Deep Plane Face Lift of the Jawline and the Neck

The deep plane face lift of the jawline and the neck is a surgical rejuvenation technique that targets the lower part of the face and the neck. Unlike more superficial lifts, this method acts in depth on the muscular and fatty tissues in order to reposition the sagging structures without pulling excessively on the skin. The aim is to restore the natural harmony of the face, without altering its features.

What is the Deep Plane Face Lift?

This procedure is recommended for patients presenting skin laxity of the jawline, the jowls or the neck, generally from the age of 40 to 45. Its aims are to:

• Reposition the sagging muscles of the face and of the neck,
• Tighten the skin without a frozen effect,
• Reduce excess fat (chin, neck, cheeks) or fill in the losses of volume,
• Restore a rested, natural and refreshed appearance, faithful to the appearance of ten years or so ago.

The deep plane face lift does not act on superficial wrinkles (expression lines, crow’s feet, contour of the lips), which may be treated by complementary methods.

Before the procedure: preparation

Preoperative consultation: in-depth discussion with the surgeon in order to identify expectations and to propose the appropriate strategy.

Medical work-up: prescribed examinations and compulsory anaesthetic consultation (at least 48h before the procedure).

Preoperative instructions:

• Do not take aspirin or anticoagulants in the 3 weeks preceding the operation.
• Complete cessation of smoking at least one month before and 15 days after the procedure.
• Hair washed and face free of make-up on the day itself.
• Fasting for 6 hours before the procedure.

Hospital stay: generally from 24 to 48 hours.

Type of anaesthesia: general, or local with deep sedation.

Duration: between 2 and 4 hours depending on the complexity of the case.

The procedure begins with discreet incisions placed in the hair (temples and nape) and around the ear. The surgeon then lifts the skin in order to reach the deep structures. The musculo-aponeurotic plane is repositioned with precision, then the skin is redraped naturally, without excessive tension.

Depending on requirements:

• Liposuction is carried out to refine certain areas.
• A lipostructure (injection of autologous fat) may be used to give volume back.
• At the end of the procedure, a light dressing is placed around the head.

This procedure is carried out by Dr Claude Aharoni, plastic surgeon and partner of Dr Bernard Hayot, within the framework of their joint approach of the four-handed face lift. Each practitioner concentrates on their area of expertise: Dr Hayot takes charge of the upper face and the eyes, while Dr Aharoni carries out the deep plane lift of the jawline and the neck, in order to reposition the tissues in depth with precision and naturalness.

A specific case: the deep plane face lift in men

Male skin, thicker and more vascularised, requires specific technical adjustments. The surgeon will also take into account the density of the hair in order to conceal the scars as well as possible.

The aftermath is generally straightforward:

• Oedema and bruising appear in the days that follow, especially at the level of the neck and the chin.
• A sensation of tension or tightness is frequent in the first days.
• A temporary disturbance of sensation in the cheeks or ears may persist for several weeks.
• The typical course:
• Presentable to close relatives after 5-6 days,
• Presentable socially at around 12 days,
• Unnoticeable in public after 3 to 4 weeks.

The first effects are visible from the end of the second week, but the optimal result is appreciated between 1 and 3 months. The scars fade progressively to become almost concealed at around the sixth month.

The face recovers its volumes, its tone and its definition, without losing its natural expression. The procedure offers a subtle but real “fresh look” effect, with a positive impact on self-confidence.

Durability and complementary maintenance

The deep plane face lift slows the ageing process without interrupting it. It is often effective for 8 to 12 years. Lighter procedures (peels, injections, radiofrequency, and so on) may be proposed as maintenance in order to prolong its effects and to delay a possible new lift.

Possible imperfections or limits

• Slight persistent oedema that may require lymphatic massage,
• Partial recurrence of the laxity in certain areas that were very sagging initially,
• Visible scars or localised alopecia in the areas of incision (rare, but sometimes corrected secondarily).

Although this surgery is codified and has long been practised, it remains a medical procedure. Complications remain rare but possible:

• Postoperative haematomas (which may require drainage),
• Cutaneous necrosis (in particular in smokers),
• Infections, rare but possible,
• Temporary involvement of a facial nerve (in rare cases),
• Hypertrophic or keloid scars.

The choice of a qualified surgeon, experienced in this technique, is the best way to limit the risks and to ensure rigorous follow-up should anything unexpected occur.