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    Deep Plane Facelift


    111 Harley St. are rated an average of 5 out of 5 based on 1376 reviews

    The Deep Plane Facelift is a type of advanced facelift, medically known as a Rhytidectomy, that produces dramatic, age-defying results. It is one of Dr Yannis’ signature procedures because of its complexity, one that always ensures a striking facial transformation.

    This Facelift offers superior Facial Rejuvenation and is a go-to technique for Dr Yannis because of how natural the results look and the longevity of them – which some patients have said last for 20 years. As it works on the deep anatomical planes of the face, it holds so well because it works under the muscles and platysma, so the face does not look stretched, pulled or natural. Often our patients look exactly like themselves – just even better than they looked ten, twenty or, perhaps even thirty years, before the procedure.

    So, if you’re looking to undergo a Deep Plane Facelift in London – look no further, because you’ve just found the clinic that will prioritise your surgical journey and the meeting of your aesthetic goals above all else.

    The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
    Internation Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS)
    General Medical Council UK (GMC)
    American Society Of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
    Top Performing RealSelf Doctor


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

    Our Quick Guide to Deep Plane Facelifts


    • Procedure Time: 2.5-3 Hours
    • Anaesthesia: Similar to a General Anaesthetic or Intravenous Sedation
    • Hospital Stay: Day Case or Overnight If Necessary
    • Time Off Work
      Time Off Work: 7-10 Days
    • Recovery Time
      Recovery Time: 4-6 weeks
    • Exercise
      Exercise: 4-6 Weeks

    Facelift Before & After Photos

    HOW DOES IT WORK?

    It’s called the Deep Plane Facelift because it works by gently revealing the anatomical plane between the muscles, the skin’s plasma, and fibrous tissue, known as the SMAS, and then uniquely lifts all elements vertically for an immediate result. By working under the muscles, it means the skin will maintain a sense of naturalness and won’t look too tight or stretched – and of course, our top Harley Street surgeon, Dr Yannis, will ensure tension-free movement with any of his facelift procedures.

    The Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (abbreviated to the SMAS) and Platysma layers of skin play massive roles in the ageing process. The SMAS is located between the fat and dermal layers of skin and contains muscles and facial nerve branches.

    The Platysma is an extension of the SMAS that extends down to the neckline where it becomes a separate muscle – and like all muscles, they weaken over time, leading to jowls or draping lower facial skin.

    Over time, the skin may lose volume – a process called atrophy – or increase in size, called hypertrophy – which is why repositioning both the SMAS and Platysma layers will help defy the effects of gravity and promote the ultimate agelessness. Then, once treated, they contribute immensely to an overall anti-aged appearance.

    One of the biggest benefits Deep Plane Facelift offers is a newfound vitality.

    Some other benefits are:

    Diminishes wrinkles

    Skin is lifted vertically to counteract sagginess

    Cheekbones and cheek structure is enhanced

    Restores volume

    Appearance of lower face, jowls and nasolabial folds are improved

    Defines the whole jawline

     

    ASK OUR SURGEON

    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.

    During the consultation, we will perform an analysis of the facial anatomy and the changes to the structure that signify ageing. You may wish to combine this with a brow lift and neck lift to achieve optimal results.

    We can perform a face lift as a day case procedure under general anaesthesia. However, we can administer a local anaesthetic for less extensive cases.

    Generally, the operation aims to lift the skin and muscles as one. The surgeon will tighten the underlying SMAS muscle and membrane, hoisting and trimming excess skin. As each operation involves addressing the appearance of neckbands, our Deep Plane Facelift extends to the Platysma muscles in the neck for a total rejuvenated look.

    Depending on the method adopted, the surgeon may staple the incision, and use non-dissolvable sutures to close the incision around the ears. The surgeon will remove the stitches and clips within two weeks after surgery, depending on how you are recovering.

    Occasionally, we may place a temporary drain under the skin behind your ear following the surgery to remove excess fluid, though this is usually not necessary. Your head will be wrapped in bandages immediately after surgery to minimise bruising and swelling for 24 hours.

    We may recommend minimally invasive submental liposuction around the neck and chin to improve the contour of the jawline. In other instances, you could combine the operation with a fat transfer to restore volume to the facial contours. Or, with a brow lift and blepharoplasty to address ageing around the eyes.

    Many patients can benefit from a face lift, even those in their thirties or eighties. It’s important to remember that a facelift does not stop, reverse or slow down ageing, it only helps you to instantly target the visible signs, which encourages younger-looking skin. Performing a second and third facelift later on in life may still be a possibility.

    It is most suitable for people looking to dramatically rejuvenate their complexion. Or those wanting to eradicate:

    • Hollowness in the cheek/protibial areas
    • Targets deep nasolabial folds
    • Ideal for those looking to remove buccal fat or facial fullness
    • Jowls
    • Asymmetrical jawline or sagging skin over chin line
    • Marionette lines – the vertical lines between the corners of the mouth and chin

    For more information on the areas that can be targeted, view this page.

    Improvements will be visible upon the removal of your cast. Over six months to a year, your nose will continue to change shape. During this time, swelling should reduce and you should start to see the final results towards the end of 1 year.

    The outcome of the facelift depends on several variables. Gravity, ageing, and other external and lifestyle forces will play a pivotal role in how long your facelift lasts.

    One of the benefits of the Deep Plane Facelift is that it will preserve the skin for approximately 10-15 years. Over the years, a patient who has had a facelift will still experience weakening of the muscles and skin laxity and may wish to repeat the operation.

    Most patients return to work between 1-3 weeks after the operation. Swelling, bruising and numbness after a traditional facelift typically last for 6-8 weeks which will subside gradually. Significant swelling should subside within 10-14 days. We will require you to wear a facial support garment for 24 hours. Numbness may take 4-6 weeks to resolve. A full recovery can be around 6 months or longer.

    We will provide you with aftercare instructions following your procedure. However, general recommendations and aftercare advice include trying to keep the head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery.

    The procedure duration will vary depending on the approach and severity of the operation. Due to the complexity of the procedure, it can be around 3 hours or more.

    The incisions and scarring vary depending on the case. They’re usually inconspicuously made around the ear, concealed within their natural folds. They often begin just above the hairline at the temples, extending in a natural line from the front of the ear just inside the cartilage and continuing behind the earlobe to the lower scalp.

    We usually recommend the use of Kelo-cote  for three months to help minimise scarring. We also advocate the use of our complimentary dramatic healing serum – the product contains healing ingredients proven to reduce the appearance of scarring. Our light therapy system Celluma can also reduce scars.

    Radiofrequency laser treatments combined with conservative use of Anti-Wrinkle Injections and fillers can preserve the quality of the skin to ward off skin laxity and improve structure and support.

    We advocate many non-surgical approaches such as the soft thread lift, Profhilo, the 8-point liquid facelift and laser treatments that all provide excellent results for addressing volume loss, and softening the appearance of mild jowls, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. However, surgical intervention will always offer the best and most permanent outcome for extensive facial sagging. A traditional facelift can improve sagging neck skin and platysma vertical neck bands, where non-surgical methods aren’t successful with these concerns.

    A consultation will help determine which course of action would be most suited to your needs. Here, we will take your age, skin damage and quality, volume loss, the elasticity of the skin, lifestyle factors, any pre-existing facial asymmetries and your mental health into consideration.

    Age is not the factor to decide if your skin is suitable to have a Facelift surgery. The condition of your skin is the key indication for a Facelift. If you see a significant sagging, wrinkles, loose skin, or jowling, you are suitable for Deep Plane Facelift surgery.

    You can book a consultation via our online booking system, or by giving us a call on 0344 241 0817. Our London clinic hours are 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on Mondays, 9:30 am to 8:00 pm from Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm on Fridays, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays.

    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.

    Why 111 Harley St?

    • Dr Yannis Alexandrides specialises in facial reconstructive surgery (including craniofacial surgery). Therefore, he has a profound understanding of the complexities of the bone structure and soft tissues.
    • Having performed countless facial surgeries over the past 20 years, Dr Yannis Alexandrides only performs facelift techniques that can deliver guaranteed results.
    • Dr Yannis Alexandrides’ deep understanding of skin’s 3D healing process is what led him to create a successful skincare line that delivers pioneering solutions based on extensive medical observations, practice and research. He also pioneered the Y Facelift – his unique approach to providing the best facelift results for his patients.
    • His training in Miami’s Centre for Aesthetic Surgery means that Dr Yannis has experience from both sides of the Atlantic; training in America but understanding European standards. Through this experience, he discovered innovative facelift methods and developed his own unique pioneering approaches.
    • He regularly attends events as a Keynote Speaker, teaching his surgical techniques to other Plastic Surgeons.
    • Dr Yannis Alexandrides has extensive experience working with leaders in facial rejuvenation and facelift procedures. It’s an operation that requires careful planning according to the patient’s desires, anatomy and state of ageing.
    • At 111 Harley St., we often combine a facelift procedure with a blepharoplasty, brow lift, neck lift, lip lift, or other facial procedure that can rejuvenate the patient’s overall appearance.
    • For face lift costs, please don’t hesitate to contact any of our Admin Co-Ordinators who are available Monday to Friday from 10am-6pm. We look forward to speaking to you soon!

     

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