The average cost of a deep plane facelift is approximately $20,000 (give or take), but can, in some locales, range up to $100,000. Of course, other procedures such as endobrow, eyelids, or rhinoplasty can add to the costs, although a neck lift is usually included.
A deep plane lift is a more complex procedure that, many surgeons feel, gives a longer lasting and a more natural result than mini-lifts, skin lifts, and SMAS lifts. One advantage is that the blood supply to the skin is better with a deep plane lift, so that the complication of unfavorable scar and skin loss is quite rare with a deep plane lift. Healing is generally better.
The deep plane lift requires a greater degree of skill to perform with minimal problems. Many surgeons are only now moving to incorporate deep plane lifts into their repertoire of procedures (as patients discover the advantages). Dr. Keller has been performing the original version of deep plane facelifts (Skoog) since 1978, and has performed approximately 5000 facelifts. As a clinical professor at UCLA, he teaches the deep plane procedure to UCLA fellows in facial plastic surgery, who, in turn, often become University teachers themselves.
The deep plane facelift, as Dr. Keller performs it (as a hybrid procedure of the high SMAS and deep plane lift) allows for elevation in a vertical direction. This avoids the “facelift” appearance and joker look that is often seen, as everything is lifted as a unit without the tell-tale cheek lines. With Dr. Keller’s current techniques, it greatly minimizes the jowls and drool line without an artificial look.
The father of the modern deep plane lift (Hamra) often stated that a mid-face procedure was important to perform with a deep plane facelift to provide a long-lasting and natural result in the mid-face. Many surgeons omit this in their deep plane lifts, but performing a midface elevation with the deep plane lift (as Dr. Keller does) gives an advantage of natural harmony that is a major advantage.
Recently, a poll was taken, and only 5% of surgeons performed the deep plane lift. Today that number is greater, but it also indicates that many are not experienced. The deep plane lift is a quality procedure that justifies the additional cost with a longer lasting and more natural result by an experienced surgeon.
There still can be a place for mini-lifts and SMAS lifts. It is important to see a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgery specialist, who only performs and specializes exclusively in facial plastic surgery. A consult will determine the type of face or neck lift that is appropriate for you.
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