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Deep Plane Facelift Sarasota

Deep Plane Facelift Sarasota

Facelift surgery has evolved from a skin-only procedure to lifting the skin and muscles. A deep plane facelift is the most recent innovation on the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift. Surgeons and patients alike have noted that it appears to provide more natural looking and longer lasting results. It also is less invasive than traditional SMAS facelifts. Dr. Alberico Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts provides the best deep plane facelift Sarasota offers.

Understanding The Deep Plane Facelift Technique

A deep plane facelift is a form of SMAS facelift. During a standard SMAS facelift, the skin and SMAS structures are separated from one another and tightened separately. A deep plane facelift—instead of pulling apart the structures—lifts them together. This technique involves less trauma and maintains natural connections between the skin and SMAS that promote a more natural look.

The SMAS technique has already become the standard for facelift surgery and the deep plane facelift is likely to replace it. However, not all patients may benefit from this technique or need the amount of correction the deep plane technique can provide. Dr. Sessa frequently uses the deep plane technique for patients who qualify for a standard facelift and have moderate to severe sagging.

Benefits

The benefits and risks of a deep plane facelift may vary based on the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and anatomy. For most patients, the benefits outweigh the risks. The benefits can include:

  • Remove extra and loose skin
  • Tighten facial structures
  • Restore youthful contours
  • Enhance facial profile
  • Correction up to midface
  • Can also address neck aging
  • Treat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Reduce the prominence of nasolabial folds and marionette lines
  • Reposition descended facial fat
  • Provides more support for results
  • Tends to produce natural results
  • Uses regular facelift incisions
  • Reduces risk of needing revision surgery when compared to other 
  • Less surgical trauma
  • Performed by a cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience in facelift surgery

Risks

With modern surgical techniques, the risks of a deep plane facelift procedure are minimal. Individual patients may have more risks than others. Dr. Sessa will evaluate your risk factors during a consultation at Sarasota Surgical Arts. The risks of a deep plane facelift surgery may include:

  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Poor healing
  • Fluid collection (seroma)
  • Prolonged or severe side effects
  • Nerve damage
  • Blood clots
  • Complications of general anesthesia

Major complications following the procedure are exceptionally rare. If you have a history of blood clots or blood disorders, take immune system suppressing medications, or if you smoke, you may be at a higher risk of certain complications. Discuss these with Dr. Sessa at your consultation.

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Facelift

From a patient standpoint, there is little difference between a deep plane facelift. While small, the differences contribute to why many surgeons and patients prefer the deep plane facelift. The table below provides insight into the differences between a deep plane facelift vs. facelift.

Deep Plane FaceliftFacelift
  • Does not separate skin and muscle structures
  • Sometimes goes beyond SMAS layer for added tightening
  • Lasts 10-15 years on average
  • Better for patients with more prominent aging
  • Less recovery time
  • Tends to cost slightly more
  • May offer more dramatic results, but similar to SMAS results
  • Separates skin and muscle and tightens them individually
  • SMAS and skin can be tightened in different directions if needed
  • Lasts 7-12 years on average
  • Slightly more customizable
  • Ideal for average facelift patient
  • Standard facelift recovery
  • Tends to be more affordable
  • Comparable results, but less dramatic

The two facelift procedures have several similarities as well. A deep plane facelift and SMAS facelift have similar side effects, recovery instructions, incision placement, and can provide amazing results that achieve a younger looking face.

Before & After
A Before & After of a Facelift Plastic Surgery by Dr. Alberico Sessa in Sarasota
Before & After
A Before & After of a Facelift Plastic Surgery by Dr. Alberico Sessa in Sarasota

Before & After Deep Plane Facelift

Consultation & Preparation

During a consultation with Dr. Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts, you will review your medical history, lifestyle, and goals for facelift surgery. This will help Dr. Sessa determine the type of facelift that will be safest for you as well as what is necessary to get the results you want. Finally, Dr. Sessa will conduct a physical exam of your anatomy to conclude if a deep plane facelift is the most appropriate option.

If he believes that a deep plane facelift is the ideal procedure, you will receive a price quote and financing information. As you prepare for your procedure, Dr. Sessa may give you certain instructions:

  • Obtain any necessary medical clearances (not always needed)
  • Finance your procedure
  • Find childcare, request time off work, and make other arrangements
  • Cease using certain medications or supplements if instructed to
  • Fill Dr. Sessa’s prescriptions before surgery
  • Do not drink or smoke leading up to surgery
  • Fast for at least eight hours before your surgery time

Facelift Surgery In Sarasota

Dr. Sessa performs most of his deep plane facelift surgeries under general anesthesia. Once you are properly sedated, he will make an incision just in front of your ear. This keeps the incision hidden in your face’s natural creases. The incision may curve around your ear.

From there, he will use this incision to remove extra skin and SMAS as needed. Dr. Sessa then tightens the skin and SMAS layer at once to promote natural looking results. Upon stitching the incisions you will begin to slowly wake up from surgery.

Recovery & Aftercare

The recovery process following a Sarasota deep plane facelift is similar to a traditional facelift. You will need around five to seven days off work. Patients often discontinue prescription painkillers within two to three days. At this point, side effects will also start to resolve. 

Aftercare instructions are also similar to standard facelift surgery. Dr. Sessa may provide aftercare directions such as:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise
  • Do not smoke or drink during recovery
  • Take short walks every hour or so
  • Stay hydrated and eat well
  • Elevate the head of your bed when resting and sleeping
  • Wear your compression garment or wrap until instructed otherwise
  • Attend all follow up appointments
  • Shower carefully after a few days
  • Do not remove bandages or drains unless instructed to do so
Before & After
A Before & After of a Facelift Plastic Surgery by Dr. Alberico Sessa in Sarasota
Before & After
A Before & After of a Facelift Plastic Surgery by Dr. Alberico Sessa in Sarasota

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is A Good Candidate For Deep Plane Facelift?

A good candidate for a deep plane facelift will have moderate to severe facial sagging and skin laxity. They will be in generally good health and a non-smoker. In some cases,  the structures of the face sag unevenly. Here, a SMAS facelift procedure where the muscles and skin are tightened separately may be preferred to pull them in different directions.

Medical conditions do not immediately disqualify you as a surgical candidate. If they are well controlled and you receive clearances, you can likely move forward with surgery. Untreated or certain medical conditions may not be compatible with surgery. Dr. Sessa will determine this during a consultation.

How Long Does A Deep Plane Facelift Last?

On average, a deep plane facelift is expected to last around ten to fifteen years. This will vary from patient to patient based on genetics and how well they care for their skin and results.

Does It Include The Neck?

A Sarasota deep plane facelift can and often does include the neck area. Though, it is not always necessary or included depending on the patient’s needs. A standard deep plane facelift may provide some mild correction to the neck. For the best results, you may need a neck lift in addition to a deep plane facelift.

How Painful Is A Facelift?

The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, you will feel no pain during surgery. After surgery, pain and discomfort is expected, but many patients do not use prescription pain medication. However, Dr. Sessa will prescribe it to ensure you remain comfortable through the duration of your early recovery.

What Is The Cost Of A Deep Plane Facelift In Sarasota?

The exact cost of a deep plane facelift depends on the specifics of the procedure. A facelift—based on the type—can range anywhere from $9,000 to $23,000. Upon determining the right facelift and that you are a good candidate, you will receive a customized price quote.

Sarasota Surgical Arts does work with outside financing companies including Care Credit to offer affordable financing for our patients. You can find more information on our price list.

The Best Deep Plane Facelift By Dr. Alberico Sessa

Sarasota Surgical Arts is a luxury cosmetic surgery practice located steps away from Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida. The practice sees patients from all around Florida, the United States, and the world. With a modern facility, Sarasota Surgical Arts puts your comfort and safety first. Sarasota Surgical Arts offers the best deep plane facelift Sarasota provides.

Dr. Alberico Sessa has over a decade of experience in cosmetic surgery and over two decades of surgical experience. He specializes in face, body, and extremity cosmetic surgery. Dr. Sessa and his team also provide premier non-surgical cosmetic injections and professional skincare.

To learn more and schedule a free consultation, call us at 941-923-1736. You can also reach out online using chat, contact form, or our Price Simulator app.