The deep plane facelift is designed to rejuvenate the sagging shapes of the aging face, jawline, and neck while maintaining a natural, unoperated-upon appearance. In addition, some patients only require a partial or lower facelift, a necklift, or a midface lift, depending on their needs and preferences. Dr. Alsarraf is Boston’s leading expert in these procedures, having literally written the book on how surgical facial rejuvenation should be performed. The surgical technique that he uses creates a longer lasting and more natural result that resuspends the deeper tissues of the face rather than just pulling on or lifting up the skin itself. Other, older forms of the facelift can create a pulled or wind-blown appearance or produce results that fade quickly over time. Dr. Alsarraf’s approach avoids these problems.
The incisions used for the lower deep plane facelift procedure are all hidden– some in the hair, some actually inside the ear– but no scars are left in front of the ear in areas that might be noticeable postoperatively. For most patients, submental liposuction is used to remove the excess hanging fat underneath the chin at the time of the facelift surgery. In addition, Dr. Alsarraf feels that it is important to tighten the deeper muscles in this area as well, to eliminate the “turkey waddle” that forms as we all begin to age. By treating the fat, muscle, and skin together, he is able to achieve a more natural, longer lasting result that gives the patient back their youthful jawline and tightens the neck beautifully.
Dr. Alsarraf has published a detailed account of his deep plane facelift technique entitled “The Facelift: Technical Considerations,” in a special Rhytidectomy issue of Facial Plastic Surgery. This article and Dr. Alsarraf’s textbook The Aging Face: A Systematic Approach, which also focuses on his specific techniques, are both available for your review at The Newbury Center. Dr. Alsarraf also performs his own version of a Mini-facelift or tuck up procedure, which can reduce recovery time further while maintaining a natural looking and long lasting result, for those patients who have already undergone previous surgery and are looking to improve their results.
The deep plane facelift or necklift procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours and is performed in a hospital or private ambulatory surgery center setting. A bandage is only worn for one day at home, no ice is required, there is minimal discomfort or bruising, and most patients are out and about or back to work two weeks following their procedure. Many patients elect to have a browlift or blepharoplasty at the time of their facelift surgery, in order to maintain a balanced facial rejuvenation, but often the lower face or necklift stands on its own.