What Are the Side Effects of Deep Plane Facelift?

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%.

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. The 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.

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
 

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.