83%
268 reviews
Worth It Rating
Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings
What Are the Side Effects of Deep Plane Facelift?
I'm considering a deep plane facelift. What is the percentage of patients who experience nerve damage? Is it true that in some areas, it should be banned?
Asked 35 months ago by
larson in Temecula, CA
+2
Deep plane facelift
There are many types of facelift. Your best results will come from an expert facelift surgeon, not from any one technique.
While the deep plane facelift was popular many years ago, many surgeons have changed their technique to multivector facelifts with volume augmentation. The theory that great tightening produces great results is not necessarily true. Smart tightening with volume readjustment with hairline and sideburn sparing techniques are now more highly prized.
In our practice, the...
more
+3
Deep plane facelifts and nerve damage
+2
Deep Plane Facelift Side Effects
A technique is only as good as the surgeon who uses it. Deep plane facelifts have an excellent track record of safety, in the right hands. Side effects which are possible with any facelift include but not limited to the following:
Motor Nerve Damage- Should be an exceedingly rare complication after any type of facelift. Knowledge of facial anatomy is critical here. (Attached is an article making the deep plane facelift a safer procedure).
Sensory...
more
+2
Nerve Damage is Rare
The Deep Plane Facelift as described by Dr. Hamra is probably utilized far less today than several years ago. However, it is important to understand that elevation under the SMAS is used in a variety of Facelift procedures. True mobilization of the SMAS via a SMAS flap puts the Surgeon in greater proximity to branches of the facial nerve. However, it is important to understand that these branches of the facial nerve lie beneath another layer of tissue (parotido-masseteric fascia) that...
more
+1
+1
+1
Deep Plane Facelift Side Effects
Face lift surgery is not one operation, but many potential operations. Good plastic surgeons tailor the facelift operation to the needs of the specific patient. Some patients are better served with a mini lift or short scar lift, while other patients would benefit from full face lifts. In addition to the depth or extent of the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon alters the face lift incision accordingly.
Deep plane face lift is one type of cosmetic surgery which is becoming less common,...
more
+1
Injury to facial nerve after deep plane facelift should be 0
I have been doing a modification of the deep plane or composite facelift for years. I don't believe I have ever witnessed permanent facial nerve damage. As long a the surgeon stays in the proper plane of dissection, the branches of the facial nerve will remain safe.
The composite facelift maintains excellent blood supply to the skin through the distribution network in the SMAS that remains attached to the skin. The lift allows for a great number of variations of tissue movement and...
more
+1
Facelift Expertise
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, has many modifications that depend on the level of dissection, pattern of tightening, and direction of pull. In most cases, a deep plane facelift can be performed safely if there is strict adherence to established guidelines of anatomic safety. Discuss your options in depth with the performing surgeon.
+1
Deep plane lifts are less common now
These was a time several years ago when deep plane facelifts were the hot topic. The problem with them is that they are a one vector lift with an extreme pull placed on the tissue. In addition, the plane of dissection puts the surgeon closer to the facial motor nerve branches and places them at higher risk especially in the hands of a less experienced surgeon. The results have also been shown to not be better long term than multiplane SMAS facelifts. As Dr. Moelleken has succinctly...
more