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The Gold Standard in Facial Rejuvenation Surgery delivering the most advanced and natural-looking outcomes by expert Facial Plastic Surgeons! in Sydney
The Progressive Signs of Facial Ageing
As we age, the skin progressively loses collagen and elastin and starts to loosen and sag, causing laxity, folds, and wrinkles. However, the ageing process is not confined to the skin alone: the deeper soft tissues of the face, namely the fat, muscles, and deep supporting ligaments also weaken and contribute to the laxity and downward migration of tissues.
Those changes produce the following common signs of facial ageing:
- Brows descend and cause a ‘heavy’ or ‘hooded’ appearance of the upper eyelids.
- Cheek fat pads across the mid-face descend leaving in their place ‘hollows’ that create a ‘drawn’ and ‘tired’ look.
- Lower face laxity creates looseness around the jawline with jowls, folds and furrows.
The net result of all this is an older, drawn and ‘tired’ look with loss of its former youthful firmness.
The good news, however, is that a Deep Plane Face Lift can reverse the above changes and deliver a more youthful, natural-looking, and longer lasting facial rejuvenation.
What is a Deep Plane Face Lift?
Unlike traditional face lifts that only tighten the skin, a Deep Plane Face Lift lifts the skin together with its deeper structural layers – specifically the underlying SMAS layer and mid-face ligaments – to deliver a softer, more natural, and longer-lasting rejuvenation without an overly tight or “surgically done” appearance.
The Advantages of Deep Plane Face Lifts Over Traditional Face Lifts
- A more natural looking result
By not separating the skin from the underlying SMAS layer, the skin is lifted together with the SMAS as a combined flap. This delivers a remarkably more natural look because it avoids an unnatural appearance from over-tightened skin – the so-called ‘wind-tunnel look’ that can occur when only the skin is lifted.
- Longer lasting rejuvenation
Lifting all the soft tissues responsible for the signs of facial ageing delivers longer lasting results: 10-15 years compared to 7-10 years from a traditional face lift.
- Improved lower face rejuvenation
A Deep Plane Face Lift is particularly effective at reducing the heaviness of the lower face, softening deep nasolabial folds (‘smile lines’), removing jowls, and refining the jawline.
- Lifting and enhancement of the cheekbones
Higher cheekbones create a more striking and youthful facial appearance.
- Smoother skin contours
Lifting the skin while still attached to the underlying SMAS layer allows for smoother skin contours in the final result.
- Less visible scarring
The scars from a Deep Plane Face Lift are made less noticeable by carefully locating the incisions around the ears and hairline where the final scars will be less visible.
Are You Suitable For A Deep Plane Face Lift?
You could be an ideal candidate if you:
- Are between 40–70 years of age.
- Want natural-looking and longer-lasting facial rejuvenation.
- Have visible signs of facial ageing such as mid and lower facial sagging, jowls, and deep nasolabial folds.
- Have good skin quality and good general health.
- Do not smoke or have diabetes.
- Have realistic expectations.
How Is A Deep Plane Face Lift Done?
All Deep Plane Face Lifts are performed by our Facial Plastic Surgeon in a Licensed Hospital under General Anaesthesia administered by a Specialist Anaesthetist.
Being a very specialised technique, a Deep Plane Face Lift usually takes around 3-4 hours to do. However, your procedure will take longer if any additional surgery is planned such as such a Neck Lift, Brow Lift, or Eyelid Surgery.
Overnight stay in hospital is required so your recovery can be monitored by trained nursing staff.
You can return home the next day after our surgeon has checked you, to continue your post-operative recovery in the comfort of your own surroundings.
Recovery After A Deep Plane Face Lift
Immediately after surgery you will have some facial swelling and skin discolouration from superficial bruising.
Most likely, you will be pleasantly surprised by how little the pain is after the surgery. In any event, pain medications will be prescribed to manage any discomfort and provide a more comfortable recovery.
Recovery times will vary based on the extent of surgery and individual healing rates. However, most patients find they’re ready to return to work and resume social activities after 3-4 weeks.
Your appearance will continue to improve and refine over the ensuing months, and you can expect to see your final results around 3 to 4 months after surgery.
Our Facial Plastic Surgeon will review you regularly and support you every step of the way during your entire recovery period.
Deep Plane Face Lift 'Before & After'
PLEASE NOTE: All the following results are examples of the Deep Plane Facelift technique by Dr Puvesh Punj, Facial Plastic Surgeon, one of only a few select surgeons in Australia that performs a true, extended Deep Plane Facelift.
How Long Does The Correction Last?
As facial ageing is a natural, ongoing process that never stops, you will continue to age at your normal rate after the surgery. In other words, do not expect that your new ‘look’ will last indefinitely!
On average, the correction from a Traditional Face Lift can be expected to last around 7-10 years. On the other hand, Deep Plane Face Lifts last in the order of 10-15 years.
‘Pros & Cons’ of Deep Plane Face Lifts
The Pros:
- Softer, more natural-looking results.
- Longer-lasting results (10-15 years).
- Avoid unnatural, overly tight “windswept” appearances.
- Correct mid-face sagging – often missed in traditional facelifts.
- Less visible scarring.
- Better lower face rejuvenation.
- Smoother skin contours.
The Cons:
- No face lift technique can abolish lines and wrinkles. If you also wish to correct specific facial wrinkles, you will need non-surgical treatments to target those lines after your face lift.
- As with any surgery, risks and potential complications do exist (see below).
- Face & Neck Lift Surgery is not eligible for a Medicare Rebate nor is it covered by Private Health Insurance.
Potential Risks & Complications of All Forms of Face Lift Surgery
Specific to All Face Lift Surgery:
- Post-operative bleeding with possible hematoma formation (a collection of blood under the skin) which if large, may require a return to theatre for removal.
- Infection of the incisions requiring topical wound care and antibiotics.
- Poor wound healing and skin loss, more likely in smokers and diabetics.
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation, usually temporary.
- Seroma (excess fluid accumulation under the skin) requiring one or more aspirations.
- Contour irregularities of the skin and discolouration.
- Facial nerve injury with weakness of the facial expression muscles.
- Temporary or permanent hair loss around any incisions within the hair.
- Wide or thickened scars (hypertrophic or keloid) could occur if you are prone to them. Pigmented scars are more likely in those with brown or Asian skin.
- Sutures may spontaneously extrude through the skin or be palpable under the skin.
- Asymmetry between the two sides.
General Risks:
- Allergic reaction to medications, sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions.
- Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) and its potential to cause life-threatening Pulmonary Embolism.
- Adverse Reactions to Anaesthesia or Medication: The safety of anaesthesia nowadays in Australia is well established. Nevertheless, potential risks exist with all anaesthesia and unexpected reactions can occur. These may include nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions ranging from minor to severe. Respiratory failure, heart failure, heart attack and stroke are rare but documented risks of any general anaesthesia.
Additional Procedures Often Included With A Deep Plane Face Lift
Not uncommonly, additional procedures may be recommended by your surgeon to deliver a more harmonious and pleasing aesthetic result. These could include:
- Eyelid Surgery: Upper and/or Lower Eyelid Surgery are common additions to many Face Lift procedures.
- Brow Lift: A Brow Lift may be recommended if the brow has significantly descended and is causing ‘heaviness’ of the upper eyelids.
- Facial Liposuction: Irrespective of the type of Face Lift planned, if you also have excess fat deposits in the jowl areas or under the chin, you would benefit from liposuction to those areas at the same time as the face lift.
- Facial Fat Grafting: To enhance facial features such as higher cheekbones, or restore areas of lost facial volume.
- Neck Lift: In patients with loose neck skin, a Neck Lift may need to be included. This is done through a short, inconspicuous incision under the point of the chin.
The Cost of a Deep Plane Face Lift in Sydney
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Deep Plane Face Lift
The total cost of a Deep Plane Face Lift in Sydney will be made up of the following individual costs:
- Surgical Fee: From $15,500
Any additional procedures such as eyelid surgery, neck lift, brow lift, facial liposuction, etc. will add to the surgical fee.
- Hospital Fee: Your total Hospital Fee will be made up of:
- Operating Theatre Fee – based on the hospital’s hourly Theatre Fee for the duration of your surgery.
- Overnight stay after your surgery.
Your surgeon will advise you of the expected hospital costs once it has been determined which hospital you will be attending and how long your procedure will take.
- Anaesthetist Fee: This will basically depend on the duration of your surgery. Anaesthetic Fees are generally around $880/hour.
- Post-Operative Support Garment
Can I Claim a Medicare or Private Health Insurance Rebate?
Being a cosmetic procedure, there is no Medicare Rebate for any form of face lift surgery, nor can you claim on Private Health Insurance.