Deep Plane Facelifting (Facelift / Neck lift)

As our face ages, fat tissue atrophy occurs, followed by loosening and dropping of skin and subcutaneous
tissues. This results in the loss of natural face oval shape, sharp contours in the lower jaw, and the
occurrence of wrinkles and jowls. The most effective method for facial rejuvenation is a Facelift
(Rhytidectomy).

There are many methods of facelifting, such as:

• Short Scar Facelift
• SMAS Plication
• SMASectomy

In my surgical practice, I prefer the facelift method called Deep Plane Facelifting, which, in my opinion,
provides the most long-lasting rejuvenation results.

Deep-plane facelifting is an extension of the classic facelift method. In this method, a skin incision is
made and covered in the hair-covered scalp region and along the anterior and posterior ear margins. The
main goal of this surgical procedure is to undermine and advance the SMAS tissue layer and release the
fixating ligaments localized in the mandibular and zygomatic areas. As a result, facial and neck skin is
tightened, and the sharp lower face contours and the facial oval shape are restored. Excessive skin is
excised, and postoperative scars are well-hidden and barely visible. The obtained result is very natural and
allows rejuvenation of the facial look by 10-15 years.

In my practice, I perform facelift procedures with fat transfer (lipofilling) so the lost facial volume can be
restored and the best possible postoperative result can be achieved.

The surgery is conducted under the general anesthesia and usually takes 4-6 hours.

Facelift rejuvenates the lower and midface. Other surgical procedures can be performed under the same
anesthesia to provide the complex rejuvenation of the face. Examples of such procedures are:

• Neck lift and/or neck liposuction;
• Lip lift (Bull horn lip lift);
• Upper and/or lower eyelid surgery;
• Brow lift;
• Chin implant implantation.

The goal of the neck lift is to tighten the skin of the neck and submental region, providing sharp contours
of the neck-chin region (removal of the so-called Turkey neck). During the procedure, a small incision is
made under the chin in the submental area. Then, excess fat tissue is removed, and regional muscles are
tightened. Often, this surgery is conducted with liposuction of the submental area for better results.

Facelift is a very effective facial rejuvenating method. However, it should not be performed on every
patient. The best candidates for it are individuals with extensive loose skin, most commonly in their 50s’
and 60s’ who do not smoke cigarettes and have realistic expectations of rejuvenating facial appearance by
ten years (sometimes even more). The facelift has no maximum age limit, but the candidate must be in
good general health.

There is no straight answer to this question as the results depend on many factors such as genetic
predispositions, level of physical activity and lifestyle, chronic diseases, or weight status. The results are
commonly believed to last, on average, 10-15 years. One must note that plastic surgery can turn back the
biological aging clock, but it cannot stop it.

The scars are conceived in the hair-covered scalp area and along the ear edges. Those scars are hardly
noticeable over time.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The patient is usually discharged on the next day.
Sometimes, a suction drain is left in the wound for a few days to limit the risk of hematoma and extension
of swelling.

Postoperative pain ailments are mild and can be treated with OTC pain relievers. In the early
postoperative period (2-3 weeks), the face (including lips and eyelids) is swollen.

The compressive facemask is usually worn for 1-2 weeks after the procedure. The skin sutures are
typically removed on the 7th-10th day.

The final surgery result should be evaluated no earlier than 12 weeks after the surgery. This period is
necessary for the residual swelling to subside and the face skin to tighten even more.

Returning to professional and sports activity is usually possible 2-3 weeks after the wounds are healed and
most swelling is gone. Contact sports and all other activities bearing the risk of nose injury must be
avoided for at least 3 months.