The Deep Plane Facelift Technique

While a traditional facelift is still the industry “norm,” Dr. Robb performs a Deep Plane Facelift in Atlanta; This is a unique type of procedure that works in the natural lifting levels of the face to create a tension free, natural outcome, with LESS recovery, discomfort, and downtime. 

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What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A Deep Plane Facelift elevates and frees up the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System): a layer of muscle and connective tissues that lies beneath the surface of the skin of the face and upper neck. It also targets the ligaments, or ‘anchors,’ of the face. By elevating and releasing these, we’re able to lift the tissues without tension – thus the result will last much longer than traditional methods. This technique involves VERY LITTLE skin elevation, which keeps the recovery extremely quick, simple, pain free and easy! This is one of the few times in surgery where the more comprehensive, natural, longer lasting procedure involves SHORTER recovery time!

During our Deep Plane Facelift in Atlanta, the skin is not lifted away from the SMAS layer. This preserves natural skin shine, blood supply, and more facial sensation. It also leaves the skin contours firmer, but also feeling and looking supple, natural, and soft, rather than stretched or ‘tight’ looking.

In Dr. Robb’s experience, bruising is extremely rare after a Deep Plane Facelift. This contributes to the quicker recovery, and scarring is much less in most Deep Plane Facelifts as well!

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What Can a Deep Plane Facelift Address?

A Deep Plane Facelift addresses a wider range of tissues than a typical Facelift, which is why the results are more significant. This unique Facelift lifts the muscle and connective tissue deeper in the face. In watching Dr. Robb’s videos, we learn that the Deep Plane elevation begins close to the ears – which means that VERY LITTLE skin is elevated. This type of lift actually lifts the fallen areas of the face, compared to traditional lifting techniques that lift closer to the ears.
Common areas that are addressed with a Deep Plane Facelift include the following:

 • Jowls and uneven jawline
 • Folds and creases around the mouth
 • Wrinkles and lines in the mid and lower face
 • Undefined facial features
 • Full, sagging, or wrinkled upper neck
 • Sagging skin in the cheeks and mid/lower face

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Who Is a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

Candidates for our Deep Plane Facelift in Atlanta/Alpharetta have moderate to severe skin drooping, particularly around the jawline, cheeks, and neck.
Candidates for a deep plane facelift want to achieve a more youthful, sculpted facial appearance and meet the following requirements:

  • Are in good health
  • Do not have serious medical conditions, such as a bleeding disorder
  • Do not smoke
  • Are not taking blood-thinning medications or supplements (or can safely stop taking these)
  • Have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with a deep plane facelift
  • Would like to address sagging skin on the face, neck and jawline 
  • Have a double chin or jowls, wrinkles, and creases around the mouth or other aging concerns

Patients with health concerns or medical problems – even in the past – Dr. Robb’s team will work with your current healthcare providers to ensure that you’re healthy for a procedure. Your safety is our primary concern!

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Dr. Robb Shows The Difference of A Deep Plane VS SMAS Lift

Dr. Robb Shows The Difference of A Deep Plane VS SMAS Lift

Deep Plane Facelift Benefits

A Deep Plane Facelift in Atlanta/Alpharetta/Milton by Dr. Robb will refresh and lift the tissues in a natural yet dramatic way. Because a traditional Facelift leaves underlying muscles tethered down to the anchoring ligaments, while a Deep Plane Facelift lifts the ligaments - (like lifting a deployed boat anchor) - a Deep Plane Facelift is more of a true anatomical “lift” and release. 

At the time of this publication, it’s estimated with 1-2% of facelift surgeons perform a true Deep Plane Facelift. Dr. Robb is proud to be in that select group. 

Benefits of Deep Plane Facelift include the following:

    •  Minimal trauma to the skin and soft tissue envelope of the face – it retains its natural shine and elegance
    • Eliminates a double chin or jowls without tension or signs of surgery
    • Affects the deeper anatomy better than surface techniques to improve the aesthetic
    • Achieves better facial definition and contour, enhancing the cheekbones, neck, and jawline
    • Causes far less trauma to the skin than other Facelifts
    • Results appear more natural, refreshed and youthful
    • Lower chance of scarring
    • Smooths creases, lines and wrinkles
    • Lifts and firms aging, sagging skin
    • Has a lower likelihood of needing a revision
    • Boosts confidence and self-image

    Deep Plane Facelift Testimonial

    We follow up with Vikki, who's 1 month out from Extended Deep Plane Facelift, Temporal Brow Lift, Revision Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty, Lip Lift and Laser Skin Resurfacing.

    1 Month Post Extended Deep Plane Facelift, Brow Lift, Revision Rhinoplasty, Lip Lift & Laser

    Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation

    Our process begins with the prospective patient reaching out. You will speak with one of our patient care coordinators. During this conversation, our team will gather some information from you while giving you information on the procedures of interest for you. This can include the methods, techniques, background, recovery, and cost information. 

    If all sounds good and our coordinators believe you’d fit well with our surgical procedures, a consultation will be made. We’ll ask for photos to be sent in, which Dr. Robb reviews with the patient coordinators. This step is vital to ensure that your expectations line up with the type of procedure that you’re interested in. 

    Next is the in-person (or virtual) consultation in the office! In this focused, 1:1 consultation, Dr. Robb will sit down and listen to your concerns, questions, and then perform a thorough evaluation. He will walk you through the details of the procedure and answer your questions. All this works together to help you feel empowered and confident in moving forward. Treatment possibility, as well as estimated course is reviewed. 

    Dr. Robb believes that “educated patients make better decisions,” and so all our patients are informed, counseled, and educated. Dr. Robb is trusted for his integrity and dedication to what is best for his patients. He is committed to addressing your concerns with the right facial surgery - never recommending a facelift unless he determines it’s the best procedure for you.

    Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Robb
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    What Happens During a Deep Plane Facelift?

    Congratulations! Now, your big day is here and it’s time for your Deep Plane Facelift! You will enter our private surgery center from a separate [private] entrance from the front desk area. You will be taken to one of our pre-op rooms where a warm comfy robe will be waiting for you as well as some surgical things.

    Dr. Robb comes to see you and chat, ensuring any last-minute questions are answered fully. Markings will be made on your face and neck in accordance with your surgical plan. 

    Your Deep Plane Facelift in Atlanta will be performed at Dr. Robb’s state-of-the-art, accredited, and certified surgical facility: the North Point Surgery Center. You will be given general anesthesia by a board-certified Anesthesiologist, who uses anesthesia techniques that yield a quicker recovery without causing the hangover and nausea that are typical with anesthetic sedation. 

    Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Robb will make careful incisions at the hairline and around the ear. He will make the incisions with exact precision to keep any scarring to an absolute minimum. He will then lift and tighten the underlying muscles and connective tissues, and release the anchoring ligaments to achieve a lifted, youthful, and defined result. Once these steps are complete and the tissues are properly repositioned, he will precisely close the incisions. 

    You will awake in our state-of-the-art recovery area – again with a warm and cozy environment. We have refreshments for you and help you wake up from your sleep, and after some time, you’ll be wheeled out to your family member/ride to bring you home!

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    What Will the Recovery Be Like After a Deep Plane Facelift?

    A Deep Plane Facelift tightens the deeper tissues and muscles of the face, eliminating the tension that a typical facelift puts on the incision closure. This results in a natural look and avoids the “pulled back,” tight look that appears unnatural. In addition to this more natural look, the healing process is improved, and the incisions heal better due to the lack of pulling and tension on the skin closure.

    Depending on the extent of your Deep Plane Facelift, you may or may not have drains. If a Neck Lift is part of the procedure, Dr. Robb will place drains to prevent fluid from accumulating and to help shorten the recovery and improve the healing process. His innovative, low-trauma technique combined with “preservation facelift” methods in this facelift makes it possible for many patients to heal so quickly after this procedure. 

    Most patients are comfortable enough to return to work after 1-2 weeks, and feel comfortable enough to attend larger gatherings or parties after about a month.

    After Your Deep Plane Facelift: Recovery Timeline

    Initial days after surgery

    Once your procedure is complete, and the anesthesia has worn off, you will be able to return home with a family member or friend. Use cold packs around your face and neck and sleep with your head elevated 45-60 degrees to help reduce swelling.

    One-to-two weeks after surgery

    Continue to rest and give yourself a chance to recuperate, and sleep with your head elevated. Your swelling will increase during the first four days, then begin to diminish. Walk from time to time to keep your circulation up. This helps to promote the healing process. Wait for about a week until you drive. You should feel comfortable performing your usual driving motions, which typically takes about one week. You can apply makeup again after one week.

    Three weeks after surgery

    You may resume moderate exercise (nothing strenuous yet). You will notice a definite decrease in residual swelling.

    Four to six weeks after surgery

    Dr. Robb will check to be sure, but most patients are healed enough at this time to resume vigorous activities.

    Dr. Robb Jr. is available to help with any questions or concerns during your recovery period. We want you to feel at ease during this time. He provides every patient with his personal cell phone number, ensuring they have a direct line to him during recovery.

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    Our Secret Weapon To Accelerate Healing:
    Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

    We offer the Robb Rapid Recovery Program for our patients after surgical procedures. Our program includes multiple sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Patients lie down in a large chamber that infuses significantly higher oxygen concentration levels into the body. This speeds up the recovery process, reduces swelling and discomfort, and minimizes scarring. 

    Results After a Deep Plane Facelift

    The results of a deep plane facelift with Dr. Robb are beautiful, natural-looking, and unique to you. While swelling may take weeks to months to completely subside, you will be able to see your initial results within about a week or two. Results last for over a decade and, in many cases, much longer. To help maintain your youthful appearance, be sure to protect your skin from the sun and use medical-grade skincare products on a daily basis. Our expert, world-class skincare team will recommend the best products for you to keep your results looking fresh and radiant.

    Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Robb, helping a patient.

    Why Choose Dr. Robb Jr. for a Deep Plane Facelift?

    When it comes to your face, you want to trust your surgeon’s skills and experience completely. Dr. Robb Jr is an award-winning, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. He exclusively specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and neck, making him the surgeon of choice for those looking for the very best. 

    Dr. Robb is known as a caring, compassionate doctor who is dedicated to the results of his patients. He trained under some of the most renowned facial plastic surgeons in the world, one of them being Dr. Jacono, the pioneer of the modern deep plane facelift technique, to hone his skills and master the advanced deep plane facelift techniques. He takes a unique approach to every patient and every surgery to achieve a natural-looking lift with as minimal of a recovery period as possible. His results and the satisfaction of his many patients speak for themselves. Please call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about a deep plane facelift with Dr. Robb. 

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    Deep Plane Facelift FAQs:

    Why choose a deep plane facelift over other facelift techniques?

    Will there be visible scars after a deep plane facelift?

    How long do the results of a deep plane facelift last?

    Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?

    Is the procedure painful?

    Why choose a deep plane facelift over other facelift techniques?

    A deep plane facelift is often chosen for its ability to lift and reposition not only the skin but also the deeper layers of tissue, resulting in a more natural and longer-lasting outcome. It is particularly effective in addressing midface sagging.

    Will there be visible scars after a deep plane facelift?

    Scars are typically minimal and hidden within the hairline and natural facial contours, becoming less noticeable over time.

    How long do the results of a deep plane facelift last?

    The results of a deep plane facelift are generally long-lasting compared to some other facelift techniques. However, the natural aging process continues, and individual results may vary.

    Can a deep plane facelift be combined with other procedures?

    Yes, a deep plane facelift can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid surgery or neck lift, to achieve a more comprehensive improvement in facial appearance.

    Is the procedure painful?

    Patients are typically placed under general anesthesia during the procedure, so they do not feel pain. Post-operative discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medications.

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