Is Deep Plane Facelift Safe for a 72 Year Old?

Dear, Kynn.Age is not a limiting factor in your ability to undergo
surgery. Most plastic surgeons
will evaluate the overall health of the patient to determine your ability to undergo surgery. Your plastic
surgeon can work closely with your internist and hematologist to thoroughly
evaluate your blood work and make sure you are not at increased risk of infection
or hematoma. I’ve found less
bruising and a more natural result with the deep plane facelift. Which type of procedure you undergo
will depend on your specific concerns and your surgeon’s experience with the
procedure.   

If your internist or hematologist feels it is safe for your surgery then yes a deep plane face lift if performed by a Plastic Surgeon experienced in the technique is safe. However, note that there is a good reason most facelift surgeons do not use the deep plane technique: long recovery, increased complication rate, and many other negative factors. It is however a great technique in the right hands but losing popularity because other facelift procedures also give great results with less risk and morbidity. Tingling and numbness can occur after many different types of face lifts, but prolonged swelling seems to be part of the recovery process in a deep plane technique that can last several weeks. The amount of potential complications differs with the Plastic Surgeon's experience so always pick the most qualified board certified Plastic or Facial Plastic Surgeon that specializes in face lift procedures.

No the deep plane facelift technique should not be banned as it is a good technique in the right hands.

Your plastic surgeon should address this question with your hematologist.  Any special pre-surgical preparation should be arranged in advance, and contigency plans developed should intra or post surgical bleeding occur.  Extra care during the procedure to achieve absolute hemostasis is important.  If anything, deep plane is less vascular, so you should be safe.