As a step beyond a traditional or standard facelift (rhytidectomy or meloplasty) procedure, a deep plane facelift addresses the deeper tissues of the face, which can give more structural support to the changes that are made.
Generally speaking, a deep plane facelift offers the most long-lasting results compared to other facelift techniques. However, some aspects of the procedure are important to understand before deciding to proceed.
In this blog, we’ll look at the kinds of changes this type of facelift can achieve, what typically affects the longevity of results, and what to expect in the much longer term after the procedure.
Why do the results of a deep plane facelift last longer?
Unlike more superficial techniques that focus on the surface layers of the face, a deep plane facelift involves repositioning deeper structures, which is why the results tend to last longer.
The deep plane technique works on the deeper layer of tissue. Instead of pulling or tightening the skin by itself, this approach repositions the underlying support structures of the face. That said, this doesn’t mean the results are permanent, or that ageing stops altogether, but that the structural changes that happen during this kind of facelift tend to contribute to the longevity of the results.
Most patients can expect their results to hold up for somewhere between 10 to 15 years, although this is a general timeframe. Some might notice patients a gradual return of skin laxity earlier, while others may still feel happy with the way their results are holding up well beyond that 10-year point.
With this technique, Dr Rastogi avoids overly tight or stretched results, and because the deeper layers are what’s being repositioned, there’s less tension on the skin, which can also help to maintain the quality of the results over the years.
Why aren’t facelift results considered permanent?
The ageing process won’t stop after a facelift surgery, so over the course of the next decade or so after your facelift, the face will continue to change. However, a facelift – especially a deep plane facelift – will still affect the speed of the overall ageing process, so it becomes less noticeable.
When it comes to the natural ageing process, the facial skin will still continue to lose collagen and elasticity over time. Bone resorption, soft tissue thinning, and changes in fat volume will all continue, which means the face may start to show signs of ageing again in different ways, or in areas that weren’t previously affected. For example, someone might have had a deep plane facelift that addressed the lower face and jawline, but notice more changes under the eyes or around the temples years later.
Essentially, while the surgical changes made during the procedure are technically permanent changes, the aesthetics of the results can’t be promised as permanent, because the facial tissue will still naturally change over time.
What can affect how long deep plane facelift results last?
A few different factors can influence how long the results from a deep plane facelift will last.
The first factor may be the patient’s age at the time of undergoing the surgery. Someone who has the procedure in their late 40s or early 50s may have better skin elasticity and more collagen to begin with, which can mean longer-lasting results compared to someone who has surgery later in life, when tissues may be less firm.
Lifestyle habits can also make a difference. Things like long-term sun exposure, smoking, or significant fluctuations in weight can all impact the skin’s condition and influence how the face continues to change after surgery. Similarly, genetics can also influence the results – some people may naturally retain structure and volume for longer, while others might notice changes earlier. Maintaining a good skincare routine can help to prolong the quality of the results to some extent.
Sometimes, patients consider undergoing a second facelift to extend their results or having other treatments that can help to support their results in the future.
Having a second facelift, other surgical procedures or other skin treatments in the future
For many patients, one deep plane facelift is enough to see long-lasting results. Others, however, may consider having what is sometimes referred to as a revision facelift procedure.
There’s no exact timeline for when this could be, but it may generally be after about 10 to 15 years, especially if there has been a significant change in the results.
It’s also common for people to have smaller, more focused surgeries in the years after their initial facelift surgery, rather than going for a second full facelift. For example, some patients might choose to undergo a more focused procedure to focus on a certain area, such as on the neck or around the eyes, depending on how their face has continued to change. These decisions usually depend on the individual’s anatomy, their original result, and their personal preferences over time.
Some skin treatments are also available that can help promote collagen and elastin production, which can help with tissue tightening. Treatments can range from minimally invasive (like micro needling or collagen induction therapy) to non-invasive (like ultrasound or radiofrequency (RF) based treatments).
Dr Rastogi: Deep Plane Facelift (Rhytidectomy) in Double Bay, Sydney
If you’re thinking about having a type of facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure, such as a deep plane facelift, it’s essential to discuss your personal needs with a doctor to get personalised advice.
Available for consultations in Double Bay, Sydney, Dr Rastogi will be able to assess your facial anatomy and talk through how your face might age over time, as well as what you could expect from the procedure based on your unique features. You will have a personalised surgery plan that will consider your features and personal expectations.
To organise a consultation with Dr Rastogi, please get in touch with our team.
