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A facelift, known as a rhytidectomy or meloplasty, removes excess and descending skin from the middle and lower face and tightens the underlying tissues. It treats the cheeks, jowls, and jawline and may be combined with other cosmetic procedures.

Deep plane facelift surgery addresses the deeper facial structures by repositioning the deeper layers of facial muscles and tissues rather than just stretching the skin. Dr Richardson uses this surgical technique to address signs of facial ageing.

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift targets structures below the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System), also known as the “deep plane”, and through careful dissection of specific ligaments and tissue planes, allows repositioning of facial muscle, fat, and skin to strategically lift the soft tissue envelope of the face. This is different from other methods, which focus only on lifting the outermost layers of facial skin.

The deep plane approach targets the mid and lower face and addresses nasolabial folds (creases from the corners of the nose to the mouth) and jowls.

If you are considering facelift surgery, a consultation with Dr Richardson, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, is necessary to determine patient suitability. During your consultation, we will discuss your current health, medical history, and any medications you are currently taking. You will also have the chance to discuss your concerns and reasons for seeking surgery. Once we have discussed the relevant factors and the suitability of the patient, Dr Richardson will outline a surgical plan.

To help you attain your goals, Dr Richardson may suggest additional procedures, such as a neck lift (lower rhytidectomy), brow lift (browplasty), blepharoplasty eyelid surgery, facial fat grafting, skin resurfacing, or liposuction (lipoplasty), to assist you in attaining your aesthetic goals.

After your consultation, you should have a clear understanding of what deep plane facelift surgery entails.

The Procedure

Dr Richardson performs deep plane facelift surgery in an accredited hospital under general or with sedation anaesthesia. It may be performed as a day case, but typically, you will have an overnight stay. The surgery can take several hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether other adjunctive procedures, such as a neck lift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty, are performed.

Due to the personal nature of the surgery, the process may involve a number of techniques. Incisions are hidden in natural creases and contours at the side of the face in the hairline, along the edge of the front of the ear, up behind the ear, and along the posterior scalp hairline. If a neck lift is also performed, there will also be a small incision hidden beneath the chin. The procedure involves carefully elevating the skin and entering the deep plane to access the underlying muscles, ligaments, and fat compartments. These are released, tightened, and re-suspended, after which any excess skin or fat is repositioned or removed to achieve the desired result. The incisions are then closed precisely.

Other surgical procedures, including liposuction and facial fat grafting, or non-surgical treatments with LED (Healite), ultrasound or radiofrequency (RF) therapy, may be recommended to address other areas of concern.

Cost of Deep Plane Surgery

The fees associated with the surgery may vary depending on what is required to achieve your goals. For example, some procedures are more extensive than others, and patients may require additional treatments, which would increase the overall cost. Additionally, we need to take into account the anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, and the cost of medications and aftercare. If you have further questions regarding surgery fees, we can address them during your consultation. This way, your personal needs and goals are taken into account.

We will advise if you are eligible for an MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) Item number for the procedure. If so, Medicare and private health insurance may cover a portion of your total fee.

Your Personal Consultation

Request a Consultation

Your personal consultation is the first step to finding the right procedure for you. Dr Richardson is a highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon, dedicated to providing quality results and a positive patient experience.

Book your appointment to
  • Discuss your physical concerns and goals
  • Receive an outline of your surgical options
  • Get quality advice from a trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon
  • Receive a customised treatment plan
  • Meet Dr Richardson’s Patient Coordinator and team, who will support you throughout your journey

Aftercare

After deep plane facelift surgery, your head will be gently elevated, your face bandaged, and you may have a drainage tube on either side of your neck to remove excess fluid. Any discomfort is managed by prescribing regular medications. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you will spend one night in the hospital. It is important to organise for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home and for your support person to stay with you for at least the first 48 hours after you are discharged home.

You will receive specific aftercare instructions, which include:

  • Not flexing your neck forward
  • Taking regular prescribed pain medication
  • Wearing compression garments
  • Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet
  • Staying out of direct sunlight
  • Sleeping on your back and using extra pillows to elevate your head
  • Avoiding strenuous movements, exercise, bending, or heavy lifting
  • Avoiding smoking and alcohol, as this can slow the healing process
  • Contacting Dr Richardson’s Rooms if you have any concerns

You should expect some swelling and bruising after a deep plane facelift, which will settle after a few weeks. However, it is important to remember that patients heal differently, and some may need more time to recover than others.

As a guide, most patients can expect the following recovery after deep plane facelift surgery:

  • Initial discomfort: 1-2 weeks
  • Return to activity: 1 week
  • Return to work: 2-3 weeks
  • Post-op compression garments: 4 weeks
  • Return to travel: 6 weeks
  • Return to social functions: 6-8 weeks
  • Return to exercise: gentle walk for 1 week, gym after 6-8 weeks
  • Return to driving: 2-3 weeks. Patients must be fully alert, no longer taking any sedating medications, and be able to move freely without restriction.

Dr Richardson and his team will guide you further according to your specific circumstances.

Following a facelift, it is important to maintain the results you have achieved. This maintenance will include living a healthy lifestyle and not smoking, as well as regular skin care and sun protection with a high SPF.

Risks and Complications

Like every procedure, deep plane facelift surgery has risks. You should be aware of these to make a fully informed decision. Specific issues that can occur include:

  • Prolonged swelling, bruising and tightness
  • Bleeding and infection
  • Slow or poor healing
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Reactions to anaesthesia
  • Injury to underlying nerves
  • Minor facial asymmetry
  • Irregularities of contour or skin texture
  • Changes in skin colour
  • Further adjustment procedures

Following the aftercare instructions will help promote healing.

Deep Plane Facelift FAQ

Who is a suitable candidate for deep plane surgery?

How can I prepare for surgery?

How is a deep plane facelift different from other facelifts?

When can I return to work?

What do I need to know when preparing for surgery?