Deep Plane Facelift

Every patient’s anatomy and expectations are different depending on what age and what genetics they have leading up to their deep plane facelift.

Many times, part of the deep plane facelift is to address the muscle and skin laxity in the neck. This comprehensive approach combines the deep plane facelift procedure with additional procedures that specifically target the structures within the neck that are contributing to lack of definition to the jawline and submental region. This may involve reducing the size of the muscle and/or repositioning it. Patients frequently also have fat that is contributing to the fullness in this region which is also removed to further define the jawline region.

During the procedure, Dr. Somenek also releases the cervical retaining ligament that tethers the platysmal muscle which is located in the neck. This allows for full release and repositioning of the platysma which frequently becomes lax and shows “platysmal banding” in the neck as one of the first signs of aging in this area of the face.

It can take several months to completely heal after a deep plane facelift, but the majority of your recovery will take place in the first two weeks after your procedure. You’ll return home a few hours after your procedure, and we will see you in the office the next day, and at ~1- and 2 weeks post-op.

For your convenience, we also offer one-on-one nursing care that can accompany you to the hotel across the street from our surgical suite. Dr. Somenek will arrive at your room the next morning to see how you are doing and review the next week of recovery with you.

In the few days after your deep plane facelift, you can expect to develop some swelling and occasional bruising. You can help swelling resolve by following a low sodium diet and sitting more upright during the day and while you sleep. You may initially manage your post-op discomfort by taking prescription painkillers.

You can expect to look and feel significantly improved about two weeks after your facelift. The lower face and neck will still feel tight and a bit numb in some areas, which will resolve with time. You may still have some discomfort and minor bruising or swelling. These may be manageable with makeup and over-the-counter pain relievers. You may feel well enough to go back to work, provided that your occupation is not strenuous in any way. You’ll need to continue avoiding more rigorous physical activity for several weeks and we will give you specific guidance on returning back to your normal daily activities.

Most patients may travel 2-3 weeks after their procedure.

Our on-site Medical Spa offers recovery support, including lymphatic drainage massage (MLD), and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which may expedite your healing. To optimize your beautiful result, we will request that you continue to follow up with Drs. Somenek throughout the year following your procedure.

A facelift does not stop the aging process. However, the appearance of the face will still be far better than if they had done nothing at all, and the patient will be starting from a new and improved baseline.

Other factors can also affect how long your results last, including weight fluctuations, your age when you underwent surgery, and your overall health and lifestyle choices. Factors like smoking and sun exposure are known for accelerating the facial aging process and will consequently shorten the longevity of your rhytidectomy results.

The aging process is also accelerated as we grow older. Therefore, younger patients who have facial procedures will most likely experience longer-lasting benefits. A healthier lifestyle can help to preserve your results.

Mild discomfort is expected after your deep plane facelift procedure, but our Washington D.C. patients report it’s well-controlled with medication. They also report this feeling as being more of a “tightness” and expected swelling rather than significant pain.

For a deep plane facelift, we advise our Washington, D.C., patients to expect a pre-operative consultation, the surgery itself, and a series of follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and results.

After a deep plane facelift in Washington, D.C, patients typically see early improvements within 2-3 weeks, but final results emerge over 3-6 months as swelling continues to resolve.

Yes! Many Washington, D.C. patients combine their deep plane facelift with eyelid surgery, brow lifts, fat grafting, or skin resurfacing treatments to achieve more dramatic results and optimize their recovery time.

As with any surgical procedure, a deep plane facelift has risks. These include bleeding, infection, nerve injury, and scarring. Dr. Somenek’s meticulous technique and expertise will help minimize these complications.

To find the best surgeon who offers deep plane facelifts in Washington, D.C., look for a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience, unfiltered before-and-after photos, and glowing reviews. Dr. Somenek is proud of the reputation he has built in Washington, D.C., and beyond, and his remarkable skill set has made him a trusted leader in all types of facelift procedures.