When performed by an experienced surgeon, the deep plane facelift, the procedure is safe. I was one of the authors in an original publication on this procedure. Nevertheless, I only perform this procedure when indicated for patients who have significant amounts of loose skin, or sagging neck and jowls. My practice has evolved to performing a procedure I call the Valulift where one adds volume while only tightening the skin and muscle as much as needed for the individual patient. Generally this means a much faster recovery with lower risk of complications, and in my opinion, an equivalent or better result.(Dingman, D., Hartog, J., Siemionow, M. Simultaneous deep-plane facelift and trichloracetic acid peel. Plast, Reconstr. Surg 93:86-93; 1994).
In experienced hands, complications should be few, but in general the more complex the procedure and the more the deeper planes are disrupted; the more swelling, longer recovery, and higher complication rate can be expected.
Most importantly you should first establish which approach is best to address your concerns. Some individuals can get an excellent result with a VALULIFT or MACS lift, others will require a more extensive approach such as a deep plane facelift.
Jeffrey M. Hartog, DMD, MD
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