A facelift is commonly used to alleviate some of the signs of the aging process. Over the years, surgeons have developed different facelift techniques to help turn back the hands of time, starting with the early attempts involving stretching and pinning back the skin, through to more modern techniques like the SMAS technique that works in the layers of tissue underneath the skin.
Now, however, pioneering surgeons such as renowned South Florida facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andres Bustillo are using even more advanced facial rejuvenation procedures such as the deep plane facelift, which addresses issues in the underlying muscle tissue while also removing excess skin and fat.Dr. Bustillo favors this technique as it takes into account three key elements – descent, deflation and radial expansion – that are caused by the aging process. Gravity is to blame, of course, as is loss of facial fat and loosening of facial tissue.
Dr. Bustillo also notes that a properly executed facelift should reposition the platysma muscle, which descends as part of the aging process. The effect of its movement is compounded by the repositioning of other tissues in the face, such as the malar (cheek) fat pads, and the net effect is an aged look characterized by the following:
- -Sagging neck
- -Jowls
- -Cheek hollowing
Dr. Bustillo believes that a facelift should restore the mid-face. In addition, the underlying deep tissues should be elevated and secured in order to recreate a more defined and youthful-looking jaw line. Unfortunately, the typical SMAS facelift practiced by many surgeons doesn’t deal effectively with the mid-face. The alternative, practiced by Dr. Bustillo, is the deep plane facelift, which produces a more dramatic, natural and longer-lasting result.
The Deep Plane Facelift
As a technique, this is one of the most advanced facelift procedures used in modern cosmetic surgery. It’s worth spending a moment to become familiar with some of the salient points so that prospective patients can appreciate how all-encompassing the approach is.
The deep plane facelift elevates and repositions the facial muscles. The malar fat pads in the cheek area are similarly repositioned. Below the mid-face, the platysma muscle is also elevated. This results in improved jaw definition. Further tightening of the platysma muscle below the jaw improves the appearance of the neck, and fat is removed where necessary to restore a youthful appearance.
The procedure comes into its own when dealing with signs of the aging process in the neck and lower face, especially those related to the platysma muscle which runs from about the jaw down into the neck. The importance of getting the lower face right is both aesthetic and structural – sagging tissue, muscles and extra fat will contribute to the aging process caused by gravity, and supporting muscles need to be positioned correctly.
It is the attention to the underlying muscles and tissues which contributes to the success of the face lift surgery performed by Dr. Bustillo as it yields a much more natural result than other techniques which rely on stretching and re-draping skin. Dr. Bustillo prides himself on obtaining natural-looking results for all of his surgical procedures, and he sees this as the most significant advantage of the deep plane facelift technique.
Dr. Andres Bustillo is a true specialist, performing only facial surgery. To find out more about how Dr. Bustillo can help alleviate the effects of aging and restore a youthful look to your face, and to set up an appointment in his Miami, Florida practice, simply fill out the contact form, or call 305.663.3380 for more information.