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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
Sort 10 expert answers by:
+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
Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+3

Deep plane facelifts and nerve damage

No, this should not be banned. It remains a viable option. The deep plane facelift is an operation in which the surgical plane of dissection comes quite close to the nerves which control facial movement. If not performed properly risks for nerve damage in deep plane facelifts can range from 1-20%.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+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
Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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
Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Deep Plane Facelift Complications

Dear Deep Plane Facelift Patient from Temecula, CA Deep plane facelift is more prone to nerve injuries and prolonged swelling. A board certified surgeon specializing in deep plane facelift can produce an excellent result with low complications. Good luck  
Kevin Sadati, DO
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nerve injuries and deep plane facelift

The technique is only as good as the surgeon.  If the surgeon is careful, the risk of nerve innjury is very low.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+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
Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+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.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic 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
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
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