Abstract
This article seeks to expand on our understanding of lifting by utilizing the benefits
of deep plane release and repositioning. The deep plane is a more logical and natural
approach to lifting of the face and neck, lifting along the natural anatomic glide
planes. Deep plane face and neck lifting have demonstrated superior results in the
authors' experience with less dependence on ancillary measures such as fat grafting
or implantation for midface volumization. The deep plane technique allows for the
face and neck to be treated and lifted as a single composite unit, providing a more
natural and long-lasting result and less distortion of underlying structures (i.e.,
mimetic muscle function). Among facelift surgeons, there is still debate and discussion
over treatment of various regions including submandibular gland prominence, jowling
and deepened prejowl sulcus, anterior digastric prominence, and a low hyoid. In this
article, given the opportunity to share personal experiences, we seek to provide additional
insight on the merits of deep plane release in rhytidectomy and our novel approaches
to avoiding surgical failures.
Keywords
deep plane - face lift - neck lift - rhytidectomy - SMAS
