Is a Deep Plane Facelift Painful?

Deep plane facelifts aren’t painful because anesthesia is always administered beforehand. Anesthesia prevents pain and discomfort for the duration of the procedure. Once the procedure is complete and the anesthesia has fully worn off, patients typically feel a degree of tightness and discomfort for the first few days. Pain-control medication will be prescribed and should be taken as directed. After this time, pain decreases, allowing patients to switch to over-the-counter pain medication.

How Soon Can I Travel After a Deep Plane Facelift?

Typically, deep plane facelift patients can fly again in 7 to 10 days. International flights can require more recovery time beforehand, usually around two weeks. This ensures that bruising fades before it can be exacerbated by the air-pressure changes involved in air travel.

How Long Until I See Results After My Deep Plane Facelift?

You’ll be able to see your initial deep plane facelift results once you’ve removed your bandages. However, due to post-surgical swelling and bruising, these results will not reflect your final appearance. Swelling and bruising will decrease over time, gradually revealing your final results. After all swelling has subsided (usually 4-6 months after the procedure), your final deep plane facelift results will be even more apparent.

Beverly Hills, CA

Deep Plane Facelift

Introduction to the Deep Plane Facelift

Beverly Hills and Los Angeles-area patients seeking longer-lasting, incredibly natural-looking facelift results may be interested in a deep-plane facelift. When performed by expert board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie, this specialized technique delivers enviable rejuvenation of the face, neck, and jawline.

A smiling woman with closed eyes gently touches her face, expressing contentment, set against a blurred background. - Stem Cell Face Lift in West Hollywood, CA

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift is an advanced facelift technique that allows plastic surgeons to lift from deeper in the facial tissues than other techniques. While the SMAS facelift elevates from the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, the deep plane facelift elevates from beneath the SMAS as well.

Generally, the deeper the lift, the more natural-looking and longer-lasting the results. Lifting the layers above the deep plane as a single unit also avoids the need to separate any of these layers, thereby reducing tissue trauma.

Before the lift, key ligaments in the cheek, neck, and jaw are released to reduce tension. The cheek fat pads are elevated, and drooping skin is lifted.

As a result, signs of facial aging in the midface and lower face are greatly reduced. These include drooping facial skin and deep wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Age signs on the chin, neck, and jawline are eased away, restoring a more youthful appearance.

Extended Deep Plane Facelift

The extended deep plane facelift is a state-of-the-art procedure that most plastic surgeons are unable to perform. Along with revitalizing the face, it enhances neck and jawline definition more effectively than all other facelift variations. This makes it an especially good option for patients who want to address a turkey-wattle neck.

This variation on the deep plane facelift involves releasing all major retaining facial ligaments, including masseteric, cervical, and zygomatic ligaments. The traditional deep plane facelift only releases zygomatic ligaments. Releasing all of these ligaments allows for enhanced lifting of the SMAS and the platysma muscles in the jaw and neck. Lifting the platysma muscles also elevates sagging submandibular glands.

The extended deep plane facelift focuses on wider, deeper tissue dissection to treat pronounced neck banding and sagging. The traditional method dissects four to five centimeters, whereas the extended method dissects a full seven to nine centimeters. The wider dissection allows the extended deep plane facelift also to address the sides of the neck.

Stylish woman in a white blouse with light curls, gazing off to the side in warm indoor lighting - Revision Rhinoplasty in West Hollywood, CA

Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation

Before a date can be set for your deep plane facelift at our Los Angeles Clinic, you’ll need to arrange a consultation with Dr. Motykie. During your consultation, the following will occur:

You will go over your aesthetic goals in great detail, helping Dr. Motykie fully understand your needs for the deep plane facelift.
Dr. Motykie will ask questions about your medical history, including current medications and supplements, underlying health conditions, allergies, and past procedures.
He will perform a facial examination, evaluating factors like skin elasticity and thickness.
Dr. Motykie will discuss the details of your deep plane facelift, going over every step.
The two of you will discuss any additional procedures that could complement your deep plane facelift.
He will give you instructions regarding preparation and aftercare.
A date will be chosen for your deep plane facelift operation.

The Deep Plane Facelift: What to Expect

Deep plane facelift surgery requires around four hours to perform. It can be performed under either general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation.

Once anesthesia has been administered and has taken effect, Dr. Motykie will make precise incisions near the ears. These will be meticulously camouflaged to prevent prominent post-surgical marks.

Dr. Motykie will use surgical instruments to release various neck, cheek, and jaw ligaments and lift the facial tissues from the deep plane. He will then trim excess facial skin, ensuring firmer and more youthful-looking facial contours. Finally, he will close all incisions with sutures, apply dressings, and insert drains.

Can I Combine a Deep Plane Facelift with Other Procedures?

For patients in Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles area, Dr. Motykie regularly combines deep plane facelifts with a number of other facial plastic surgery procedures, including brow lifts, facial fat grafting, rhinoplasty and Nanofat stamping.

Brow Lift

Pairing a brow lift with a deep-plane facelift ensures comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The deep plane facelift addresses the middle and lower third of the face, while the brow lift focuses on the upper third, reducing wrinkles and excess skin on the forehead.

Facial Fat Grafting

Rhinoplasty

Nanofat Stamping

The Deep Plane Facelift Healing Process

Once the patient’s deep plane facelift is completed and they have been cleared to return home, they will be driven home by a friend or a family member. They will then rest and recover, giving their tissues time to heal.

Because the deep plane facelift does not involve separating the SMAS layer from the skin layers, trauma is reduced. This makes deep plane facelift recovery more comfortable for patients than SMAS facelift recovery.

Patients will need to take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, along with prescribed pain-control medication to reduce pain and discomfort. Additionally, patients must keep their head elevated at all times, including overnight, to minimize post-surgical bruising and swelling. Applying ice packs as directed can also encourage reduction of these issues.

During deep plane facelift recovery, patients must stay home from work to recover. Typically, patients will need to take around ten to fourteen days off. Additionally, they will need to avoid physically strenuous activities, such as extreme exercise and sports, for about 4 weeks.

Patients must attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Motykie during their recovery process. These appointments allow Dr. Motykie to remove drains and stitches, evaluate the incisions’ healing progress, and address any complications. He will also clear you to resume various activities when safe to do so.

What Is the Cost of a Deep Plane Facelift in Beverly Hills, CA?

The total cost of a deep plane facelift in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the greater Los Angeles area is determined based on the specific details of each patient’s case. Factors that can affect the price of the procedure include the total time needed to perform the surgery and anesthesia fees. Cost may also be impacted by the surgical techniques utilized.

Why Choose Dr. Motykie?

If you’re searching for the ideal plastic surgeon for your deep plane facelift in Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles area, visit board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie in West Hollywood. Dr. Motykie is a highly respected expert in facelifts and facial rejuvenation. As a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Los Angeles Society of Plastic Surgeons (LASPS), the International College of Surgeons (ICS), the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS), the International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ICOPLAST), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), his decades of plastic surgery experience and stunning facelift results speak for themselves.

Dr. Motykie has received several awards for his work in the field of plastic surgery. For many years, he has been honored as a Top Doctor in Plastic Surgery by Castle Connolly, as one of America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 1%, 5% & 10% by the American Registry, and as one of America’s Best Physicians by the National Consumer Advisory Board.

Your Deep Plane Facelift Journey with Dr. GARY MOTYKIE

Take the First Step

Dr. Motykie focuses on achieving a natural, youthful balance in facial rejuvenation. During your first visit, he’ll evaluate your facial features and discuss your goals, so come with questions and any images that inspire you.

His surgical consultant will cover costs and financing options after your visit, helping you plan for your procedure.

The deep plane facelift is a technique that takes years to master. Patients in Beverly Hills, greater Los Angeles area and all around the world should visit Dr. Motykie, an expert in this specialized technique, to find out more about its many benefits. Take the first step—call (310) 246-2355 to schedule a personalized consultation at his West Hollywood, CA, clinic.

Deep Plane Facelift FAQ’S

Deep plane facelifts aren’t painful because anesthesia is always administered beforehand. Anesthesia prevents pain and discomfort for the duration of the procedure.

Once the procedure is complete and the anesthesia has fully worn off, patients typically feel a degree of tightness and discomfort for the first few days. Pain-control medication will be prescribed and should be taken as directed. After this time, pain decreases, allowing patients to switch to over-the-counter pain medication.
You’ll be able to see your initial deep plane facelift results once you’ve removed your bandages. However, due to post-surgical swelling and bruising, these results will not reflect your final appearance.

Swelling and bruising will decrease over time, gradually revealing your final results. After all swelling has subsided (usually 4-6 months after the procedure), your final deep plane facelift results will be even more apparent.

Book Your Personalized Appointment Today

Schedule a Consultation

Getting ready for your Deep Plane Facelift consultation at Dr. Gary Motykie’s practice in West Hollywood, CA, is a big step toward looking and feeling your best! You can easily book your appointment through our website or give us a call at (310) 246-2355. If you’d rather chat from home, they offer virtual consultations, too.

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