Deep Plane Facelift Sydney

A Deep Plane Facelift (deep plane rhytidectomy) is a more powerful facelift which repositions the deep soft tissues of the face, usually performed with a Neck Lift. Not all facelifts are alike, nor is one single facelift suitable for every person.

Deep Plane Facelift Sydney

A Deep Plane Facelift involves adjusting the SMAS – a deep layer of tissue beneath the skin – promoting a lift towards the top of the ear. The technique aims to prevent excessive tension on the skin, while preserving blood supply.

The goal of Dr. Zacharia is to help patients achieve a rejuvenated yet natural look, respecting the unique characteristics of each individual’s face. The intention is for patients to appear as a refreshed version of themselves, steering clear from the stereotypical ‘operated’ or windswept facelift look.

Womans face being marked to show facelift areas

How does a deep plane facelift work to adjust the contours of the face?

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

A deep plane facelift procedure involves repositioning sagging muscles and deeper structures of the face.
This procedure has the potential to impact the volume in the midface area, or cheeks, by adjusting the underlying layers of facial muscles and fat.
The deep plane facelift can influence the appearance of the jawline and neck.
By addressing the deeper tissues of the face, a deep plane facelift may influence the appearance of deep-set wrinkles and folds.
A deep plane facelift impacts deeper structures of the face, which could potentially result in long-lasting changes that age naturally with the individual.
A deep plane facelift procedure can potentially modify the results of previous facelift surgeries by addressing the deeper tissues.
The procedure may influence the elasticity of the skin by repositioning and tightening the underlying muscle and connective tissue.
The goal of a deep plane facelift procedure is to adjust facial contours with less tension on the skin, potentially leading to results that allow for natural movement and appearance post-surgery.

What to expect

Consultation

The process for considering a deep plane facelift starts with a comprehensive consultation with our experienced surgeon. In this meeting, your surgeon will assess your goals, medical history, and facial structure. A detailed examination of your skin quality, facial volume, and the signs of facial aging you’ve experienced will be conducted. This consultation offers an opportunity for you to voice any concerns or ask any questions about the procedure.

Number and type of consultation

It is a requirement under the law, that a patient seeking cosmetic surgery must have at least two pre-operative consultations. The patient’s first consultation must be with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery or another registered health practitioner who works with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery (not a patient advisor or an agent). At least one of the two consultations must be in person with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. Other consultations can be in person or by video.

When consent can be given

A patient must not be requested to sign consent forms at their first consultation and cannot consent to cosmetic surgery until they have had an in-person consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. The decision to have the surgery (provision of informed consent) must be made at a consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the procedure (in person or by video).

Cooling-off Period

There must be a cooling-off period of at least seven days after the patient has had two consultations and given informed consent (signed consent forms), before the surgery can be booked or a deposit paid. 

Preparation

If a surgical plan is mutually agreed upon, you will receive specific preoperative instructions. These instructions might include dietary recommendations, advice on smoking and alcohol consumption, specific directions regarding medications or supplements, and facial hygiene procedures.

Surgery

A deep plane facelift procedure typically requires several hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia. This procedure involves making incisions in less noticeable locations around the hairline and ears. The surgeon then works beneath the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System), releasing ligamentous attachments and adjusting the facial musculature. This technique aims for comprehensive adjustments, impacting sagging and attempting to restore a tighter and smoother contour to the face.

Recovery

After the surgery, you’ll be monitored closely in a recovery room for a short period. Most patients can go home the same day, though occasionally an overnight hospital stay may be advised. Bandages may be applied to your face to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.

Post-procedure swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal, and will start to subside after a few days. The majority of patients feel ready to resume daily activities within approximately two weeks, although individual recovery times may vary.

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing and to ensure your recovery is proceeding as expected. The adjustments made during your deep plane facelift can take several months to fully settle as your face continues to heal and adapt to its new contours.

Surgery Time
2.5 to 4 hours
Hospital Time
Overnight
Time off work
Working from home after 1 week, back in office after 3 weeks - Occupation Dependent
Cast Removal
Face garment for two weeks
Showering
Can shower next day, however incisions must stay dry
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Driving
24 hours after general anaesthetic and not while taking prescribed pain relief. We also recommend checking with your CTA insurer as to the post surgery exclusion period.
Travel
After 14 days for national and 4 weeks for international
Full Recovery
6 to 12 months for final results

Considerations Before Cosmetic Surgery

While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.

In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.

For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery

General risks and complications of surgery include:

Substantial Hemorrhage: This involves severe blood loss from the area that underwent surgery, which may necessitate additional medical interventions.
Susceptibility to Infection: Post-surgery, the risk of infection can rise, potentially requiring either antibiotic treatment or subsequent surgical interventions.
Allergic Responses: Patients may exhibit allergic reactions to medical materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during and after the procedure.
Hematoma Formation: This involves the development of a sizable clot of blood beneath the incision site, which may necessitate medical drainage.
Post-Surgical Discomfort: Patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in the area surrounding the surgical site.
Scar Development: There's a risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated, red, and thickened scars over the healed incisions. Though they can be bothersome and aesthetically displeasing, they don't pose a direct health threat.
Delayed Healing Process: Healing can be sluggish, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or those who smoke.
Anaesthesia Risks: Patients may experience short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, along with other potential risks associated with anaesthesia.

Deep Plane Rhytidectomy risks and complications include:

Post-Surgical Pain: Following deep plane facelift surgery, patients may experience considerable pain, requiring an effective pain management plan.
Risk of Infection: Like any surgical intervention, deep plane facelift surgery carries the risk of post-operative infection that could require further medical treatment.
Scarring: Scarring is a potential outcome of any surgical procedure. Despite strategic placement of incisions, some patients may develop noticeable or keloid scars.
Hematoma: There's a risk of hematoma, a pocket of blood outside of the blood vessels, which may need further medical procedures to resolve.
Facial Nerve Damage: The surgery carries the risk of temporary or permanent facial nerve damage, which could potentially lead to issues like facial asymmetry or changes in sensation.
Aesthetic Dissatisfaction: There is a possibility that the patient may be unsatisfied with the aesthetic result of the deep plane facelift, necessitating additional revision surgery.
Skin Necrosis: There's a small but significant risk of skin necrosis, or skin tissue death, particularly in patients who smoke or have other pre-existing health concerns.

How Much Does Deep Plane Facelift Cost?

Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.

Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.

FAQ

The ideal candidate for Deep Plane Facelift surgery is someone who is in good physical and mental health. Smokers are encouraged to quit at least 2 weeks before the procedure and it is also recommended to not drink alcohol before and after surgery. This promotes proper healing and aids in avoiding complications during the procedure.Our experienced surgeon Dr Zacharia will explain what can be done to assist eligible candidates for this procedure. He will discuss the steps of the proposed surgery and the variables that may affect the procedure. Physical characteristics may affect the technical considerations.
At the consultation, Dr Zacharia will discuss the procedure, risks and limitations, costs involved, patient expectations and goals, as well as the recovery process. He will also conduct a medical examination and help the patient prepare both physically and mentally for Deep Plane Facelift Surgery.Dr Zacharia will then provide a Deep Plane Facelift information packet that explains everything a patient should do and know before their surgery date.
Dr Zacharia and his anaesthetist will assist patients in making the decision regarding which type of anaesthesia is best for their individual procedure. Normally for Deep Plane Facelift surgery a general anesthesia is used.
This varies with each patient since many patients choose to combine other procedures with their Facelift surgery. Dr Zacharia will be able to tell you during your consultation.
Right after surgery bandages will be applied to your head and neck-and then removed the next day. Dr Zacharia will then fit you with a facial support garment. Swelling, bruising, puffiness, numbness and paleness are all normal and to be expected. You must keep your head elevated for the first few days to help manage swelling. These issues clear gradually over several days, however some bruising will take 2 – 3 weeks to resolve.
No surgery is risk free. As with all procedures, there are number of risks and complications. Understanding the risks is imperative and Dr. Michael Zacharia discusses these openly with prospective patients in the initial consultation.The chance that any of these complications may occur during the surgery or recovery is usually very small. The following is a list the most common risks that may occur, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, small burst blood vessels, etc.During the initial consultation, Dr. Zacharia will answer any questions and make sure the patient fully understands all possible complications involved with the surgery.
Typically patients are presentable and able to return to work in about two to three weeks.
Self Assess Your Readiness

Are you sure that you are ready for a Facelift? There are many important factors that could influence whether you are in a position to handle a Facelift surgery, and how your current lifestyle can impact the quality of the results that you can achieve. We’ve provided a simple assessment to help better focus your mentality around how prepared you may be for getting a Facelift. This is not a replacement for a proper consultation with a qualified surgeon like Dr Zacharia, which will be the determining factor for whether or not to proceed, but this assessment can help focus your thoughts and prepare you mentally for what is in store and it will be looked through by Dr Michael Zacharia and the team to provide feedback and thoughts on your responses.

Self-Assess Your Readiness For a Facelift

Thank you for taking the Dr Zacharia self-assessment form to better understand how mentally and physically you are for achieving the best facelift possible. Please answer all questions below, and provide photos for a pre op screening by Dr Zacharia.

Disclaimer: Please note that Dr Zacharia has the same rights as a patient. If you choose not to go ahead with Dr Zacharia based on his recommendations, he also has the right to turn away patients who he feels may be too high risk for surgery or show a lack of compliance for surgery protocols.

Surgery is a serious decision, and we are striving for the best outcomes for all. However, all surgery comes with a risk of complication or revision. Follow your pre and post op instructions for your safety and best possible outcome. However, the human body is not an exact science and Dr Zacharia and his team can only use their extensive experience to help guide you through any issue that could arise.

Please complete the following information, so we can send you your results and contact you for further discussion later.

Dr ZACHARIA’s opinion will be based on your anatomy. If the budget you have specified does not meet his recommendations, we will highlight the limitations of lesser invasive treatments based on your budget/ anatomy.

Please provide a front on and profile photo of your face. Also, a photo of you on your profile looking down. Ideally stand in front of a plain wall or door and have someone else take the photos for the best pre op consult advise.

Experience EMFACE
EMFACE represents the cutting edge of facial treatments, a transformative innovation that changes the game. Harnessing the power of Synchronized RF and HIFESTM energies, it targets both the skin and underlying muscles, creating a dual-action effect.