Content

• General information
• 5 tips for a smooth facelift recovery
• What is a deep plane facelift?
• How does a deep plane facelift differ from a traditional facelift?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What to expect during the procedure
• Recovery and results

What is it?

Surely you know someone who feels that they have excess skin in the region of the cheeks, or that over time has felt that their face has lost elasticity and the skin hangs at jaw level or after losing weight, has noticed that the skin is now more flaccid than before.

Facial lifting helps to improve the appearance of skin that is "hanging" on the face, giving a more youthful appearance, and is usually performed together with other complementary treatments.

There are different techniques to perform a facelift. Dr. Vargas uses the Deep Plane facelift technique which means that all the facial and neck muscles are re positioned resulting in a more natural and youthful look.

Recovery time

3-4 weeks. During this period, a special bandage or chin strap is required, which wraps around the face and head, allowing the tissues to deflate more quickly. The post-operative diet does not require special modifications, except to avoid spicy or salty foods.

Regarding sleep position, patients who undergo a facelift are recommended to sleep on their backs for the first 2-3 weeks with 2 or 3 pillows to help reduce facial swelling.

It is important to note that after a facelift, the face may appear swollen, bruised, and with slight asymmetries for the first 3 weeks. This is completely normal and expected as part of the healing process, especially during the first week post-surgery. During the second week post-surgery, swelling begins to subside by approximately 50%, and bruising will still be visible. From the third week, swelling will be reduced by 70 to 80%, and bruising will almost completely disappear between this and the 4th week. From the 5th or 6th week, the bandage can be used only during the day and removed at night.

The scar requires special care such as:

• Preventing crust formation.
• Avoiding or protecting from sun exposure.
• Applying special creams or medications recommended by your surgeon to prevent the scar from becoming visible.

Stiches removal

5 days after surgery

Alternative or additional treatments

It is common to perform this surgery along with other procedures that help improve the aesthetics of the eyes such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), lip lift, and/or fat transfer in regions such as the cheekbones, cheeks, chin or even on the earlobes to give an overall rejuvenated look.

Other additional treatments that can be performed are peelings, botulinum toxin, or hyaluronic acid injection.

Candidates

Candidates for this type of procedure are usually men or women who have some laxity of the facial skin on the cheeks or cheekbones. There is no defined age to say that a patient is a candidate for this procedure since it does not depend on this but on the characteristics of the skin they have at the time of the assessment.

A facelift is a major surgery, but it can be a very effective way to rejuvenate your appearance. The recovery process can take several weeks, but by following these tips, you can help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery:

1. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This includes taking all of your medications as prescribed, avoiding strenuous activity, and keeping your head elevated.
2. Get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to heal, so it's important to get plenty of rest.      This means sleeping for 7-8 hours per night and taking naps during the day  if needed.
3. Ice your face. Applying ice to your face can help reduce swelling and bruising. You can use a cold compress or a bag of frozen peas.
4. Wear a compression garment.  Your doctor may recommend wearing a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support your skin.
5. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet will help your body heal and recover. Make sure to      eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

In addition to these tips, here are a few other things you can do to help your facelift recovery:

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. These substances can slow down the healing process.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, and clear broth.
• Keep your incisions clean and dry. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions.
• Don't lift anything heavy. This could put strain on your incisions and delay your recovery.

Go back to top.

A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure designed to address  signs of aging in the midface, lower face, and neck. Unlike traditional  facelifts, which primarily tighten the skin, the deep plane technique  goes deeper, repositioning the underlying muscles and connective  tissues. This approach not only provides a more natural-looking result  but also improves the longevity of the outcome.

The term "deep  plane" refers to the layer of tissue where the surgery is performed. By  working at this deeper level, the surgeon can lift and reposition the  structures that have sagged over time, restoring a more youthful contour  to the face.

Back to top

While both traditional and deep plane facelifts aim to rejuvenate the  face, there are key differences in their approach and results:

1. Depth of Intervention:
   
   • Traditional facelifts focus on tightening the skin and superficial layers of tissue.
   • Deep  plane facelifts target the deeper layers, including the SMAS  (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), which is responsible for facial  movement and support.

1. Natural-Looking Results:
   
   • Because  the deep plane technique repositions the underlying structures, it  avoids the "pulled" or "windblown" look that can sometimes occur with  traditional facelifts.
   • The results are often described as more natural and harmonious, with improved definition in the jawline, cheeks, and neck.

1. Longevity:
   
   • By  addressing the deeper layers of the face, a deep plane facelift tends  to last longer than traditional methods. Many patients enjoy their  results for 10–15 years or more.

1. Reduced Tension on the Skin:
   
   • Since  the deep plane technique lifts the muscles and tissues, there is less  tension on the skin itself. This reduces the risk of visible scarring  and promotes a smoother, more natural appearance.

Back to top

 The deep plane facelift is ideal for patients who:

• Have moderate to severe sagging in the midface, jowls, or neck.
• Want a more natural-looking result than what traditional facelifts can offer.
• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome.
• Are looking for long-lasting results and are willing to invest in a more complex procedure.

It’s  important to note that the deep plane facelift is not a  one-size-fits-all solution. During your consultation, I’ll evaluate your  facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to determine if this  procedure is right for you.

Back to top

The deep plane facelift is performed under general anesthesia or  intravenous sedation, depending on your preference and medical history.  Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Incisions:
   
   • Incisions  are typically made around the ears and hairline, similar to a  traditional facelift. However, the placement may vary depending on your  specific needs.

1. Repositioning Tissues:
   
   • The  surgeon lifts the skin and accesses the deeper layers of tissue,  including the SMAS. These structures are then repositioned to restore a  more youthful contour.

1. Redraping the Skin:
   
   • Once  the underlying tissues are lifted, the skin is redraped over the new  framework. Excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed with  sutures.

1. Recovery:
   
   • The procedure typically takes 3–4 hours, and most patients go home the same day. If you are traveling abroad, you have to spend the night at the hospital.

Back to top

Recovery from a deep plane facelift is similar to that of a  traditional facelift, though some patients may experience slightly more  swelling and bruising due to the deeper tissue manipulation. Here’s what  you can expect:

• Initial Recovery:
  
  • Swelling  and bruising are most noticeable in the first 1–2 weeks. Most patients  feel comfortable returning to light activities after 10–14 days.

• Final Results:
  
  • While  you’ll see noticeable improvements immediately, the final results will  emerge as the swelling subsides, typically within 3–6 months.

• Longevity:
  
  • With  proper care, the results of a deep plane facelift can last 10–15 years  or more, making it a worthwhile investment for many patients.

Back to top