Deep Plane Facelift

We are conveniently located in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills area.
deep plane faceliftExperience the transformative power of the deep plane facelift with Dr. Kenneth Kim, a pioneer in the art of facial rejuvenation. Unveiling a new era in cosmetic surgery, the deep plane facelift achieves remarkable, natural-looking results by repositioning skin and deeper facial tissues, restoring youthful contours and vitality. Dr. Kenneth Kim’s expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that each patient receives personalized care and stunning outcomes. With his meticulous approach and dedication to patient satisfaction, Dr. Kim has earned acclaim as a leader in the field of facial plastic surgery.

What Is The Deep Plane Facelift?

defined jawline after deep plane faceliftThe deep plane facelift is a surgical technique that goes beyond simply tightening the skin. It delves deeper, targeting the underlying muscular and structural changes responsible for sagging, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. By dissecting and manipulating these deeper tissues, the deep plane facelift achieves a more natural-looking and long-lasting rejuvenation. This procedure addresses the root causes of facial aging, resulting in smoother skin, a defined jawline, and a youthful overall appearance.
Many patients find the results worth the investment, as they can achieve a more youthful and natural appearance with less risk of a “pulled” or overdone look.

A deep plane facelift can restore volume, dramatically improve contours, define the jawline, minimize nasolabial folds, and address sagging in a way that provides longer-lasting results than superficial facelift techniques.

Kenneth Kim, M.D., F.A.C.S., specializes in deep plane facelifts. He will listen closely to your concerns and goals, assess your facial anatomy, discuss the aesthetic objectives, and recommend the most appropriate treatment. To schedule a consultation, click here or call our Los Angeles office at (213) 700-4297.

Deep Plane Facelift Before and After Photos

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Regular Facelift

When considering facial rejuvenation surgery, two prominent options emerge: traditional and deep plane facelifts. While both aim to combat the effects of aging, they differ in their approach and results.
Deep plane faceliftTraditional facelift
Deep plane facelifts go deeper, dissecting and manipulating underlying muscles and tissues.Traditional facelifts primarily work on the surface layer of skin.
Deep plane facelifts aim for a more comprehensive rejuvenation, addressing wrinkles, sagging, and volume loss for a more natural and youthful outcome.Traditional facelifts may look “tight” or unnatural.
Deep plane facelifts, with their deeper tissue manipulation, often provide longer-lasting results.Traditional facelifts may require revision procedures sooner due to the limited scope of improvement and early recurrence.

Choosing between a deep plane and a regular facelift depends on your individual goals and preferences. Consulting Dr. Kenneth Kim is crucial to determining which technique best suits your needs and desired outcome.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for deep plane facelifts are those experiencing noticeable signs of facial aging as well as people seeking revision facelift surgery. This includes deep nasolabial folds, sagging skin in the midface and jawline, and a loss of overall facial definition. Age is not a factor but rather, the severity of aging signs plays a significant role in determining candidacy. Those with moderate to severe sagging and volume loss are more likely to benefit significantly from the deeper tissue manipulation of a deep plane facelift.
Deep Plane Facelift – Dr. Kenneth Kim Plastic Surgery

How the Procedure Works

During a deep plane facelift, Dr. Kim makes incisions along the face’s natural contours, typically starting near the temples and extending around the ears. These incisions allow him to access the deeper layers of tissue beneath the skin.
Deep plane skin layers
With access to the deep plane, Dr. Kim lifts and repositions the underlying muscles and fat pads to restore volume and create a more youthful facial contour. This may involve lifting the cheeks, tightening the jawline and smoothing wrinkles and folds in the lower face and neck.
Since Dr. Kim performs awake deep plane facelift, you can eat right before the procedure and after. During the procedure, you will enjoy relaxing music and have breaks as needed.

Benefits Of Choosing Awake Deep Plane Facelift

Dr. Kim utilizes cutting-edge techniques for facial rejuvenation surgery, allowing you to forgo general anesthesia and its risks. Local awake anesthesia numbs only the targeted area, so you can breathe on your own throughout the procedure, maximizing safety. Secondly, awake facelifts often experience less bleeding and swelling due to the use of local anesthesia. This leads to a faster, more comfortable recovery with minimal downtime. Finally, being awake during the procedure allows for real-time communication with the surgeon, enabling him to achieve a more natural and personalized result.

While some surgeries require general anesthesia, facelifts can be performed with a local anesthesia option. General anesthesia comes with potential risks such as heart attacks, blood clots, strokes, and the need for a breathing tube (due to suppressed bodily functions). If surgery lasts over two hours, general anesthesia or IV sedation causes brain cell damage and memory loss, which eventually could lead to dementia as you get older. General anesthesia can come with a significant number of temporary side effects. You might experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, grogginess, or a sore throat after waking up.
A study even found that 75% of complications requiring hospitalization during cosmetic procedures occurred with general anesthesia.
That’s why it’s important and safe for your life to choose awake local anesthesia.
Discover the deep plane facelift difference. schedule a consultation online or call Dream Medical Group in Los Angeles today: 213-700-4297.

Advantages of a Deep Plane Facelift

Deep plane facelifts offer several advantages over traditional facelift techniques, including:
  • Deep plane facelifts can achieve more comprehensive and longer-lasting results than superficial facelift techniques. Patients may enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for many years without requiring revision surgery.
  • Because deep plane facelifts address not only the skin but also deeper structures of the face, they can produce more natural-looking results. The procedure restores volume and contours to mimic natural aging rather than simply pulling the skin taut.
  • Deep plane facelifts can enhance overall facial harmony by addressing multiple areas of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The procedure can create a more balanced and youthful appearance by lifting and repositioning deeper tissues.
  • Compared to traditional facelift techniques that primarily tighten the skin, deep plane facelifts involve less tension on the skin, reducing the risk of complications such as visible scarring or distortion of facial features.
  • Although deep plane facelifts involve surgical incisions, these are typically well-concealed within the natural contours of the face and hairline. With proper wound care and scar management, the scars can be minimal and fade over time.
Another advantage of having Dr. Kim perform your deep plane facelift is that he will tailor the procedure to address your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goal. By targeting specific areas of concern, he can better ensure that the results meet your expectations.
Deep Plane Facelift Infographic

Disadvantages and complications of a Deep Plane Facelift

While deep plane facelifts offer numerous advantages, they also come with some potential disadvantages and considerations, which could be easily avoided with Dr. Kim’s exceptional expertise:
ConsPros
Deep-plane facelifts are more complex surgical procedures than traditional techniques. They involve manipulating deeper facial structures, which can increase the risk of complications such as nerve injury, bleeding (accumulation of blood under the skin), and asymmetry if not performed by an experienced surgeon.Dr. Kim utilizes awake anesthesia during the procedure, which decreases the risk of bleeding. Plus, Dr. Kim’s ultra-precision method avoids blood vessels and internal inflammation. This approach allows Dr. Kim to see everything clearly and significantly reduces the potential risk of nerve injury because the critical nerves and connective tissues are easier to discern.
Due to the more extensive nature of the surgery and manipulation of deeper tissues, the recovery period for a deep plane facelift is typically longer than a traditional facelift.Dr. Kim’s meticulous “no-bleeding” approach minimizes bruising and dramatically speeds up healing time, allowing you to get back to your life as soon as possible.
Nerve manipulation during a deep plane facelift can sometimes lead to temporary or permanent numbness in some regions of the face. While this side effect is usually temporary and improves as nerves heal, some patients may experience prolonged or permanent sensory changes.Dr. Kim’s patients always experience the safest procedure possible with none or very minimal side effects, thanks to awake anesthesia and Dr. Kim´s unique technique that prioritizes avoiding blood vessels during the procedure.

Choosing Dr. Kim as your surgeon, who has over 17 years of experience performing deep plane facelifts, can help you achieve the safest and the most natural results.

To learn more about Dr. Kim’s knowledge and skills and weigh the procedure’s potential advantages and disadvantages with a medical expert, click here or call our Los Angeles office at (213) 700-4297 to schedule a consultation.

Deep Plane Facelift Recovery

skin appearance and advantages of deep plane faceliftThe recovery time for a deep plane facelift can vary depending on individual factors such as the extent of the procedure, the patient’s overall health, and their body’s healing response.
However, on average, patients can expect a recovery period of several weeks to several months. Here’s a general timeline of what to expect during the recovery process:
  • Immediate post-op period (first few days to one week): During the first few days following surgery, patients may experience from none to very minimal bruising and swelling (thanks to no-bleeding technique), and discomfort in the treated areas. Tylenol can help manage any discomfort. Pain occurs only if you damage nerves. Awake facelifts avoid that nerve injury.
  • First week to two weeks: Swelling (if any) typically peaks within the first few days after surgery and gradually subsides over the following week to allow for proper healing. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities but can resume their normal routine.
  • Two weeks to one month: By the end of the second week, patients feel more comfortable but should still avoid activities that strain the incision sites.
  • One month to three months: By the end of the first month and into the second and third months, most swelling should have resolved, and patients may start to see more noticeable improvements in their facial appearance. However, it’s essential to continue following Dr. Kim’s post-op care instructions.
  • Three months and beyond: While most visible signs of surgery should have been resolved by three months post-op, it may take several more months for some patients to see the final results. Scars will continue to mature, and the face will gradually settle into new contours.

How Much Does A Deep Plane Facelift Cost?

Dr. Kim will create a personalized procedure plan tailored to your unique features and desired outcome. The cost will reflect the specifics of your customized procedure. To discover how a deep plane facelift can transform your appearance, schedule a consultation with us by calling (213) 700-4297 or clicking here. We look forward to connecting with you!

What to Do Next if You Are Considering a Deep Plane Facelift

Dr. Kenneth Kim, deep plane facelift plastic surgeonThe first step is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Kim. During this appointment, Dr. Kim will take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and aspirations and address any inquiries you may have regarding the deep plane facelift procedure.
Dr. Kim has performed numerous deep plane facelifts and is renowned for his expertise in facial anatomy, a subject on which he has published in the scientific and medical literature.

As a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kim upholds his practice’s highest technical and ethical standards. His dedication to excellence extends to his role as an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA’s School of Medicine, where he has established himself as one of the most knowledgeable plastic surgeons in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. He is also recognized internationally, having worked in Dubai, and currently teaches at Seoul National University, the #1 university in South Korea. Click here or call our Los Angeles office at 213-700-4297 to schedule a consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the results of a deep plane facelift last?

While individual experiences may vary, deep plane facelifts are generally known for providing long-lasting results compared to traditional techniques. The repositioning of deeper facial structures helps to address sagging and volume more comprehensively, leading to results that can endure for many years.

However, the aging process continues, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skincare practices can influence the longevity of the results. We typically advise patients that while they can expect to enjoy a significantly rejuvenated appearance for many years, additional maintenance procedures or non-surgical treatments may be desired in the future to maintain optimal results.

How many years younger will I look after a deep plane facelift?

It's impossible to give an exact number of years. Studies suggest a significant age rewind in the range of 10 to 15 years. Patients often perceive themselves as looking around 12 years younger after surgery. Additionally, surgeons frequently report patients appearing significantly rejuvenated compared to their pre-surgery look.

It's important to remember:

  • Individual results may vary based on factors like your initial facial structure and skin quality.
  • The aging process continues, so while the results are long-lasting, you won't look exactly the same as your younger self forever.

It's crucial to consult with Dr. Kim to discuss your specific goals and expectations. He can provide a more personalized assessment of how much younger you might appear after a deep plane facelift.

*Results May Vary