DEEP PLANE FACELIFT WITH SYDNEY PLASTIC SURGEON DR ELLIS CHOY

The deep plane facelift is a powerful and modern technique for addressing facial ageing.

When facelift surgery first came about, surgeons operated only on the skin. Although this did give the skin a tighter appearance, it often resulted in an overly pulled or “windswept” look, and it did nothing to adjust the deeper facial tissues that also lose elasticity over time. Many people felt these were serious limitations, particularly patients who hoped to minimise obvious signs of surgery.

Facelifting techniques have evolved considerably over the years. Today’s patients and surgeons have many more options available to them, including the advanced deep plane facelift. The deep plane facelift targets deeper structures for significant and sustainable facial rejuvenation.

The Benefits of the Deep Plane Facelift Technique

A deep plane facelift is a technically challenging operation that not all surgeons perform. Dr Choy has studied this technique under well-regarded surgeons and honed his approach over the years.

In the hands of a properly trained and experienced specialist plastic surgeon, a deep plane facelift may offer several advantages over other techniques:

More Comprehensive Scope of Improvement: By lifting and repositioning the underlying muscles and tissues, the deep plane facelift may offer a more comprehensive approach to addressing signs of ageing. This can potentially lead to a more natural-looking result than a facelift that focuses on superficial tissues.
Improved Mid-Face Contouring: During a deep plane facelift, the surgeon lifts the tissues vertically rather than out towards the ears. This approach helps restore volume and shape in the mid-face area.
More Favourable Recovery: In a deep plane facelift, the skin and muscle layer are moved together as one unit instead of being separated. Because less dissection takes place during the procedure, some patients experience a more rapid recovery.
Increased Results Duration: The deep plane technique may offer longer-lasting results than other types of facelifts. Changes made at a deeper structural level tend to be more durable than superficial adjustments.
Reduced Visible Scarring: The incision for a deep plane facelift is shorter and located behind the ear. This minimises visible scarring, particularly for patients who wear their hair cut short or styled in updos.

Please note that individual results may vary, and these benefits cannot be guaranteed for every patient.

Am I a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift in Sydney?

If you are considering a deep plane facelift and have questions about your candidacy, a consultation with Dr Choy is the first step. During this one-on-one meeting, Dr. Choy will:

Discuss your cosmetic concerns and desired outcomes in detail
Thoroughly examine your facial features
Explain the deep plane facelift procedure in detail, including the potential risks and benefits
Answer any questions you may have about the surgery and recovery process

Ideal candidates are experiencing moderate to severe skin laxity, nasolabial folds, jowls and fat displacement. Candidates must also:

Be in good physical and mental health
Have realistic expectations
Be non-smokers or committed to quitting before and after surgery

Submit an enquiry to request your consultation with Dr Choy. A member of the concierge team will be in touch to schedule the appointment.

How Should I Prepare for Deep Plane Facelift Surgery?

In the weeks leading up to your procedure, focus on healthy habits that get your body in the best shape possible to handle surgery and recovery. This includes:

Quit smoking: Smoking hinders circulation and wound healing. Ideally, quit at least six weeks before surgery.
Eat a balanced and nutritious diet: Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean protein to nourish your body.
Maintain hydration: Drink ample water to stay hydrated.
Medications: Discuss any medications or supplements you take with your surgeon, as some can increase bleeding risks and may need to be stopped temporarily.

You may also be advised to take these pre-surgical steps:

Preoperative tests: Dr Choy may recommend blood tests or other evaluations to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
Medical clearance: If you have any underlying health conditions, you may need clearance from your primary care physician.
Prescriptions: Fill any prescriptions for medications you’ll need after surgery.
Logistics: Arrange for transportation to and from surgery and for help with childcare, pet care and/or home care during recovery.
Downtime: Schedule sufficient time off work and social engagements for your recovery. Most patients take at least two weeks to allow the swelling and bruising to subside.

The steps above are generally recommended for any cosmetic surgical procedure. For a deep plane facelift specifically, you may also wish to:

Be prepared with tops that button, zip or tie so you do not have to lift them over your head.
Schedule an appointment to cut or colour your hair, as you may not be able to have these services for four to six weeks after your surgery.
Shower normally and wash your hair with your regular products the night before or the morning of your surgery.

Dr Choy may also provide instructions specific to your situation. Following these steps can help prepare your body, mind and environment for a smoother facelift surgery experience.

What’s Involved in the Deep Plane Facelift Procedure?

A deep plane facelift is typically performed under general anaesthesia. You will be asleep and unaware throughout the procedure.

When the anaesthesia has taken effect, Dr Choy makes small incisions around the hairline and ears. These incisions grant him access to the underlying facial structures, which he carefully lifts and repositions. He may also remove or redistribute fat.

Once the deeper work is done, Dr Choy redrapes the skin over the adjusted underlying structures and trims away any excess skin. He finishes the procedure by closing the incisions with techniques designed to minimise postoperative scarring.

What Should I Expect During Deep Plane Facelift Recovery?

Recovery from a deep plane facelift is a gradual process. It takes several months to reach full recovery, and scars do not reach full maturity until one year.

Here is a general idea of what you can expect after your deep plane facelift:

The First Week:

Swelling and Bruising: This is most prominent in the first few days and can take up to two weeks to subside significantly.
Discomfort and Pain: You’ll likely experience some tightness and discomfort, especially when moving your face. Pain is typically manageable with pain medication prescribed by Dr Choy.
Limited Activity: Avoid strenuous activity and bending over to minimise swelling and bleeding. You must prioritise rest for optimal healing.
Dietary Restrictions: Dr Choy may recommend a soft diet initially to minimise discomfort while chewing.
Head Elevation: You will sleep and rest with your head elevated for several weeks. This helps minimise swelling.

Weeks 2-4:

Gradual Improvement: Swelling and bruising continue to diminish, and you’ll start to regain more facial movement.
Numbness: Temporary numbness in some areas of the face is common and usually resolves within a few weeks or months.
Stitches Removal: Stitches are typically removed within 7-10 days after surgery.
Returning to Work: Depending on your job and how you feel, you may be able to return to work after two to three weeks.

Months 1-3:

Continued Improvement: Swelling should be mostly gone by this point, revealing the initial results of your surgery.
Refined Results: Your facial contours will continue to adjust and refine as residual swelling subsides.
Resuming Normal Activities: You should be able to resume most of your normal activities, including exercise, by this point.

This is a general timeline. Recovery can vary depending on the individual, and it’s important to follow Dr Choy’s specific guidance while you heal.

What Results Are Possible With a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift can achieve a significant degree of change in the face and neck. The goal is not to create an entirely new face, but rather to improve specific concerns such as skin laxity, diminished jawline definition and loss of cheek fullness.

The full effects of your surgery can take up to a year to fully appreciate, as the swelling resolves and your tissues settle. The scars will be concealed within your hairline or behind your ears, and they will fade over time.

While a deep plane facelift can provide long-lasting results, the ageing process continues. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeping your skin protected from the sun and sticking with a consistent skincare regimen can help maximise the longevity of your results.

WHAT IS THE COST OF FACELIFT SURGERY IN SYDNEY?

Book Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation With Dr Ellis Choy

Dr Choy offers state-of-the-art, individualised facelift surgery options in Sydney. With decades of expertise in cosmetic surgery and specific training in deep plane facelifting, he has the qualifications and experience to perform a variety of facelift techniques and tailor the surgery to your specific needs.

To schedule a consultation, request an appointment online or call the offices of Dr Choy on (02) 8962 9388.