What Are the Side Effects of Deep Plane Facelift?

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 Nerve Damage- Again, exceedingly rare in the right hands.  Almost all patients will have some early sensation lost, however it should return in every patient by 6 months to a year.

Hematoma- A collection of blood which can occur if the patient takes blood thinners, has high blood pressure.  Should be less than 3% of all cases.

Infection- Exceedingly rare with a facelift but can occur.

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 placement tailored to specific needs.
I think it is an excellent way to get a good result.

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.