itchiness
- Redness
Patients can use cold compresses or ice to help with swelling in the first two days following surgery. Though, most side effects are fairly mild and resolve within two weeks. From there, patients tend to return to work between five and ten days following surgery. Dr. Allegra will clear you to return to work during one of your post-operative appointments.
Here’s a simple recovery timeline patients may expect:
- First few days: Rest is important. Patients commonly see mild swelling, bruising, and tightness and discomfort is mostly manageable. Light movement around the house may be recommended by your surgeon.
- End of week one: Swelling and bruising continue to improve. Many patients feel comfortable returning to desk work or light duties, depending on how they feel and their surgeon’s guidance.
- Weeks two and beyond: Most visible swelling has resolved, energy levels improve, and patients gradually return to normal routines as healing continues and results become more apparent.
What Causes Facial Aging & How Can I Prevent It?
Facial aging has several contributing factors. First, the body starts to produce less collagen as you get older which means it may begin to show signs of aging such as wrinkles and hollowing. Additionally, environmental factors such as sun damage, air pollution, and free radicals can all speed up the process of aging. Finally, not taking care of your skin and smoking can cause premature aging.
While there is no surefire to completely stop or prevent aging, there are several ways to promote more graceful aging. Some of the ways to slow and prevent aging include:
- Do not smoke
- Limit alcohol intake
- Cleanse and moisturize your skin
- Stay hydrated
- Consider Botox injections
- Always wear SPF, even in the winter months
- Consider retinol and/or specialized anti-aging skincare
How Many Years Younger Can A Deep Plane Facelift Make You Look?
It depends on the patient’s starting anatomy. On average, patients tend to look ten to fifteen years younger following a deep plane facelift. However, for people with more advanced aging or correction necessary, they may expect a result somewhere closer to seven to ten years younger.
Once Dr. Allegra can examine your anatomy and understand your goals, he will be able to provide a more accurate idea of what you can expect from deep plane facelift results.
How Long Do Deep Plane Facelift Results Last?
Deep plane facelift results often last a long time. Patients may even see improvements for 10 years or more. However it depends on individual anatomy, lifestyle, and skincare. This type of facelift works on deeper parts of the face instead of just pulling the skin tight, so the results usually look more natural as time goes on. Even though aging still happens, most people continue to look more refreshed and younger for many years after surgery, especially if they take good care of their skin and overall health.
Is a Deep Plane Facelift Painful?
A deep plane facelift is performed under anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, some discomfort is normal, but it is usually mild to moderate and well controlled with prescribed medication. Most patients report that discomfort improves significantly within the first few days, and many no longer need prescription pain relief after two to three days as healing progresses.
Will I Have Visible Scars?
Deep plane facelift incisions are carefully placed in natural skin creases and along the hairline, where they are well hidden and difficult to notice once healed. These locations allow the surgeon to conceal scars around the ears and within the hair-bearing areas of the scalp. While scars are part of any surgical procedure, they typically fade gradually over time, becoming much less noticeable as healing continues. For most patients, scars soften and blend naturally within several months, especially with proper aftercare and sun protection.
The Best Deep Plane Facelift In Bellevue With Dr. Ludwig Allegra
Northwest Face & Body is a top-rated plastic surgery practice in Kirkland, Washington. Having served the Eastside for over three decades, it is conveniently located minutes away from downtown Bellevue and Kirkland. Our Medicare-certified surgical center meets the highest standards and takes advantage of the newest technology. Northwest Face & Body’s facility allows them to provide the best deep plane facelift Bellevue and Kirkland offers.
Dr. Ludwig Allegra is a board-certified surgeon who bridges the gap between aesthetics and medicine. Not only is Dr. Allegra a talented and capable plastic surgeon, but he is also an Ear, Nose, & Throat specialist who has performed many sinus surgeries. Thus, he has extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and aesthetics. He utilizes this knowledge and skill as one of the best Bellevue plastic surgeons.
To schedule a consultation at Northwest Face & Body, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also connect with us online via our contact page, Price Simulator, or chat.