Deep Plane Facelift

WHAT IS A DEEP PLANE FACELIFT?
The Deep Plane Facelift is a sophisticated surgical technique that targets the deeper anatomical layers of the face, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) and platysma muscle. Unlike traditional facelift methods, which primarily lift the skin, which can result in a stretched appearance, this more advanced approach works on the deeper structural layers repositioning them as a whole restore youthful definition.

THE ROLE OF THE SMAS AND PLATYSMA IN FACIAL AGEING

UNDERSTANDING THE FACIAL STRUCTURE:

• The SMAS layer sits just beneath the skin. It contains muscles and nerves that play a key role in facial shape and movement.
• The platysma muscle, which extends into the neck, contributes to supporting the lower and helps provide definition.

THE EFFECTS OF AGEING ON THE FACE

• As we age the loss of elasticity in the SMAS means the face can become prone to sagging. Ultimately this can lead to deep wrinkles and very visible nasolabial folds
• As the platysma weakens, jowling can appear and the definition around the jawline softens.
• Facial harmony becomes distorted due to loss of volume in the skin, similarly, some areas may gain volume meaning balance causing a shift to the overall facial aesthetic.

The Deep Plane Facelift lifts, repositions and restores the structure from the inside out, addressing these issues for a harmonious and natural beauty.

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A DEEP PLANE FACELIFT?

When determining the patient suitability for any procedure, the Plastic Surgeon must consider many factors. For the Deep Plane Facelift, these are the key points that would make someone a good candidate:

• Moderate to severe facial sagging and skin laxity
• Deep facial folds or jowls
• Seeking a natural, youthful appearance without the visible signs of surgery
• Wanting to achieve long-lasting results

DEEP PLANE FACELIFT FAQS

An ageing face is something that can gradually start to present itself as collagen and elasticity levels begin to deplete, muscles weaken, and skin loosens.

Skin laxity accentuates the visibility of lines and wrinkles, jowls, excess skin above and below the eyelids, drooping mouth corners, hollowing under the eyes, and crepiness.

FACELIFT TECHNIQUES

EXTENDED DEEP PLANE & DEEP PLANE FACELIFT

As mentioned earlier, the Deep Plane Facelift targets the deep fibrous SMAS tissues and elevates them as one to achieve a dramatic lift – that still looks natural. There are two types of Deep Plane Facelift – the original one and the Extended Deep Plane. The extended version offers a more rejuvenated result, but means the facial incision is lengthened. However, Dr Yannis will ensure any incision made follows the skin’s natural lines and folds for maximum discretion. ­­

Y FACELIFT

Dr Yannis’ eponymous and pioneering facelift has been developed with his own extensive understanding of the ageing process and the places it effects most ­– and yes, the neck is one of them! The areas this facelift targets are similar to the shape of a ‘Y’. The top part of the letter acts as the jawline and lower face, and the stem as the neck which will provide contour and re-definition across these regions. Plus, the incision is disguised in the fold of the ear and behind it.

FULL FACELIFT

A traditional facelift will work on your whole appearance by contracting the epidermis. It addresses ageing of the lower and upper face, brows and neck – offering total revitalisation. Dr Yannis will remove any excess skin to lift it into a more youthful position and finish the procedure by concealing the incisions along the natural creases.

SMAS FACELIFT

SMAS Facelift works on a similar level to the Deep Plane Facelift and delicately reveals the SMAS layers of skin. However, compared to the Deep Plane Facelift that moves the skin and muscle as one to maximise facial harmony, the SMAS Facelift separates the SMAS layer of skin and the superficial fat, so both can be improved as separate entities. Depending on your facial composition and severity of laxity, Dr Yannis will expertly examine your appearance to identify which facelift will give you the best results.

MINI FACELIFT

The mini facelift is suited to those looking for a subtle rejuvenation with minimal downtime. It’s ideal for patients looking to rapidly offset the early signs of ageing, or the worsening of jowls or skin laxity issues before they develop further.

THREAD FACELIFT

The thread face lift is one non-surgical route to consider, especially if you’re considering a transformation without the invasiveness of surgery. Our Soft Thread Lift means you can achieve your dream appearance, improve the appearance of wrinkles and boost collagen production for up to a year afterwards.

CHOOSING A PLASTIC SURGEON

WHY DR YANNIS?

Dr Yannis Alexandrides is highly regarded in his field and specialises in facial reconstructive surgery (including craniofacial surgery), teaching his techniques to plastic surgeons from around the globe. He has a profound understanding of the complexities of  facial anatomy, the ageing process, soft tissues and healing processes.

Having performed countless facial surgeries over the last 30 years, Dr Yannis has refined his techniques with outstanding precision to achieve life-changing results that speak for themselves. He performs only facelift techniques that can deliver stunning outcomes and carefully curates his surgical plan to include preparation and recovery treatments, supplements and skincare to ensure the smoothest recovery and best end result.

Dr Yannis’ deep understanding of skin’s 3D healing process led him to formulate the Dramatic Healing Serum to accelerate the healing process and minimise scarring. The product is only available to 111 Harley St. patients. The success of the Dramatic Healing Serum further inspired him to create the 111SKIN products based on his extensive medical observations, practice and research. He also pioneered the Y Facelift technique, his unique approach to providing the best facelift results for his patients.

His training in Miami’s Centre for Aesthetic Surgery means that he has experience on both sides of the Atlantic; having worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital and training in the US, but also an innate understanding European standards and cultural preferences. Through this experience, he discovered innovative facelift methods and developed his own unique pioneering approaches.

Dr Yannis regularly attends events as a Keynote Speaker, teaching his surgical techniques to other Plastic Surgeons, and is a founding faculty member of the annual NYC Facelift Master Course. He has extensive experience working with leaders in facial rejuvenation and facelift procedures. These procedures require careful planning according to the patient’s desires, anatomy and state of ageing, selecting an experienced surgeon is key to a successful result.

As an expert in facial surgery, Dr Yannis frequently combines procedures for the best result, for example, where required to achieve the patients goals he may combine his signature facelifting techniques with Blepharoplasty, to address concerns around the eye area, Brow Lifts, Lift Lifts, Submental Liposuction or CO2 Laser Treatments – each and every surgical plan is as unique as his patients.

Content checked and approved for medical accuracy by Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD.