Deep Plane Facelift Scars: What To Expect

What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

The face is made up of several layers or planes, including the skin, fascia, fat, muscle, and ligaments. These components and structures all play a part in the degree of facial aging. The deep plane facelift technique targets the underlying muscles and fascia in the face, which play a vital role in facial expression and movement.

Unlike superficial skin adjustments that may lead to an overly tightened appearance, this procedure involves modifying the deeper structures, including ligaments that contribute to skin and muscle laxity and hollow areas. Through manipulation of the muscles and fascia beneath the surface, the deep plane facelift can effectively address various concerns, resulting in a refreshed and authentic look.

What is the extent of Deep Plane Facelift scars?

Any time an incision is made during cosmetic surgery, there is a chance of scarring. With that in mind, there are a few ways that prominent deep plane facelift scars can be reduced.

The first factor that contributes to the visibility of scarring is the nature of the procedure. One of the unique benefits of a deep plane facelift is that the tension is placed in the underlying tissue, not in the skin. Because the skin is not being pulled when incisions are closed, this prevents nearly any chance for deep plane facelift scars to appear tight or develop heavy scar tissue.

Second, going with a skilled and highly experienced surgeon is a must. Adept surgical skill is a primary part of the outcome for scarring after a facelift, and a top-tier surgeon will be able to make incisions as discreetly as possible.

Third, while less obvious than surgeon choice, another very important factor when it comes to the way deep plane facelift scars appear is the healing process and post-surgical care. Wearing compression garments, icing, sleeping positions, staying hydrated, and not smoking are all crucial to healing and give your skin the ability to recover properly. Poor recovery can absolutely result in unwanted scar results.

What is recovery like after a Deep Plane Facelift?

To ensure that recovery goes smoothly and minimize deep plane facelift scars, it’s important to have an idea of what the days and weeks post-surgery will look like and how to prepare. While your surgeon and their team should be there to support and guide you every step of the way, it is ultimately the patient’s responsibility to care for themselves at home and make the best decisions for recovery. Contacting your surgeon’s office with questions and concerns is always encouraged to help promote great results. Your recovery process will look something like this.

Week 1

The first week of recovery should involve lots of rest, fluid intake, and cold compresses or icing. Even simple or minor surgery is something your body needs to work to heal from, and too much activity can hinder the process. Our body also needs hydration during surgery recovery to flush out toxins and keep skin and tissue supple. Other factors, including keeping swelling down with ice and medication and keeping pressure off incisions with modified sleeping positions, can go a long way toward nearly invisible deep plane facelift scars.

Week 2

During week two, you should feel more back to normal and can resume some physical activity. Swelling and any bruising should be mostly gone. However, this is a time when some patients might overdo it. Strenuous exercise, dehydration, or resuming smoking can lead to swelling, irritation, or even infection, so it’s very important to keep up a mindset of healing even though you may be feeling better.

Weeks 3 and 4

At this point, many of your normal activities will likely have resumed, and you and your surgeon may be shifting from a healing and recovery mode to maintenance. Skincare will become a priority, and regularly applying any topical scar-reducing products to your incision areas will be key.

Since you may be out and about, it’s also extremely important to apply sunscreen to all areas of your face, especially the incisions and if possible, avoid the sun altogether by covering your scars using hats or scarves. Gentle massaging to stimulate blood flow to the area can also assist with limiting deep plane facelift scars forming.

Week 5 and Beyond

At one to two months and beyond, you should be completely healed, and most patients see final facelift results around six months. Proper skin care will continue to be highly important for minimizing deep plane facelift scars, especially avoiding sun exposure. We encourage patients to permanently quit smoking since this can always affect the appearance of the skin and will definitely reduce the timeframe that your facelift results are visible.

Are there any “scarless” Facelifts?

In recent years, face rejuvenation using dermal fillers, also known as a “liquid facelift,” has become popular and can be an effective way to lift the face and eliminate lines and wrinkles. While an injectable facelift does offer scarless results, it is temporary and frequent maintenance is typically required. A facelift is the only way to get permanent, comprehensive age-reversing results. With impeccable aftercare and an outstanding surgeon, deep plane facelift scars should be virtually invisible.

Start By Finding A Qualified Surgeon

The best way to weigh your options and determine if this procedure is right for you is to meet with a certified and experienced Miami Deep Plane Facelift surgeon like Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz. With thousands of surgeries performed, an eye for detail, and a commitment to premier patient care, Dr. Rodríguez-Feliz is an outstanding choice for ensuring fantastic aesthetic results.

By Solestica Plastic Surgery

May 2, 2023