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The Deep Plane Facelift Technique

While a traditional facelift is typically performed to shape and define the features, the deep plane facelift in Atlanta by Dr. Robb is a unique type of surgery that is extremely long-lasting and effective, providing dramatic, natural-looking results.

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What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift addresses and tightens 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, and it also targets deeper muscles and tissues for a more dramatic rejuvenation than other facelifts. A deep plane facelift also releases four ligaments in the lower face that anchor your muscles downward and cause a set, older appearance. This technique reduces tension and pulling and results in a lifted, natural effect that lasts long term. 

During our deep plane facelift in Atlanta, the skin is not lifted away from the SMAS layer. This preserves blood supply and facial sensation, leaving 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 rare after a deep plane facelift, and the recovery period is shorter than that of a traditional facelift.

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What Can a Deep Plane Facelift Address?

A deep plane facelift addresses a wider range of tissue than a typical facelift, which is why the results are more significant. This unique facelift lifts the muscle and connective tissue layer lifts the tissues beginning at the line from the angle of the jaw to the corner of the eye, where the soft tissues begin to sag and fall. 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 have moderate to severe skin laxity, particularly around the jaw, 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
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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 by Dr. Robb will resuspend and lift the tissues in a natural-looking yet dramatic way. Because a traditional facelift leaves underlying muscles tethered down by anchoring ligaments, while a deep plane facelift disconnects the ligaments, a deep plane facelift is more of a true anatomical “lift” and release. Benefits include the following:

  • Takes ten to fifteen years off the face
  • Eliminates a double chin or jowls
  • Achieves better facial definition and contour, enhancing the cheekbones, neck, and jawline
  • Causes 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 revision 
  • Boosts confidence and self-image

Your Deep Plane Facelift Consultation

As a specialist in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Robb makes time for every patient with a thoughtful, informative consultation. He listens to the concerns, questions, and expectations of his patients and provides understanding, honest information.  

Dr. Robb will examine your face and skin and advise the best course of action to address your concerns. He will walk you through the details of the procedure, answer your questions, and help you feel empowered and confident moving forward. 

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. 

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What Happens During a Deep Plane Facelift?

Dr. Robb will check in with you to answer any last-minute questions you may have. 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 tighten the underlying muscles and connective tissues, and release the anchoring ligaments to achieve a lifted, youthful, defined result. Once these steps are complete and the tissues are properly repositioned, he will precisely close the incisions.

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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. 

Depending on the extent of your deep plane facelift, you may not have drains. If a neck lift is part of the procedure, Dr. Robb will install drains to prevent fluid from accumulating and to help shorten and improve the healing process. His innovative, low-trauma technique makes it possible for many patients to lose only a very small amount of blood–in some cases, just 5-10 drops. 

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.

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After Your Deep Plane Facelift: Recovery Timeline

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.

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.

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?

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.

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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