Deep Plane Facelift in Denver, Colorado - Okland Facial Plastic Surgery

Deep Plane Facelift

In DENVER

The deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure designed to address signs of aging in the midface, jowls, and neck. For Dr. Okland, the deep plane facelift treats both the face and the neck – he makes no distinction between facelift and necklift because you cannot treat one without the other.

The deep plane facelift is a more advanced technique compared to traditional facelifts, offering comprehensive rejuvenation by repositioning deeper facial and neck structures for natural and long-lasting results.

What is Deep Plane Facelift?

The deep plane facelift involves making incisions along the hairline and around the ears to access the underlying deep plane of the face and neck. Dr. Okland then lifts and repositions the deeper facial tissues, including the muscle, fat, and connective tissue, to restore volume, contour, and tighten sagging skin. This technique allows for a more thorough and natural rejuvenation of the face and neck.

How does Deep Plane Facelift work?

This rejuvenating procedure works by addressing the deeper layers of the face, specifically the deep plane, which is an anatomical layer below both the skin as well as the thin layer of muscle deep to the skin; the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system). By lifting and repositioning the deep plane, Dr. Okland can achieve more significant and long-lasting improvements in facial aging. This technique also helps to avoid a "pulled, tight, or windswept" appearance that can be associated with traditional facelifts.

During the deep plane facelift, Dr. Okland carefully releases the deeper facial structures from their attachments, allowing them to be repositioned to a more youthful position. This includes repositioning sagging muscles, redistributing fat, and tightening loose skin.

The procedure also involves a small incision under the chin to address the platysma, which is the neck muscle that sags and creates bands with age. Through this incision, Dr. Okland trims the excess platysma, and sutures the muscle back together in the midline, which is what creates a sculpted jawline and neck.

What are the Benefits of Deep Plane Facelift?

Comprehensive rejuvenation

The deep plane technique allows for a more extensive and thorough rejuvenation of the face, addressing multiple areas including the midface, jowls, and neck. It provides comprehensive improvement in facial sagging, wrinkles, and volume loss.

Patients of Dr. Okland who undergo deep-plane facelift report looking 10 – 15 years younger following the procedure.

Natural and long-lasting results

By repositioning the deeper facial structures, including muscles, fat, and connective tissues, the deep plane facelift achieves more natural-looking results that can last for decades. This compares to other, less thorough and less technically challenging facelift procedures, which generally provide benefit for only a few years.

At present, there is no facelift procedure that provides more long-lasting and rejuvenating results than the deep plane technique.

Minimizes the "pulled" or "tight" look

Because the deep plane technique creates tightening deep to both the skin and the SMAS, the resulting external appearance avoids the unnatural, overly tight appearance often associated with traditional facelifts. The results are more youthful and harmonious, preserving the natural beauty of the face.

“It looks like me, but younger.”

Minimal visible scarring

The incisions made during the deep plane facelift are strategically placed within the hairline and around the ears, minimizing the visibility of scars. Skilled surgical techniques ensure that scars are well-hidden and fade over time.

Enhanced facial contours

The procedure helps restore youthful contours to the face by repositioning sagging tissues and redistributing fat. It can improve the appearance of hollowed cheeks, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.

Improved neck and jawline definition

The deep plane facelift can effectively tighten loose skin and muscles in the neck and jawline area, resulting in a more defined and youthful appearance.

Procedure Timeline

CONSULTATION: During this initial stage, you will meet with Dr. Okland to discuss your goals, evaluate your facial concerns, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Dr. Okland will explain the details of the deep plane facelift, answer any questions you may have, and help you set realistic expectations.

PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION: Once you have decided to proceed with the deep plane facelift, you will undergo pre-operative preparations. This may involve medical evaluations, blood tests, and a review of your current medications. Dr. Okland will provide instructions on preparing for the surgery, which may include adjusting certain medications, avoiding certain substances like nicotine, and fasting before the procedure.

SURGERY: The deep plane facelift is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The surgery typically takes several hours to complete, depending on the extent of the procedure and additional complementary techniques. Dr. Okland will make incisions along the hairline and around the ears, access the deep plane of the face, lift and reposition the underlying tissues, and trim excess skin before closing the incisions with sutures.

RECOVERY: After the surgery, you will spend some time in a monitored recovery area. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the initial recovery phase. Dr. Okland will provide specific post-operative instructions, including pain management, wound care, and guidelines for physical activities and dietary restrictions. It's essential to follow these instructions closely to ensure proper healing.

POST-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENTS: You will have several follow-up appointments with Dr. Okland to monitor your progress, remove sutures if necessary, and assess the healing process. These appointments allow Dr. Okland to evaluate the results, address any concerns or complications, and guide you through the post-operative recovery period. The frequency and duration of these appointments may vary depending on your individual healing progress.

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Frequently Asked Questions?

Am I a suitable candidate for a deep plane facelift?

Candidates for a deep plane facelift typically include individuals who experience moderate to severe signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, jowls, and neck laxity. The average age for candidates is 40 to 70 years old. A thorough consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon is necessary to determine your candidacy based on your specific concerns and medical history.

Regardless of whether you choose Dr. Okland to perform your facelift, you should question your surgeon thoroughly on their technique (deep plane, SMAS lift, mini facelift, skin-lift, etc). While there are many names and different techniques for facelifts, only the deep plane technique provides natural and long-lasting results.

What is the recovery process like after a deep plane facelift?

The recovery process after a deep plane facelift varies from person to person. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort initially, which will gradually subside.

You will hear during the consultation that Dr. Okland guides for two weeks of swelling/bruising, after which point you can be out of the house with a bit of concealer. At two months Dr. Okland expects you to be photo-ready, although there will remain some persistent swelling. By six months scars are fading, swelling is all but gone, and the patient has achieved 95% of their cosmetic improvement.

Dr. Okland and his team will provide post-operative instructions, including pain management, wound care, and guidelines for physical activities and dietary restrictions to promote proper healing. Most patients can resume their regular activities within a few weeks, but it may take several months for the final results to fully manifest.

Are there any risks or complications associated with a deep plane facelift?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a deep plane facelift. These can include bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve injury, and asymmetry. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon who follows proper surgical techniques and provides comprehensive pre- and post-operative care.

Will a deep plane facelift leave visible scars?

Incisions for a deep plane facelift are strategically placed within the hairline, under the chin in a natural skin crease and around the ears to minimize visible scarring. Over time, the scars will fade and become less noticeable. It is important to follow Dr. Okland’s post-operative care instructions to optimize the healing process and minimize the appearance of scars.

How long do the results of a deep plane facelift last?

The results of a deep plane facelift are long-lasting. While the natural aging process will continue, the repositioned deeper facial structures and tightened skin can provide significant improvement for many years, if not decades . Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a proper skincare regimen can help prolong the results of your facelift. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Okland are also important to monitor and maintain your results over time.

How is a deep plane facelift different from other facelift techniques?

The deep plane facelift differs from other facelift techniques in the way it addresses the deeper layers of facial tissues. Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily focus on lifting and tightening the skin and superficial layers of the face, the deep plane technique involves repositioning the deeper structures, including muscles and fat pads, to achieve more natural and comprehensive rejuvenation. This technique allows for extensive correction of facial sagging, improvement in facial contours, and longer-lasting results compared to other techniques.

Why choose Dr. Okland for Deep Plane Facelift?

Expertise and Experience

Dr. Okland is a highly skilled facial plastic surgeon who specialize in facial rejuvenation procedures, including deep plane facelifts. With extensive expertise and years of experience, he has a deep understanding of facial anatomy and the intricacies of the procedure. During the year 2022 – 2023, Dr. Okland performed 75 deep plane facelifts or approaches.

Personalized Approach

We believe in a personalized approach to every patient. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and develop a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to address your unique facial features and desired outcomes. Your satisfaction and individual needs are our top priorities.

Advanced Techniques

We utilize advanced techniques, including the deep plane facelift, to provide optimal results. Dr. Okland takes an active role to both stay updated and continue to innovate his techniques to achieve natural-looking and long-lasting outcomes.

Comprehensive Care

From your initial consultation through the entire treatment process, we provide comprehensive care. Our dedicated team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you are well-informed, comfortable, and supported throughout your deep plane facelift journey. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our utmost concerns.

Patient Satisfaction

We prioritize patient satisfaction and strive to exceed your expectations. Our goal is to help you achieve the results you desire, enhancing your natural beauty and boosting your self-confidence. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional results that align with your vision.

Safety and Results

Your safety is of paramount importance to us. We maintain the highest standards of safety and adhere to strict protocols to minimize any potential risks. Our experienced surgeons perform deep plane facelifts with precision and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring optimal results while prioritizing your well-being.