Will I benefit from a deep plane facelift?

Question

I have a thin face and was told that I have thin tissue. Will I benefit from a deep plane facelift? I’ve heard that having heavier tissue makes a big difference. Will having thin tissue determine how much a doctor can pull? Will this procedure be worth it in your opinion? I am a seventy year old petite woman.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Probably helpful. Deep plane is a more significant, more substantial way to lift the face. It should be longer lasting and very natural. It is often necessary for heavier faces but still better for thinner faces.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  However, to answer specifically, you will need a consultation to evaluate your specific anatomy and aging changes.  However, in general, when the normal changes associated with aging at 70 are present, most interested individuals will benefit from a deep plane facelift.  Although the strength of the soft tissue/SMAS can be an issue, it is generally not something that an experienced Surgeon can't address with meticulous technique

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Dear Persistent,

Yes, you can still benefit from a deep plane facelift, but results may differ from those with heavier tissue. Thin skin and soft tissue provide less volume for redraping, which can lead to a more subtle lift and a higher risk of visible contours or irregularities. However, a deep plane approach still offers natural, long-lasting improvement by repositioning deeper structures rather than relying solely on skin tension.

To enhance your results, a board certified plastic surgeon may recommend modest fat grafting for volume restoration and skin quality treatments (like laser or RF microneedling).

Please seek in-person consultation with board certified plastic surgeons for the best recommendations for your concerns.

All the best,

Earl Stephenson, Jr, MDm DDS, MBA
ESJ Aesthetics

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

A deep plane facelift/necklift can be performed in thin patients. The procedure is actually ideal for very thin skinned patients because there is less skin undermining and more robust flaps created.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry.

The deep plane facelift relies primarily on releasing retaining ligaments and advancing the cheek tissues. The tension applied during lifting is not meant to be high in anybody.

In someone with low body weight, the weight of the facial soft tissue is also lower and therefore the strength of the lift does not need to be as high anyway.

One of the downsides of thin soft tissues is that the suture materials used can show under the skin until they dissolve and this can be several months.

To complement the results of the facelift, it is possible to use Sculptra after the surgery and build more volume for the face just for a softer look.

If you would like to determine whether deep plane facelift is Worth it for you, I suggest that you examine your facial appearance when you lie down completely flat and using a mirror rather than the mobile phone. It produces a change in the appearance of the face that has many similarities deep plane facelift.

The other consideration about the surgery is related to health. Medical conditions can also affect the characteristics of the surgery and its safety and would need to be considered when making a decision.

Edward Daniele, MD · Answer

Hello ,  It is very difficult to determine if the procedure would be worth it or if it will make a difference without an examination. In general though, the thickness of your skin is important for fine lines and wrinkles. This would not necessarily make you a good or bad candidate specifically for a "deep plane" facelift though. You would need a thorough discussion of what areas of your face bother you and what you would like improved. The thickness or thinness of your skin does not necessarily determine the thickness of the deeper layers. Skin care and collagen stimulation is very important, but tightening the deeper structures (SMAS and platysma) will contour the neck and jawline and would therefore make a deep plane facelift "worth it" if these are areas that bother you. Skin quality is a very important factor though in longevity of a facelift.

Erman Ak, MD · Answer

Yes, a deep plane facelift can still work well for someone with thin tissue, as it focuses on lifting deeper structures rather than just the skin. Results can be natural and refined when performed by a skilled surgeon, even with thinner facial features.
MD Erman Ak

Timothy M. Greco, MD, FACS · Answer

This depends on the bone structure of your face. Structural fat grafting can help significantly with improving the results of a deep plane facelift in a thin face.

Min Hee Ryu, MD · Answer

Hi. Thank you for sharing your inquiry.
When discussing the thickness or thinness of the skin, it’s often in relation to the complexity of the surgery or the likelihood of scarring. Generally, Asian skin tends to be tougher and thicker compared to Caucasian skin, making it a bit tough during lifting procedures and more prone to scarring.As for how much your skin can be lifted, it’s best to discuss this during an in-person consultation with the surgeon. This will allow for a more accurate evaluation and tailored recommendations.
Although I cannot provide an accurate diagnosis without photos, considering your age in the 70s, it’s likely that your skin has experienced significant loss of elasticity. A Deep Plane Facelift would be an excellent option for achieving good results. It’s also important to note that facelift surgery focuses on addressing sagging and creating a more youthful appearance, rather than adding volume to the face.
For patients in this age group, it’s common to combine a Facelift and Neck Lift to reduce wrinkles and sagging, along with Fat Grafting to restore volume to hollow areas, resulting in a rejuvenated and natural look.
I hope this explanation provides clarity and helps guide your decision-making!
Thank you.
-Dr. Min-Hee Ryu M.DDeep Plane Facelift

Hasan Duygulu, MD · Answer

Yes you will benefit from a truely made deep plane facelift technique . Heavy necks are generally more difficult.

Mitchell Hagen, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! This is a very good question and one that easily comes to mind for patients when they think of "pulling" to get a "good lift." The benefit of a deep plane facelift is that the dissection occurs in the deeper plane in order to release the ligaments holding the tissues down and reposition these tissues more vertically. This allows the tissue to be placed where it once was (more vertical) without significant tension on the tissues to hold it in place. Therefore, there is not as much need to "pull" the tissues with significant tension and is also why the result appears more natural. Occasionally, thinner patients and patients with some volume loss in the midface will inquire about fat grafting at the same time as a deep plane facelift. Fat grafting can be beneficial for some patients while not in others so assessing each patient's unique anatomy and aesthetic is critical. I have several patients that are in their 70s in my practice that love their deep plane facelifts. The most important aspect is finding a surgeon that is confident they can meet your goals and someone you feel comfortable with. I encourage you to consult with several surgeons who specialize in facial rejuvenation procedures either virtually or in person before making a decision. I hope this helps and good luck with your decision!

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