Should I have Deep plane facelift or other type of lift? How can I correct the darkness under my eyes and my skin? (photos)

Question

Hello all, I am very confused by the different terminologies used for face lift but think I need a deep plane facelift with platysmaplasty to last. would I be the right? surgeons in the U.K/Europe seem to prefer/think other types of lift would be just as good & now I’m more confused. There are other procedures I think I need but I thought it best to see what you professionals think? I am self conscious about darkness under my eyes and my skin tone. I am 57 years old & have electronic lifts

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Mosr facelifts share more similarities than differences.  Deep plane facelifts tend to go in and out of fashion but there is not proof that they give better results or last longer.  Chose a reputable well respected surgeon and you should get a very nice result, but don’t get too hung up on the deep plane thing.  It provides no benefits.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

What is more important than the specific technique is the experience and artistry of the plastic surgeon.  Artistic natural results need to be individualized depending on the patient's anatomy. Beware of name branded facelifts or other cosmetic procedures which are only used for advertising and marketing gains. 
  
There are a variety of procedures that are called “facelifts.”  A well performed facelift which elevates and supports the deeper tissue of the face called the SMAS as well as removing the excess loose skin and adding appropriate amounts of volume to deficient areas of hollows and depressions not only turns back the clock, but also slow the aging process. However, the clock keeps ticking.
Some surgeons claim that “Deep Plane Facelifts” last longer, but there is no valid scientific evidence to support those claims.Keep in mind, that following the advice from a surgeon on this or anyother website who proposes to tell you what to do without examining you,physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a fullmedical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative proceduremay not be in your best interestI would suggest your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with who has all of the modalities of treatment available.If you live outside of the United States, the surgeon should ideally be a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery(ISAPS). You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. 
Facial rejuvenation needs to be individualized. What would be an ideal approach for one patient is not necessarily the same for someone else. Based on the examination and discussion at the consultation, you should have a better understanding of the various options that can achieve the best cosmetic result for you.
  
Robert Singer, MD FACS
  
La Jolla, California

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

More important than terminology is quality and longevity of your facelift.  A "deep plane" lift can refer to a subperiosteal lift which is not as effective as a "high SMAS" lift in my opinion.  I'd advise getting several opinions and making sure you review a lot of before and after photos.For the dark circles a medially based skin care program is most effective is used correctly over time.

Greg Bran, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi there. Thank you for your question and photos. You will benefit from a Face and Necklift. A facelift aims to address ageing concerns of the face and to provide rejuvenation. Various different techniques can be combined in order to accomplish the established goals, so make sure you are communicating effectively with your surgeon. You also have to take into account your own anatomy as that will have a determining factor on your overall result.
It is however, easy to get lost in all the terminology, and I would advise you not to fixate on that. I would recommend a consultation with an experienced facial plastic surgeon who will perform a physical examination and discuss realistic outcomes with you. Best of luck!
Kind regards,
GB

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Sunshine9496, 
Thank you for sharing your photos. While they are very revealing, there are many factors to consider in your decision making toward facelift and skin enhancement that only a proper in-person consultation can offer. Please consider more than one consultation with talented and skilled Board Certified Plastic Surgeons to review your desires. This includes:
reversal and enhancements of skin aging and environmental damagefirming the skinfilling under the skinlifting the various aspects of the brows, eyelids, cheeks, face and neckcostsoptimizing your medical care and recoveryand more. Initially, consider:
Zein Obagi, MD's ZO Skin Health regimen with retinoids and hydroquinone, peels and laserSculptraBotox or an equivalent Fillers including fat graftingFace and Neck liftA classic study was performed decades ago comparing the longevity of various facelift techniques including the deep face lift. Each had their own benefits and limitations. As long as they included a skin AND SMAS lift with no "mini" procedure, there was no difference in their duration. Please take the time to learn what you have, what you wish for and who does it best! All the best with your anti-aging journey!

Should I have Deep plane facelift or other type of lift? How can I correct the darkness under my eyes and my skin? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Face and Neck Lift

Answer: Face and Neck Lift

Answer: Face and Neck Anti-Aging: Facelift and Skin enhancements

Answer: Face and Neck Anti-Aging: Facelift and Skin enhancements

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Should I have Deep plane facelift or other type of lift? How can I correct the darkness under my eyes and my skin? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Face and Neck Lift

Answer: Face and Neck Lift

Answer: Face and Neck Anti-Aging: Facelift and Skin enhancements

Answer: Face and Neck Anti-Aging: Facelift and Skin enhancements

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Deep Plane Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.