In the first three parts of our Deep Plane Facelift Q&A series, Professor Ilankovan has discussed how the procedure works, what patients can expect during surgery and recovery, and the results and potential risks.
In this final article, we look at how he determines whether a Deep Plane Facelift is the most suitable option, what he considers during a consultation and why a different type of facelift may sometimes be recommended.
How do you decide whether a Deep Plane Facelift is right for a patient?
Not every patient requires a Deep Plane Facelift. I recommend this technique when it is appropriate for the individual’s facial anatomy and pattern of ageing.
The decision is based on the changes present and whether this type of surgery can provide the correction needed.
Why might you recommend a Deep Plane Facelift rather than another type of facelift?
A Deep Plane Facelift allows more extensive repositioning of the deeper facial tissues, particularly in the midface and lower face.
I may recommend it when the patient requires greater correction in these areas than a less extensive facelift can provide.
When might a less extensive facelift be more suitable?
When the signs of facial ageing are more limited, a less extensive facelift may be sufficient.
The choice of procedure should reflect the patient’s anatomy, concerns and the result they would like to see, rather than recommending more extensive surgery than is necessary.
What do you assess during a facelift consultation?
I examine the overall facial anatomy and the pattern of ageing, paying particular attention to:
- The malar region (cheek area)
- The buccal fat pad and its position
- The nasolabial area around the nose and mouth
- The jowls and prejowl sulcus (the depression between the chin and jowl)
- Skin quality and facial volume
- Facial proportions and the degree of tissue descent
These findings help me determine which surgical technique is most appropriate for the individual patient.
Are there circumstances where you would advise against facelift surgery?
Yes. If a patient does not require a facelift, I would not recommend surgery.
The consultation allows me to assess their concerns and explain whether surgery would be appropriate.
Are there any common misunderstandings about Deep Plane Facelift surgery?
One common misunderstanding is not fully appreciating what the procedure involves, particularly the work carried out within the deeper facial tissues.
Patients may also have concerns about the risk of facial nerve injury, which we discussed in Part 3 of this series.
What should patients understand before deciding to go ahead?
It is important to have realistic expectations about the results. The changes that can be made depend on the individual’s facial anatomy and the degree of ageing present.
Patients should also understand that some areas, including jawline definition, may not be completely corrected by facelift surgery alone.
A thorough examination and discussion of the available options will help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Bringing Our Deep Plane Facelift Q&A Series to a Close
Throughout this four-part series, we have looked at Deep Plane Facelift surgery from the initial questions about the procedure through to recovery, results, risks and deciding whether surgery is appropriate for you.
If you haven’t read the earlier articles, you can find them here:
- Part 1: Understanding the Procedure
- Part 2: Surgery and Recovery
- Part 3: Results, Risks and Long-Term Considerations
If you’d like to discuss facelift surgery and which procedure may be suitable for you, you can arrange a consultation with Professor Ilankovan at Wentworth Clinic.
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