Deep Plane Facelift / Neck Lift
The wrinkles are getting deeper and you are dissatisfied with it? A superficial facelift seems too unnatural to you and you want a sustainable result? A further development of this classic facelift and possibly the perfect solution for you is the Deep Plane Facelift!
Unlike a superficial facelift, the tissue below the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is undermined and finally lifted and repositioned as a composite flap, as the name “deep plane” suggests. This results in a natural result and less tension on the skin. At Clinic Utoquai, we offer our specially developed technique of the “Preservation Deep Plane Facelift”.
At a glance
Technical term: sub-SMAS facelift, deep plane neck lift, preservation deep plane facelift
Type of anesthesia: General anesthesia
Duration of treatment: 2–4 hours
Clinic stay: 1 night
Aftercare: Suture removal after 10-14 days
Socially acceptable: after 2–3 weeks
Able to work: after approx. 1–2 weeks (depending on physical exertion)
Closed season: approx. 4–6 weeks
Price:between 25.000 – 40.000 CHF
What is a deep plane facelift and how is it different from other facelift procedures?
A deep plane facelift is not as superficial as other facelifts because the tissue is treated more deeply. As described at the beginning, the tissue below the SMAS layer is lifted and repositioned. The SMAS layer contains muscles and connective tissue, which are responsible for the shape and firmness of the face. Above all, the middle part of the face, but also the laugh lines, cheekbones, chin and neckline are tightened. All in all, it ensures a natural and smooth result. The face looks younger, but not as tense or even mask-like. The special variant of the Preseveration Deep Plane Facelift is also gentler than all previously known procedures.
Who is the Deep Plane Facelift suitable for?
The Deep Plane Facelift is particularly suitable for patients with clear but also incipient signs of skin aging. However, this ageing varies from person to person and the formation of wrinkles also depends on the previous exposure to UV rays. There is therefore no fixed age, but as a rule, the age of most patients who undergo this treatment is 40–60 years. This type of treatment is particularly suitable for people in whom the sagging of the SMAS tissue is strongly noticeable; for example
- drooping cheeks (hamster cheeks),
- advanced skin sagging, or
- pronounced nasolabial folds (fold between the nostrils and corners of the mouth).
- Pronounced skin aging on the neck (“Turtle Neck” etc.)
Patients who have already undergone a superficial facelift and now want a longer-lasting result can also seek this treatment.
Procedure of the Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift is performed on an inpatient basis and under general anesthesia. In the procedure, the SMAAS tissue is lifted in one piece with the overlying skin and the underlying fatty tissue and then repositioned evenly and evenly. After the three- to four-hour operation, you will stay with us in the clinic for one night for monitoring.
Preparation
Before the procedure, there are certain aspects that you should consider. It is important to take these aspects seriously, as they can not only ensure a complication-free operation, but can also support the healing process.
Smoking cessation: Smoking should be stopped several weeks before surgery, as this reduces blood regulation and can slow down the healing process. This can also lead to complications during the operation.
Strengthen the immune system: As with any surgery, it is important to strengthen the immune system, as this can promote the healing process. Vitamins, sufficient exercise and a protein-rich and healthy diet can help.
Medication: Certain medications should also be discontinued a few days in advance. During a consultation appointment with one of our specialists, he/she will explain the risks of certain medications during the procedure.
Skin: Sunburn should be avoided at all costs. That’s why you should use sunscreen every day for several weeks in advance and apply it regularly. We will be happy to recommend which one is suitable for your skin type in a personal consultation.
Home and support: Your home should also be prepared. Prepare a relaxation corner that is cozy and contains all the essentials within easy reach, such as medicines, ice packs and snacks containing vitamins and protein.
It is also important to get support from family members, friends or partners who will not only help you on your way home, but will also be close to you in the first few days after the operation and support you in the healing process.
Treatment
Are you dissatisfied with your wrinkles and opt for a deep plane facelift? We will be happy to advise you in a consultation in our clinic. Of course, we will also listen to your wishes and look together at how we can achieve the best result and discuss which method is suitable for your operation. Our specialists will then be happy to explain the procedure of the operation to you and the necessary examinations will be carried out. If you have any further questions, we will of course be happy to clarify them.
After your check-up was successful, the day of the operation is now approaching. A deep plane facelift is performed on an inpatient basis and under general anesthesia. So they don’t notice anything about the operation itself.
First, small incisions are placed hidden behind the hairline or behind the ear. These incisions are specially placed in such a way that they are hardly visible after healing. From there, the surgeon gently lifts the skin (in a very limited manner) and can then lift and reposition the deeper tissue below the SMAS layer. After repositioning, excess skin is removed without tension, resulting in further smoothing of the skin as wrinkles and sagging are removed. Now the incisions are carefully sutured so that there are no large scars. The operation is a complex and time-consuming procedure and can take between two to four hours. The duration depends on the procedure and the patient’s wishes. You can find out more about this in a consultation with us. About 10-14 days after the procedure, the stitches are removed.
Aftercare
In order to have a good healing process, there are certain aspects that should be considered after the operation. After discharge from our clinic, you will help influence your healing process. One of the most important aspects is therefore rest. You should strengthen your immune system during this time and take mild painkillers if necessary. Regular cooling ensures that the face decongests. In addition, the healing process is accelerated by regular lymphatic drainage of our cosmetics in the house. If the healing goes according to plan, you will be able to return to work after 1-2 weeks and can return to your daily life as normal after 2-3 weeks. Sports and physical exertion should be avoided for about 4–6 weeks. Protect face especially in the recovery period from sun and heat.
The healing process can therefore be relatively simple and without problems if you follow the instructions of the specialist and come regularly to the check-up appointments. Because a good result is not only possible through a successful operation, but also requires good pre- and aftercare.
What are the risks associated with a deep plane facelift?
Even though a facelift performed by an experienced specialist is considered a low-risk procedure, complications can also occur after the operation in individual cases. The general surgical risks apply to each facelift, which we will inform you about in our consultation.
Since this is a deep tightening, the risk of nerve injury is greater than with other treatments, for example, but can be reduced to a minimum if performed correctly by an experienced surgeon.
You should also be prepared for swelling and bruising in the first few weeks. You should cool the swelling accordingly so that it heals quickly. Feelings of tension and numbness in the face are also possible; these usually subside after a few days.
Other rare surgical risks are infections, bleeding or anesthesia reactions.
Results of the Deep Plane Facelift
In direct comparison to a normal facelift, the face looks younger and less tense after a deep plane facelift, which makes the result look much more natural. Since the deep-lying tissue has been repositioned, the skin appears smoother and the jawline more defined. The healing process is much faster than with the superficial method and the scars are much more invisible (significantly less tension than after a conventional facelift).
The result can last for about 10–15 years. However, this duration also depends on individual factors such as skin type, aging process and lifestyle. Smoking, for example, can have a negative impact on the result. But the skin’s constant contact with the sun without sun protection can also promote the formation of wrinkles.
How much does the Deep Plane facelift cost at clinic utoquai?
The costs vary depending on the patient, the present findings and personal wishes. We would be happy to make you a concrete offer in a personal consultation with one of our specialists. All surgical fees are discussed during the consultation, so there can be no hidden costs. Other related costs such as anesthesia, surgical material and all check-up appointments are included in the price.
Price for Deep Plane Facelift: from 25,000 to 40,000 CHF
