Lower face and neck deep plane face lift vs full face and neck? (stage V) (Photo)

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photograph. When the position of the eyebrows is relatively low, particularly in the central segment, changing the lower face in isolation significantly limits the impact of the surgery. This is because our eyes convey much of the expression of our features.

A lower facelift will complement the appearance of the eyes when the eyebrow position is somewhat higher and does not need to be systematically adjusted. When the eyebrows are lower to start with, it is necessary to limit the impact of the deep plane facelift because raising just the lateral brow can create an angry expression around the eyes. A full facelift and neck lift is likely to produce a more open expression for the face.

To examine the potential impact of this combination of procedures, I would advise that you lie down completely flat with no pillow and examine your features in the mirror. Apart from the changes to the face, which correspond largely to the impact of a deep plane facelift, you will also notice a change in the expression around the eyes, which has similarities with a brow lift effect, particularly in someone with a lower position of the eyebrows and therefore more tissue excursion when sitting up.

If you feel that the appearance around the eyes is pleasing and you can also test it when smiling, you can feel reassured that a full facelift and neck lift is likely to produce a natural result rather than something that you find awkward.

All aesthetic surgery can look natural and unoperated if done tastefully. It is perfectly reasonable to undergo a lower face/neck lift only and delay your upper facial rejuvenation if it does not bother you as much at this time. Sometimes, it is recommended to perform a brow lift concomitantly to address excess skin that may bunch up as a result of lifting the midface.

Base on the photo you submitted, however, I would recommend considering an upper blepharoplasty at the same time. I am unable to assess your brow and lower lids adequately from this photo.

Hello, hope you are well. The 'stage' nomenclature is a bit distracting and not widely used, but it would not look weird to undergo a lower face and neck lift. That approach is not at all uncommon. Having said that, your outcome really depends upon the skill of your surgeon. There are many ways to perform a facelift, but a good surgeon helps guide you to the most appropriate solution for your needs. You can ask your surgeon to see photos that demonstrate the difference between a 'full' deep plane lift versus a lower facelift result and why the technique was selected for each case. By asking your surgeon what they think is best for you and why, you should feel confident with your decision.
Best,Dr. Tower

I”ve never heard of facelifts described in stages as in your question. The difference between the two options as you describe really depend on what a surgeon considers a lower versus a full facelift. In my hands they’re not that different. As long as you found a reputable surgeon I’m sure you are in good hands either way. On the question if eyelid surgery you clearly have hooding of your upper lids and would benefit from upper eyelid surgery. I would not do a forehead lift however

If you have had radiation to your neck, you would not be a candidate for any type of neck work in our practice due to the poor healing after the radiation itself. If that's the case, then you should just perform a facelift without any neck surgery. You can also consider doing your upper eyelids as well, but only if they've are bothering you. It does not appear that you need a brow lift.