Sagging facial tissues can be resuspended for a rejuvenated look with a deep plane facelift in Murietta. A deep plane facelift does not result in an overly “worked-on” look, because the procedure involves releasing the ligaments that cause sagging and creasing. This surgical procedure produces dramatic changes and natural-looking results to restore a youthful appearance.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

Our faces age in 3 different ways. They change with gravity (and sag down over time) they change with volume loss (where we lose fat, bone, and muscles throughout our face causing deflation) and they change with texture changes to the skin (caused by hereditary factors and sun exposure). A deep plane facelift works on fixing the gravitational changes caused over time as well as repositioning fat pads that have deflated and descended. A deep plane facelift provides an excellent option for facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Balikian has always used world-class facelift techniques to give natural-looking results. In addition to using his sub-SMAS facelift technique, Dr. Balikian now also offers a deep plane facelift for next-generation results.

Facelift techniques have changed much over time. Long ago surgeons would do skin-only facelifts where the skin was pulled, and the result was unnatural and scarred. Then, the facelift technique progressed to lifting the muscles with stitches and removing a little excess skin, however, these results did not last a long time. Because of these shortcomings Dr. Balikian and other master facelift surgeons evolved to use a sub-SMAS technique for maximum lift.

A sub-SMAS facelift uses small, well hidden, incisions around the ears to access the cheeks and neck muscles that have descended with gravity. In addition, it utilizes a small incision under the chin (completely hidden) to access the neck. Dr Balikian can then treat the excess fat and tissues of the neck, improving a “turkey waddle” as well as vertical banding. With sub-SMAS and deep plane techniques, Dr. Balikian can lift the tissues that have fallen with gravity and secure them back where they were ten years ago. Once the architecture of the face is lifted back, the excess skin can be removed without excess tension. The result is a natural lift, that sharpens the neckline, the jawline, and the marionette lines.

HOW THE DEEP PLANE FACELIFT IS DIFFERENT

The Deep plane facelift can be thought of as an extension of the sub-SMAS facelift. It differs from a SMAS facelift in that the skin and deeper tissues are lifted as one unit. This allows for more aggressive lifting and flattening of the jowls, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds. In addition, the structures and ligaments that are holding the tissues down are released which allows for the more significant lifting of the cheek fat that has descended with gravity. The result is a natural lift, that sharpens and extends the neckline, sharpens the jawline, the marionette lines, and the nasolabial folds, and lifts the cheeks at the same time. It is an advanced technique performed by only very few plastic surgeons with the expertise and training required for a next-level result.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift Right for Me?

Ideal candidates for a deep plane facelift are individuals in good overall health. Since this is an invasive surgery, it is important that patients have no underlying bleeding-related health problems that may hinder proper healing. Non-smokers are best suited to undergo this surgical facial procedure. If you have a history of keloid scarring, you may not be a good candidate for deep plane facelift surgery.

Your Consultation

When you come in for a consultation, a physical examination will be performed. Your medical history will be reviewed, including pre-existing medical conditions, current medications and supplements, and past surgical interventions. Your motivations and expected results will be discussed to develop the best possible treatment plan.

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift Like?

To prioritize patient comfort during the surgery, general anesthesia will be administered, as the process can take several hours to complete. Incisions will be made by the ears and along the hairline, where they will be naturally camouflaged. To achieve the expected outcome, the deeper layers of the facial tissue will be adjusted and ligaments will be released.

Additional techniques may be performed such as liposuction or tissue grafts depending on the patient’s concerns.

What Is Recovery Like?

The recovery period after a deep plane facelift surgery can take a few weeks. You will be advised to wear a compression garment for a week. Bruising, pain, and swelling are normally experienced. To alleviate the discomfort, medications will be prescribed. Jaw and neck movement should be limited to facilitate faster healing.

You may be able to return to work after two weeks. You may engage in light activities in three weeks, and strenuous exercises need to wait until six weeks post-surgery.

Learn More

How Much Does a Deep Plane Facelift Costs?

The cost of a Deep Plane Facelift will depend on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, type of technique performed, surgical complications, and even allergies. Find out more by scheduling a consultation.

Other Procedures to consider with a Deep Plane Facelift

Our faces age in three different ways: Gravity, Volume Loss, and Texture changes/wrinkles. A facelift best treats gravity changes as we are lifting tissues that have fallen. A facelift alone does not fill areas that have lost volume or smooth out deep wrinkles. Therefore, other procedures are often combined with the facelift to get the most balanced, beautiful result.

Facial Fat Transfer

As we age, our face also ages like a grape turning into a raisin. Volume is lost, and unwanted folds and creases develop. Although a facelift will lift some tissues into place and help fill in those spots, often more volume is needed. Facial fat transfer allows Dr. Balikian to replace your volume loss, with your fat from other parts of your body, such as stubborn belly fat. Combining fat transfer with a facelift allows Dr. Balikian to tap into his artistry to complete the picture of a pretty face. He often says a facelift rejuvenates, while the fat adds the beauty. Contact Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule and appointment!

Blepharoplasty

If you suffer from droopy skin around the eyelids that causes you to look much older and tired while also limiting your vision, then you may be a good fit for blepharoplasty. The best candidates for blepharoplasty should be in good physical health, be ready to follow any pre-operative instructions given, and have realistic expectations. We will help determine your candidacy for the procedure during your consultation.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Often wrinkles of the face are deep and stubborn. A properly performed facelift can help smooth some wrinkles out by removing excess skin, it will not eliminate deeper wrinkles. In this situation, Dr. Balikian often recommends a CO2 laser resurfacing at the same time as surgery. Through this heat stamp, the top layer of skin will be resurfaced, and the deeper layers will be contracted. Collagen formation will begin, and the deepest wrinkles will be improved. Just like refurbishing a damaged piece of furniture with medium sandpaper, the overall result will look better, but the deepest dings will remain to some extent.

Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS

Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Artistry. Excellence. Compassion

Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Balikian is an experienced, double board-certified, facial plastic surgeon. He is double board-certified both in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Balikian belongs to a very select group of elite cosmetic surgeons with at least six years of specialized surgical training exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck.

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Contact Our Office

Dr. Balikian is a highly skilled, double board-certified plastic surgeon who proudly serves Temecula Valley and San Diego. If you are interested in learning more about the facelift, do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Balikian will happily guide you through the entire process and address any questions or concerns you have along the way.

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I felt well prepared prior to surgery and excited.

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I always planned to have a facelift but was really apprehensive about scars and the ‘Joker face’ look, but when I saw the lower facelift/neck lift results on another of his patients, I was finally ready. Dr. Balikian and his staff answered all my questions and I felt well prepared prior to surgery and excited. […] I’m only 12 days post-op and have no visible suture lines. My saggy neck skin and jowls are gone! I just look refreshed and younger, far from the ‘Joker face’ look I was afraid of. I’m really happy with my results and I will recommend Dr. Balikian without hesitation.