Your self-esteem can take a hit when you don’t look as young as you feel. Although aging is unavoidable, aging beautifully is not only a possibility; it’s a probability – as long as you have the Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery team on your side. Keep reading to check out your guide to the deep-plane facelift procedure and how it can help you feel your most beautiful.
All About a Deep-Plane Facelift
Facelifts are designed to reposition facial tissues and give patients a more youthful appearance. Not all facelifts are the same, and Dr. Chernoff’s deep-plane facelift stands out as a natural-looking and lasting procedure compared to traditional facelifts.
Traditional Facelift
The traditional facelift procedure, known as a SMAS facelift, targets two layers of tissue: the dermis (skin) and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (the layer that connects the facial muscles to the skin). In general, this surgical cosmetic procedure smooths wrinkles by pulling folds in the tissue up and back, as well as removing extra tissue or fat deposits beneath the surface.
Deep-Plane Facelift: A deep-plane facelift, on the other hand, takes the procedure a layer deeper by targeting three layers of tissue: the dermis, the SMAS, and the facial muscles beneath. A deep plane facelift provides more comprehensive, longer-lasting results by repositioning these three layers simultaneously (especially the highly active facial muscles responsible for facial expressions).
Training & Expertise Required
Not all surgeons are trained and able to perform deep-plane facelifts. Dr. Chernoff is one of the very few plastic surgeons who perform deep-plane facelifts utilizing muscle repositioning and ligament release. Dr. Chernoff’s specialized head and neck surgical and reconstructive education provides him with the training required to perform this technique. Additionally, Dr. Chernoff’s Deep-Plane Facelift also addresses the jowls and neck. His procedure is called a Customized Deep-Plane Face and Neck Lift.
Who is a good candidate?
The first step to a successful deep-plane facelift procedure is meeting with our Patient Coordinators to discuss the procedure in detail and have photos taken for computer imaging. Next, you will meet with Dr. Chernoff to discuss whether the procedure is right for you. All facelifts are minimally invasive surgical procedures. Ensuring you are a good candidate for surgery is key, and these factors will help us determine your eligibility.
Your Goals: Depending on the outcome you’re looking for, a deep-plane facelift may be the best option for you. Dr. Chernoff only performs deep-plane facelifts, as this is the ultimate option for the most natural results. If you have loose skin around your jawline, fat under your chin and extra skin along your neck, Dr. Chernoff will likely recommend a combination deep-plane face and neck lift. Additionally, he may discuss options like FaceTite and Ellevate to add jawline contouring or MicroNeedle RF to improve skin elasticity.
Your Health: In general, a patient must be in good health to have any surgical procedure offered at our office. Genetics, weight gain and loss, and other lifestyle factors also determine when the time is right for your facelift.
Your Skin’s Elasticity: Dr. Chernoff will also assess your skin’s elasticity to give you a sense of how much change can be supported by your natural tissues. Although facelifts target the gravitational changes of all soft tissues of the face, skin elasticity is one factor that can predict the quality of the outcome. Our office offers multiple non-surgical options to improve skin elasticity, and many patients will start with these treatments to prepare their skin for the surgical procedure.
Your Commitment: Finally, good candidates for a deep-plane facelift are committed to the process and their recovery. They’re willing to follow Dr. Chernoff’s post-op instructions so their skin heals properly and they get the most out of their results.
Remember: If you’re worried about fine lines and wrinkles, a deep-plane facelift might not be the right choice for you. This surgery works on a broader scale to address loose and sagging tissues rather than the small lines, wrinkles, or imperfections in the skin. Be sure to communicate your desired results with your patient coordinator, nurse, and Dr. Chernoff during your consultations so that our team can find the right solution for your needs.
Recovery
The deep-plane facelift is considered a minimally invasive procedure, but recovery is different for each person. On average, you will need seven to 10 days for the initial recovery period. After this period, the remaining healing time can vary from person to person. While healing, you may experience numbness, swelling, or bruising, but this is a normal and temporary part of the recovery process.
You should spend the first few days following your doctor’s instructions, using ice to reduce inflammation and elevate your head. The best way to speed up recovery is to relax and focus on caring for yourself.
Age Gracefully with the Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery Team
Everyone’s appearance changes as they age, but aging gracefully and beautifully is easy with the Chernoff team on your side. Dr. Greg Chernoff, MD, is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial procedures, so you can rest assured that his expertise will guide and inform your transformational journey from start to finish. If you’re interested in getting a deep-plane facelift, schedule a consultation in Santa Rosa today!
