How to Decide and What to Consider
The decision to have any facelift procedure is significant, and understanding the pros and cons beforehand is important. As one of the foremost providers of deep plane facelifts Honolulu offers, our founder and medical director, Susan Tan, MD, is often asked for answers to commonly asked questions.
Deep plane face and neck lifts are generally recommended for patients in their late 50s to early 70s with more significant sagging and deeper wrinkles. Dr. Tan can lift the entire face by repositioning the deeper tissue layers. Because it’s a surgical procedure, the results last longer than non-surgical methods.
The Pros of Deep Plane Face and Neck Lifts
- Significant, noticeable improvements. A considerable advantage of deep plane facelifts is they adjust superficial layers of skin and the deeper tissue and muscles; the combination produces natural-looking yet dramatically rejuvenating outcomes; people often feel they have shaved at least five to ten years off of their appearance
- Longer-lasting results. Surgical procedures have long-lasting results compared to non-surgical treatments; for example, most non-surgical methods, such as dermal fillers, last one to two years, maximum; most facial plastic surgeons advise facelifts can last ten years, if not longer; long-term results also depend on people taking good care of their skin consistently
- Outcomes (the Look) adjusted to patient requests. Before your plastic surgery, Dr. Tan carefully listens to each patient’s goals; surgical results are customized and personalized to suit each patient’s preferences
- Works well with other procedures. Deep plane facelifts can be combined with other procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or browlift for a full facial rejuvenation that is even more impactful for patients desiring more noticeable results
- Less discomfort/easier recovery. The deep plane technique helps expedite recovery and is less painful because there is less skin elevation, leaving the skin attached to its underlying muscular compartments; there is less swelling and bruising after surgery than with other techniques, which speeds up recovery
Cons of Deep Plane Face and Neck Lifts
- Recovery time. For most people, it takes two to four weeks before they are ready to return to social activities; it’s also important patients be well-educated before undergoing the procedure and have a support system in place for after-surgery needs
- Surgical risks. Any procedure carries some risk, even in the best facial plastic surgeon’s hands, be it a scar, prolonged swelling, etc.; finding a surgeon you trust who can guide you through to the best postoperative outcome is crucial
- The cost. The procedure is more expensive compared to non-surgical treatments and traditional facelifts, but the results are impressive; it is a specialized procedure, requiring a plastic surgeon who is an expert in the technique; it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the cost and determine if the investment aligns with your aesthetic goals and available budget
How Deep Plane Facelifts Are Unique
Expressed in the most straightforward and easiest-to-understand terms, deep plane face and neck lifts help people with significant signs of aging. If you’ve previously had a facelift and are unsatisfied with the results, it’s the next level of treatment you can consider if Dr. Tan advises you are a suitable candidate.
- Restores volume, removes excess skin, tightens surface layers
- Comprehensive improvement for a more noticeable transformation
- There is no upper age limit as long as you are in good health
Also, as discussed in the pros and cons, it is a significant surgical procedure with a recovery time and the need to observe a careful postoperative regimen. It is vital if you want to enjoy the maximum benefits from the procedure and transform your appearance into a refreshed, more youthful look.
Why Choose Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery?
Dr. Tan is the only female double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing in Honolulu. She is patient-centered, fellowship-trained, and has outstanding aesthetic (facial sculpting) abilities. She will listen carefully to your goals and work with you in partnership to achieve them.
A single visit to our concierge clinic at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery for an initial consultation will better inform you about the potential and realities of deep plane face and neck lifts. You’ll learn more about whether they are right for you and about any other options.
There are pros and cons for any cosmetic and plastic surgery procedure. But if you want a dramatic transformation with long-lasting improvements and are willing to undergo the treatment and recovery process, deep plans for face and neck treatment offer significant appearance benefits to many people.
