What is preservation deep plane facelift?

Question

I’m in my forties and noticing that my face is looking heavy around my mouth and fillers aren’t working anymore. I’ve been looking into facelifts but I don’t understand the difference between deep plane facelift and preservation deep plane facelift. Is there a difference?

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

In general, a deep plane technique involves manipulating the tissue layers under the skin of the face and neck. A skin lift only technique could be referred to as a superficial plane facelift. Historical, the skin was lifted and pulled tight to reduce wrinkles. Wrinkles are also known as "rhytids". Hence these skin only facelift procedures were called "rhytidectomies" as they "removed" or reduced rhytids. Preservation techniques is currently a descriptive term and a marketing term for some surgeons. The technique leaves the skin and the deep layers attached to each other in some areas rather than separating the layers completely. The best technique is one that is customized to each patient and safely performed by an experienced face and neck lifting Plastic Surgeon. These different techniques have been discussed in the peer reviewed literature for more than 50 years. Get more than one opinion and make sure that all of your questions have been answered.

Erman Ak, MD · Answer

Both deep plane and preservation deep plane facelifts lift the deeper facial layers for natural, long-lasting results, especially around the midface and mouth. The preservation technique focuses more on maintaining your natural anatomy and facial volume, with minimal disruption to key ligaments, which can result in a softer, more youthful look with quicker recovery.  Erman AK, Dr. MD, Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

There is no difference. Preservation is a term that originated in rhinoplasty. This term has been added to deep plane facelift for marketing purposes.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Deep Plane Facelift refers to a modification whereby there is less skin undermining independently and more composite/ deep plane undermining.  This means that here is a smaller "random" flap, preserving skin blood supply.  It is applicable for some but not all patients depending on the degree of skin laxity present.

Timothy M. Greco, MD, FACS · Answer

Not really. The premise behind the deep plane facelift is to release the deep ligaments of the face and reposition to superficial fat compartments in a more youthful position.

Min Hee Ryu, MD · Answer

Hi. Thank you for your inquiry.
As the skin loses elasticity with age, adding volume with fillers alone often does not provide a noticeable improvement.In such cases, the fundamental issue of skin sagging needs to be addressed.
The Preservation Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced evolution of the Deep Plane Facelift, and both surgeries share the same fundamental approach of fully releasing retaining ligaments in the sub-SMAS plane. While the surgical technique is essentially the same, the key difference lies in the extent of subcutaneous dissection.
The Preservation Deep Plane Facelift limits the range of subcutaneous dissection, which results in faster recovery and fewer post-surgical sequelae. This concept aligns closely with the Composite Facelift approach.
Experienced surgeons often assimilate the Preservation concept to aim for the benefits of a Composite Facelift. I fully agree with this approach, as it prioritizes safety and rapid recovery for patients, which are crucial aspects of any surgical procedure.
I hope this response provides some insight
Thank you.
-Dr. Min-Hee Ryu M.DDeep Plane Facelift

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question about the differences between the deep plane facelift and the preservation deep plane facelift. These techniques share many similarities, as both involve lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue (the SMAS) to achieve natural and long-lasting rejuvenation.

The key distinction lies in the positioning of the deep plane access point in the preservation deep plane facelift, which is slightly further back compared to the traditional deep plane technique. This adjustment offers advantages in how the SMAS is sutured, often resulting in a smoother and more refined appearance in the lateral part of the cheek.

Additionally, the preservation deep plane facelift is often paired with a preservation deep plane neck lift. In this approach, the skin undermining in the neck is more limited, focusing instead on significant mobilization of the lateral part of the platysmal muscles. This technique can create excellent results while preserving the natural structure and integrity of the neck.

Hasan Duygulu, MD · Answer

A preservation deep plane facelift is , undermining skin limitted and remaining an ununderkined skin part like island in neck area to gain excellent pulling affect over neck part .

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

I found that naming a surgical technique confusing, and typically runs along the lines of hash tags; names for one surgical technique is grafted over to another. In this case 'preservation' rhinoplasty has been a sea change in that surgery and so some surgeons have co-opted it for facelift surgery. I believe that the surgeon you saw who gave his procedure that name is doing a composite face lift, as opposed to a bi-laminar type. BTW, 'composite' and 'bi-laminar' are the more appropriate names for 'deep plane' and 'SMAS' facelifts, respectively, the most common of the full type of facelifts. In the end, it's about the surgeon, not the technique.

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

The preservation facelift, also known as the preservation deep plane facelift, is redefining facial rejuvenation. By integrating advanced deep plane and high SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) techniques, this cutting-edge procedure offers a range of benefits that set it apart from traditional facelifts.
One of the most notable advantages of the preservation facelift is its shorter recovery time. Patients can enjoy quicker healing and a faster return to their daily routines. This is achieved through a refined surgical approach that minimizes tissue disruption while delivering comprehensive and transformative results.

Another highlight of this technique is its ability to reduce complications. By blending deep plane and high SMAS methods, surgeons can lift and reposition tissues more effectively, creating natural-looking outcomes that avoid the "pulled" appearance often associated with older facelift methods.
What makes the preservation facelift even more appealing is that it’s performed under twilight sedation, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. This not only enhances patient safety but also provides a more comfortable and streamlined experience.
For those seeking a more advanced solution to aging, the preservation facelift offers stunning results, minimal downtime, and a safer approach to restoring youthful vibrancy. 
Over my 20 years of facial plastic surgery, I have performed nearly 5000 facelifts using different techniques, by fat preservation facelift creates the best natural and longest lasting results.

What is preservation deep plane facelift?

Answers (12)

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