Deep Plane Facelift Complications
Deep plane facelifts are performed when the skin can’t be tightened with an incision at the hairline. These procedures may benefit people who have excess fat around their face, such as under the chin or behind the ears. They can also help tighten loose skin on your lower jaw and neck area, making you look years younger.
I this guide, we review the aspects of Deep Plane Facelift Complications, deep plane facelift cost, deep plane facelift nerve damage, and deep plane facelift recovery day by day.
Deep Plane Facelift Complications
A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that uses an incision along the hairline to lift and tighten the skin on your face. Deep plane facelifts are most often performed after age 50, when the skin starts to sag. This procedure can also be used to remove excess fat under the chin or behind the ears. Deep plane facelifts can benefit patients who have loose, sagging skin in certain areas of their face such as around the jawline or neck area.
Infection
Infection is a serious complication that can lead to further surgery. It’s important to be aware of the risk of infection and take precautions to avoid it, such as using alcohol swabs after surgery, avoiding smoking and alcohol for several weeks after your procedure and not covering any cuts or sutures with makeup until they have healed.
Infections can occur in both the superficial and deep planes during facelift surgery. Infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi that enter through small cuts or open wounds on your face while you are undergoing plastic surgery. If you notice redness around any of your incisions post-procedure (within 3 days), contact your surgeon immediately so that he/she may recommend treatment options for this potentially dangerous side effect.
The best way to prevent infection is by following all instructions given by your surgeon before, during and after surgery in order to maintain optimal health before having any surgical procedure performed on yourself (or someone else).
Numbness
- Numbness is the inability to feel anything on the face. This can be permanent or temporary in nature, depending on the cause. Temporary numbness can occur due to a surgical procedure that cuts nerves in the area where it was performed; for example, if an incision is made along your hairline and your forehead has been numbed with local anesthesia, you may not be able to feel anything there for several hours after surgery until those nerves heal up again.
- If you experience temporary numbness after receiving a deep plane facelift, it will probably go away within three months of surgery. However, if you are still experiencing discomfort in this area six months later (or sooner), contact your surgeon immediately so they can examine you and make sure everything is okay!
Scarring
Scarring is a common side effect of any surgery, and can range from small “freckles” to large scars that resemble a thick leather belt. In some cases, scarring is unavoidable. For example, if you have deep plane facelift surgery on your cheeks or eyes and the surgeon has to cut through the skin and subcutaneous fat layer in order to access the underlying facial structures (see below), then there will be visible scarring where these incisions were made. However, even when there is unavoidable scarring due to dissection during surgery or other trauma to the skin caused by surgical instruments such as lasers or ultrasonic devices used during the procedure itself, it’s important for patients not to worry about how their face will look afterwards because there are many ways for plastic surgeons like Drs Longo & Associates cosmetic surgeons Drs Longo & Associates cosmetic surgeons Plastic Surgery Center Plastic Surgery Center Orlando Florida Orlando Florida area area Orange County Orange County FL FL
Tissue Death
When the skin is cut, it can lead to tissue death. This is a bad thing because it’s painful and requires stitches to fix, plus there’s no way back from tissue death.
What causes tissue death?
Tissue death is caused by the release of enzymes that break down your body’s proteins. These enzymes are produced when you have an injury or infection in your body; they’re meant to help clean up the area so that it can heal properly, but too many of them will cause permanent damage (i.e., tissue death). How do we prevent this?
The best way to prevent tissue death is through prevention techniques such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding cigarette smoke, which can increase your risk for developing both types of damage—skin cancer!
Asymmetry
Asymmetry is a possible complication of deep plane facelift. This can occur when the incision ends up being too long or too short, and it can lead to asymmetrical skin folds on your cheeks. The more common cause of asymmetry after a deep plane facelift is scarring, which can be treated with surgery. However, if it isn’t treated properly and promptly enough, it may lead to other issues like sunken cheeks or a hollow area under the eyes.
If you notice that you are experiencing any of these symptoms after having had surgery done on your face, make sure to bring them up with your surgeon right away! The sooner they get treated, the better off you will be in terms of avoiding further complications down the line (and who knows what else could happen).
deep plane facelift cost
A deep plane facelift in new jersey extends surgical rejuvenation into the deeper layers of the facial tissues, producing more dramatic and longer-lasting results than a standard facelift procedure. While a typical facelift focuses on tightening the skin and tissue around the jawline and chin, a deep plane facelift also addresses the mid-face area.
Since a deep plane facelift is more technical and complex and requires a higher level of skill on the part of the surgeon, it often costs more than a standard facelift. Read on to learn more about the cost of a deep plane facelift and what factors contribute to the price.
Deep Plane Facelift Cost
According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for a facelift in 2019 was $7,944. The surgeon’s fee is just one part of the overall cost of the procedure, however.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 in total for a deep plane facelift. How much you’ll pay is based on a variety of factors.
What Affects the Cost
Several factors can make a deep plane facelift cost more or less. While it can be tempting to choose the option with the lowest price tag, it’s usually best to err on the side of caution when it comes to plastic surgery and carefully consider the skill and qualifications of a surgeon more than their fees alone.
Some factors that affect the cost of a deep plane facelift include:
Along with factors that directly affect the price you’ll pay for a deep plane facelift, there are also things that have an indirect effect on the cost.
For example, the amount of time you need to recover after the surgery can impact the cost. Generally speaking, the initial recovery after a facelift takes about a week or two. If you work outside your home and need to take time off, you might want to factor in the time you’ll need for medical leave, especially if your employer doesn’t offer paid leave or time off.
Another factor that can affect the cost of a deep plane facelift is whether or not you decide to combine the surgery with another surgical or non-surgical procedure. Often, combining procedures raises the out-of-pocket cost but also ends up costing less than if you were to schedule each treatment separately.
The cost of combined procedures varies based on what you decide to combine. If you have a deep plane facelift performed with a brow lift or facial fat grafting, you can expect the price to be higher than if you were to combine a deep plane facelift with a non-surgical option. Some procedures cannot be combined for safety reasons, however.
What Goes Into the Cost
When you schedule a deep plane facelift, what are you actually paying for? Usually, you will need to cover the following services when you decide to have a facelift:
Consultation
Often, the consultation fee is waived or a surgeon will offer patients a free consultation to help them decide if a deep plane facelift is the right option for them. If the consultation isn’t free, you might expect to pay a few hundred dollars. In some cases, the surgeon might charge a consultation fee, then deduct the amount from the final cost of your facelift.
Medical Tests
The best candidates for a deep plane facelift new jersey are people who are in good overall health. To verify your health, it’s likely that your surgeon will want you to schedule blood tests and a physical exam before your surgery.
The costs of these tests can vary from location to location. They may or may not be covered by insurance. Often, medical and lab tests cost a few hundred dollars.
Surgeon’s Fee
The surgeon’s fee is likely to make up the biggest part of the overall cost of a facelift. The average fee is around $8,000, but you can expect it to be more if you’re working with a board-certified, highly experienced surgeon. Additionally, a surgeon on the West or East Coast is likely to charge more than someone practicing in the Midwest.
Anesthesiologist Fee
How much the anesthesiologist charges also vary based on their experience and location. The type of anesthetic they use can also impact the cost of their services.
Medical Supplies and Equipment
The price of your facelift might include the cost of any supplies or equipment the surgeon and medical team needs to use. Supplies can include the cost of any gloves or gowns worn during the procedure, as well as the needles, scalpels, and other tools used.
Prescription Medications
After your surgery, the surgeon might write you prescriptions for pain relievers or other medications to help with the healing process. Depending on your insurance coverage, you might need to pay for the medications in full out-of-pocket. The cost of the medications varies based on the type and brand prescribed.
You might also need to pay for garments or bandages to wear after the surgery.
Follow-Up Appointments
Your surgeon might include the cost of follow-up visits in the overall fee charged for a facelift or these might be separate expenses you will pay for later. The cost of follow-ups depends on how many times you need to go and how much care you need at each visit. If there are complications, the follow-up might cost more than if you have an easy recovery.
Is Facelift Covered by Insurance?
As a general rule, insurance doesn’t pay for cosmetic procedures, including facelifts. If you’re having the surgery for purely cosmetic reasons, such as to look more youthful, then your insurance will likely refuse to cover it.
But there are always exceptions. If you need a facelift for reconstructive reasons, such as after a severe injury, your insurance company might pay for some or all of it.
If you think there’s a possibility that insurance will pay for your surgery, it’s important to contact your provider early on in the process. Often, insurers will only pay for reconstructive surgery if all other options have been tried and exhausted.
Financing Options
A deep plane facelift can be expensive but there are ways to finance the surgery to make it more affordable or to allow it to work within your budget. Financing options include using a credit card to pay for the procedure or taking out a personal loan from a bank to cover the cost.
The surgical facility might also accept healthcare financing programs. One option is CareCredit, which is a credit card designed specifically for healthcare and medical expenses. The program offers low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
Prosper Healthcare Lending is another option. Like CareCredit, it’s designed specifically for healthcare financing.
When choosing a financing option, carefully consider the interest rate charged, the monthly payment required, and the length of the repayment period. Make sure you’re comfortable with your financing decisions before scheduling your surgery.
Learn More About Facelift Pricing Information Today
The Glasgold Group in Princeton, NJ accepts CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending to help patients pay for their deep plane facelifts. Our practice also accepts payment via cash, credit card, and personal check. To learn more about your payment options and to get an estimate for a deep plane facelift, call 732-838-6758 to schedule a consultation today.
deep plane facelift nerve damage
After Decades of Misinformation, Meta-Analysis Study Reveals Deep Plane Facelifting Technique and Other Methods Equally Safe
Study Shows Deep Plane Facelift Has Lowest Facial Nerve Injury Rate of All SMAS Facelifting Techniques and Concludes Facelift Approach Should be Selected Based on Quality of Results and Not the Complication Profile
New York, NY (February 12, 2019) – In a new meta-analysis study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Andrew Jacono, M.D., FACS and Director of the New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery, debunks the long-held dogma that the Deep Plane facelift technique has a higher facial nerve injury rate than other facelift methods practiced today.
The study, entitled “A Meta-Analysis of Complication Rates Among Different SMAS Facelift Techniques,” required Dr. Jacono and his team to systematically review 4,273 studies published in plastic surgery literature and included the results and complications of 41,141 facelift patients in those studies.
The most feared complication of a facelift is a facial nerve injury that affects the ability to animate and express the face, for example, the ability to smile. Using a statistical model called a meta-analysis with logistic regression, the study calculated that the Deep Plane technique, which lifts under the facial muscle called the SMAS, has the exact same temporary facial nerve injury rate of .69% as a superficial-based facelift that simply stitches the surface of the SMAS muscle, called a SMAS Plication.
In all cases, the nerve injuries resolved spontaneously without treatment as healing progressed, and no patient had permanent facial nerve damage after a facelift. . The SMAS facelift techniques that had the highest rate of temporary facial nerve injury were the High Lateral SMAS facelift and the Composite facelift, at 1.85 %, but these injuries resolved spontaneously as well.
Deep Plane Facelift Risks and Deep Plane Facelift Nerve Damage
“Unlike other facelift techniques, the Deep Plane facelift lifts the skin, facial fat, and muscle together as one unit and repositions all the deep facial musculature creating a more natural and longer-lasting outcome,” says Dr. Jacono, who has performed facelifts with many different techniques, but prefers the Deep Plane approach.
Dr. Jacono believes that he can perform the deep plane facelift with complications very mild compared to other methods and other doctors. Facelift nerve damage risk is always an issue in any procedure, even mini facelift risks are present. But Dr. Jacono’s skill and experience mitigate most risks of facelift surgery and complications of facelift surgery.
“Deep Plane surgery is performed only by a small percentage of plastic surgeons but regarded by many leaders to be the most advanced approach to face-lifting,” continues Dr. Jacono. “The older SMAS Plication technique of the past 40 years has more limited ability to create long-lasting outcomes.”
“Today’s facelift patient is often confused by conflicting information given to them regarding techniques and facial nerve injury rates,” says Dr. Jacono. “I’m happy to finally be able to set the record straight and reveal that all facelift approaches have a comparable and safe complication profile,” continues Dr. Jacono. “Technique should be selected based on the quality of results and not the complication profile.”
Other Nerve Damage After Facelift Surgery
While there will be risks with any medical procedure, the more minor the procedure and the more experienced the surgeon, the fewer risks there will be. Brow lifts and eyelid surgery carry risks, of course, but are less than a traditional facelift.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that any surgical procedure to the face and neck has the potential for side effects, and this includes everything from mini lifts to full facelifts. But in the hands of a good doctor, most common complications, as well as uncommon complications, will be lessened.
About Dr. Andrew Jacono
A world-leading expert on minimally invasive face-lifting, Dual Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono has presented clinical research and conducted live surgery in front of peer audiences at over 100 plastic surgery meetings and symposiums around the world and has delivered lectures at the most prestigious universities in America, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania.
A Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Dr. Jacono serves as Section Head of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at North Shore University Hospital and Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Jacono serves as Director of The New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery in New York, New York, and Fellowship Director of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Jacono has published extensively in medical literature, with more than 50 articles appearing in peer-reviewed journals, including Aesthetic Surgery Journal, JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He was selected by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the twenty-four top plastic surgeons in America, and as one of the best facial plastic surgeons in New York City by New York Magazine. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Anderson, CNBC, and CNN and in USA Today, Town & Country, Departures, Huffington Post, O, The Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire, GQ, and Esquire, among others.
deep plane facelift recovery day by day
There is no “normal” facelift recovery. So many variables come into play, different degrees of ageing, surgical and medical history, genetics, psychological outlook and the extent and type of surgery performed.
This page is for my patients having deep plane composite facelift surgery performed by me as all surgeons use different techniques of varying complexity and associated recoveries.
Everyone heals at their own pace and there is no rush. There are however common themes, worries and concerns that almost everybody experiences to some extent or another. On this page I hope to walk you through a typical patient’s journey of both physical and emotional recovery.
Please use it as a guide and not a comparison tool – your journey is your own – and we will be right by your side all the way.
Preparation
Preparing for facelift surgery is much like preparing for a holiday. Those patients that prepare physically, logistically and emotionally enjoy their journey far more than others who bury their heads in the sand until its time to go.
I tell my patients to give me two weeks of their time until they are comfortable to be visible socially or professionally. In reality, most feel comfortable sooner, but two weeks is a good rule of thumb.
Logistically
Clearing the social and professional calendar for this period reduces stress and the frustration of needing to hurry healing along. Filling the fridge with soft foods, the freezer with large bags of peas, sorting childcare, getting that pile of washing done, and planning books to read or shows to watch means that from day one you can focus on you and your recovery.
Emotionally
There is no doubt that those patients with a positive mental attitude recover quicker, the opposite is also true – those patients that look up all the rare complications on google tend to tempt fate! Taking time to accept the recovery period, knowing there will be days where you look like an alien and that there will be bruising and swelling and tightness and numbness means you’ll welcome the reality as an expected part of your journey
The Run Up To Your Facelift
You’ve booked the procedure and cleared your diary, logistics are taken care of, everything is ready but are you? We all lead busy lives and tend to be doers more than thinkers. In the few days before surgery, the thinking starts!
Am I doing the right thing? Will it be ok? is my neck that bad? Everybody, and I mean everybody goes through this process. It’s a time of reflection and nerves creep in. Humans are geared to be wishful thinkers but suddenly something that has been longed for for so long is just round the corner and doubts creep in – much like a bride on the night before her wedding.
This is a time to trust your research and decision making, remember the reasons you reached out for help in the first place and remember you are with team who are focussed experts in the procedure you have chosen to have. Feel free to air any concerns or worries in person at the pre-op clinic at anytime.
Immediately After Your Facelift
You’ve done it! Years of waiting, deciding and planning are over. Immediately after surgery you will be conscious as we will have carefully reduced any sedation in the last hour of surgery.
There isn’t usually any pain as the face is still numb from local anaesthetic, the same anaesthetic might have made the eyebrow or lip nerves sleepy and will wear off over the next few hours.
You will be changed out of your gown into your pyjamas and escorted back to your suite with a soft cotton wool head bandage and into our super king beds with 6 firm pillows keeping you propped up.
You might feel sleepy still or you might not – it varies. Some patients are hungry but find the mouth doesn’t open very wide which is why we stock your suite with soft sweet foods. About 10% of patients can feel nauseous, and if so we will give you medication for this. Overnight the anaesthetic wears off and you will feel tightness from the face and neck lift and the bandage, Paracetamol is usually enough to take the edge off this. Some patients sleep well, most get a few hours only, we don’t give any further sleeping tablets as we want your body to wash out the sedation given during surgery.
Day One Tired But Elated
The morning after your bandages are taken down and your hair is gently washed for you.
My patients are placed routinely under an LED phototherapy lamp straight after their hair wash as this encourages blood flow to the facial skin and brings in healing and growth factors to kick start recovery.
After I check you and take 3D and static photography, we pack your bags for you, run through your post operative instructions and help you out to your car. At this stage you are sore but not in pain and elation is common having had a glimpse of the result that has been achieved.
Days Two & Three I Wish I Hadn’t Done It
The elation has evaporated, these are the tough days. I tell all my patients that day 2 and 3 they won’t like me and won’t like themselves!
The reason for this is swelling – it can range from minimal to impressive – there is no normal. Swelling makes the face look alien, feel heavy and throb. Again pain is not expected but a deep soreness and tightness is. It will be difficult to open the mouth wide or turn the neck in most directions.
This is stage do very little, avoid mirrors and ice constantly. Some patients can feel depressed, like baby blues, the facelift blues is a definite thing. The adrenaline, excitement and anticipation gives way to worry, angst and guilt. The latter because this is elective surgery not for physical illness and patients don’t wish to be a burden on their family. Be very kind to yourself, you’ve had big surgery and are allowed to be a patient.
Days Four To Six Bruised & Bored
The worst is now over and I have become tolerable again! The swelling is going down, neck and mouth tightness is easing but still limited and bruises are coming out.
There might be the odd lump bump, ridge or contour irregularity under the skin where the deeper work was performed but these will all even out. The ears and skin in front of the ears will be strangely numb, the earlobes will be enlarged and it will feel like a tight band or scarf under the neck. Social isolation and boredom starts to creep in, a short walk outside with your hair down and a hoodie is possible. The worry about being back at work in time starts – will I ever look like me again? – the answer is yes – a better version of you but this is where patience is key. You are less than a week out!
One Week Swollen & Yellow
You are back to Azara for removal of your stitches which can now feel like they are pulling. You are swollen still, some are very swollen, others look like they are ready to be back out socially with their hair down – but again there is no normal.
At this stage the swelling is descending with gravity and there can be a bit of a new double chin – which will go. The stitches come out painlessly but the facial skin is still completely numb. Bruises are at their peak if present and we might laser them if indicated. It will feel like you have been recovering for ever but a week is a long time in facelift recovery. And we still have another week before you are back out there.
Second Week I Hope No-One Notices
Week 2 is a big week. Changes occur daily as swelling descends and bruising fades. There can be discolouration of the numb skin in front of the ears and behind as new blood vessels bring nourishment to the skin.
You might start to get tingling sensations or pins and needles as the feeling starts to return but usually this is later on. Swelling under the chin is worse in the mornings and after salty foods. As the swelling subsides you might notice lumps and bumps but again these will soften and fade. Emotionally you are now worried that people will notice or that you are more swollen than all the cases on my gallery. In reality you aren’t, they all felt exactly the same way. You might worry that you need a cover story, but remember you know what you have done and others don’t – people tend to look and not see – my patients most commonly tell me that colleagues and friends ask if they have lost weight (welcome to your new jaw and neck line!) or that they look really well (what they mean is more beautiful!)