Are you torn between getting a deep plane or a traditional facelift in Toronto? While the two procedures alter your facial aesthetics, there are vast differences between them. All aspects require careful consideration, but the ultimate resolution may reside in your expectations.

An Overview of a Deep Plane Facelift

Deep plane facelifts target deeper tissue layers, creating a more dramatic improvement in the individual’s facial appearance. Tightening or loosening deep-lying facial ligaments and muscles maximizes the facelift effect. Such techniques permit surgeons to generate meticulous results without pulling superficial tissues tightly. The results are longer-lasting and more natural in appearance.

Facelift surgeons in Toronto can additionally reposition fat pads in the cheeks, enabling a mid-face lift that only this type of surgery can accomplish. Deep plane facelifts in Toronto can last longer and go further than traditional facelifts. They assist with issues like nasolabial folds for a younger appearance.

However, deep plane facelifts are invasive, so there is a more significant risk of complications and a longer recovery time.

The Impacts of a Deep Plane Facelift

This type of facelift focuses on facial skin laxity and its issues. It significantly improves the look of the jawline, face, and neck of older patients with significant skin laxity. The improvements create a radical difference while appearing natural.

Side Effects

The side effects from deep plane facelifts include:

  • Tingling sensations
  • Skin tightness
  • Bruising (more widespread and intense)
  • Numbness
  • Swelling (pronounced in the cheeks)
  • Scarring
  • Hair loss
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Redness (can persist for longer durations from deep tissue manipulation)
  • Discomfort (more pronounced because of deep tissue manipulation)

Additionally, there is a slight chance for severe complications to occur, like prolonged swelling, infection, tissue necrosis (death), and facial nerve injury.

Recovery Time

The initial recovery from a facelift in Toronto lasts for three weeks. Patients must wear neck support and compression garments for at least two weeks. Discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common during this time. Exercising and resuming work is not advisable. 

What is a traditional facelift?

A traditional facelift focuses on age-related concerns in the lower two-thirds of a person’s face. Its goal is to rejuvenate the cheeks, jawline, jowls, and sagging tissue in the mid-section of the face and neck by tackling mild-to-moderate aging signs. 

A trained facelift surgeon in Toronto tightens and lifts the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer (thick tissue layer under the skin) without disturbing the underlying ligaments. The surgery is less invasive and benefits those who want to address early aging signs without extensive surgery. Repositioning and lifting these areas create a firmer, smoother facial contour and a well-defined jawline.

The Impacts of a Traditional Facelift

The individual’s skin is separated from muscle and fat, allowing the surgeon to work on two areas (muscle and skin). Surgeons manipulate the muscles one way and the skin another for optimal results.

Side Effects

Post-surgery, patients may experience:

  • Swelling (not as pronounced and resolves quickly)
  • Bruising (a faster resolve and less intense)
  • Discomfort and pain (milder)
  • Facial and skin numbness
  • Redness (decreases over a shorter time-frame)

Recovery Time

The recovery time takes two to three weeks, depending on the patient’s response to healing. After the facelift, patients must visit their facelift surgeon in Toronto to remove the sutures and to monitor healing. Surgeons may also examine the wounds to see if they are healing correctly.

A Comparison Between Traditional and Deep Plane Facelifts

There are stark differences between the two procedures, which must be carefully considered. It is advisable for each patient to be familiar with them to make an informed choice.

Targeted Areas and Techniques

A deep plane facelift in Toronto treats the entire face, whereas traditional facelifts only treat the lower third and the jawline. It also doesn’t address droopy cheeks or nasolabial folds. Some surgeons combine conventional facelifts with transferring fat to the cheeks; however, this does not address the droopiness. The effects are unnatural and puffy. 

Traditional facelifts separate and pull the skin from the person’s deeper muscles. Deep plane facelifts reposition underlying tissue without altering the skin, generating better aesthetic outcomes and longer results.

Invasiveness

Deep plane facelifts are more invasive because they involve deep facial structures. They require a facelift surgeon in Toronto with a higher precision and skill set. A traditional facelift is less invasive because it focuses on superficial tissue layers. 

Recovery

Recovery varies between these two procedures. Those choosing deep plane facelifts will experience longer recoveries from post-operative swelling in the cheeks, which takes longer to decrease than traditional facelifts. 

Results

One essential factor when comparing both procedures is the longevity of results. Deep plane facelifts in Toronto provide longer-lasting results (10–15 years). Traditional facelifts can vary among patients as they are influenced by aging, skin quality, and lifestyle.

Understanding the differences between the two procedures allows patients to make a more informed decision. By comparing techniques, you can gain insight into which surgery targets different rejuvenation factors and facial aging. 

Post-Recovery Expectations

If you had selected a deep plane facelift, your recovery would have been longer. The extent of swelling and tissue manipulation will affect recovery time. While recovery from traditional facelifts lasts one week, recovery from deep plane facials can last several weeks.

Deeper repositioning of tissues and facial muscles is the reason for prolonged recoveries. While the deeper layers are repositioned, it can increase swelling and discomfort compared to a traditional facelift. It is essential to discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon during your consultation for more realistic expectations.

Choosing the Best Procedure

The first step involves locating a board-certified facelift surgeon in Toronto. Your consultation will establish the foundation for understanding the various expectations. During this time, a comprehensive examination of your muscle tone, facial structure, skin laxity, and volume loss will occur. The findings will determine your facelift type and which procedure is best to address your concerns.

A surgeon also discusses the desired outcome—whether a subtle or more dramatic change is desired. Communicating goals allows a surgeon to guide patients to an appropriate technique that aligns with their expectations. 

We also consider medical history, such as previous surgeries, medications, and health concerns, as they can affect recovery. Based on the Toronto facelift surgeon’s recommendations, patients will have a clear expectation from each procedure and what makes sense for them.

Contact Solomon Facial Plastic for Your Facelift Needs

If you are trying to decide whether to get a deep plane or a traditional facelift in Toronto, our experts are here to help. During our initial consultation, our facelift surgeons can guide you through the procedure best suited to you and explain what to expect.

To book an initial consultation, contact Solomon Facial Plastic at 855-519-2799 (Thornhill Clinic) or 416-864-6100 (Davenport Clinic) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. We are also open on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. As well, patients can reach us by filling out our contact form.