Facelift & Necklift

Facial ageing is a natural process influenced by several factors, including genetics, sun exposure, lifestyle choices, and the passage of time.

As we age, the skin loses elasticity, the underlying tissues weaken, and the effects of gravity become more pronounced. These changes often result in sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and a loss of youthful contours in the face and neck.

Dr Atul Ingle specialises in modern facelift techniques, and has limited his procedures to the Deep Plane facelift and the MACS facelift procedures, as he considered these to offer the best outcomes.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique designed to provide a more natural and long-lasting rejuvenation of the face.

Unlike traditional facelifts, which historically were done by tightening the skin alone (leading to a ‘tight’ and unnatural looking appearance), the deep plane facelift focuses on lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of facial muscles and tissues, specifically the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and the deeper facial ligaments.

This approach ensures a more comprehensive and natural-looking result.

The primary factors contributing to the need for a deep plane facelift include:

  • Loss of Skin Elasticity: Over time, the skin’s ability to snap back diminishes, leading to sagging.
  • Volume Loss: Fat pads in the face decrease and shift, creating hollow areas and exacerbating sagging.
  • Muscle and Ligament Laxity: The supportive structures of the face weaken, leading to drooping features.
  • Gravity: Continuous gravitational pull affects the facial tissues, contributing to sagging and jowls.

The deep plane facelift involves making incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. The surgeon carefully lifts the skin and underlying tissues, repositioning the deeper layers to their more youthful positions.

This technique allows for a more extensive and natural repositioning of facial structures, providing a rejuvenated appearance without the overly tight ‘stretched’ look sometimes associated with traditional, less technically demanding facelift techniques.

Advantages

  • Natural-Looking Results: The deep plane technique provides a more natural and harmonious rejuvenation of the face.
  • Long-Lasting Effects: By addressing the deeper layers, the results tend to be more durable.
  • Comprehensive Rejuvenation: This approach can significantly improve sagging in the mid-face, jawline, and neck.

 

Disadvantages

  • Complexity: The deep plane facelift is more technically demanding and requires a highly skilled and experienced surgeon.
  • Longer Recovery: Due to the extensive nature of the surgery, recovery time can be longer compared to less invasive procedures.

Minimal Access Cranial Suspension (MACS) Facelift

A necklift, or platysmaplasty, targets the neck area to address issues such as sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to achieve a harmonious and balanced rejuvenation of the face and neck.

The primary factors contributing to neck ageing include:

  • Skin Elasticity Loss: The skin becomes loose and saggy over time.
  • Muscle Weakness: The platysma muscle can become lax, leading to vertical neck bands and a “turkey neck” appearance.
  • Fat Accumulation: Excess fat under the chin and around the neck can create a double chin and sagging.

Necklift surgery involves making incisions behind the ears and sometimes under the chin. The surgeon removes excess fat, tightens the platysma muscle, and redrapes the skin for a smoother, firmer appearance.

This approach can significantly improve the contours of the neck and jawline.

Advantages

  • Improved Neck Contours: A necklift provides a more defined and youthful neck and jawline.
  • Comprehensive Rejuvenation: When combined with a facelift, it offers a balanced and harmonious improvement.
  • Long-Lasting Results: The results of a necklift can last for many years with proper care.

Disadvantages

  • Recovery Time: While less invasive than some procedures, a necklift still requires a recovery period.
  • Scarring: Although incisions are strategically placed, there will be some scarring, though it typically fades over time.

Necklift Surgery

The deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique designed to provide a more natural and long-lasting rejuvenation of the face.

Unlike traditional facelifts, which historically were done by tightening the skin alone (leading to a ‘tight’ and unnatural looking appearance), the deep plane facelift focuses on lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of facial muscles and tissues, specifically the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and the deeper facial ligaments.

This approach ensures a more comprehensive and natural-looking result.

The primary factors contributing to the need for a deep plane facelift include:

  • Loss of Skin Elasticity: Over time, the skin’s ability to snap back diminishes, leading to sagging.
  • Volume Loss: Fat pads in the face decrease and shift, creating hollow areas and exacerbating sagging.
  • Muscle and Ligament Laxity: The supportive structures of the face weaken, leading to drooping features.
  • Gravity: Continuous gravitational pull affects the facial tissues, contributing to sagging and jowls.

The deep plane facelift involves making incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. The surgeon carefully lifts the skin and underlying tissues, repositioning the deeper layers to their more youthful positions.

This technique allows for a more extensive and natural repositioning of facial structures, providing a rejuvenated appearance without the overly tight ‘stretched’ look sometimes associated with traditional, less technically demanding facelift techniques.

Advantages

  • Natural-Looking Results: The deep plane technique provides a more natural and harmonious rejuvenation of the face.
  • Long-Lasting Effects: By addressing the deeper layers, the results tend to be more durable.
  • Comprehensive Rejuvenation: This approach can significantly improve sagging in the mid-face, jawline, and neck.

 

Disadvantages

  • Complexity: The deep plane facelift is more technically demanding and requires a highly skilled and experienced surgeon.
  • Longer Recovery: Due to the extensive nature of the surgery, recovery time can be longer compared to less invasive procedures.

The Procedures In Australia

In Australia, both deep plane facelifts, MACS facelifts, and necklift surgeries are well-regulated and commonly performed by experienced plastic surgeons. The process typically begins with a comprehensive consultation to discuss the patient’s goals, examine the face and neck, and determine the most suitable surgical approach. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain the risks and benefits of each technique and set realistic expectations for the outcomes.

Patients are usually advised to:

  • Avoid certain medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase bleeding.
  • Stop smoking, as it can interfere with healing.
  • Arrange for someone to drive them home and assist them for the first 24 hours post-surgery.

These surgeries are typically performed under general anaesthesia. The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the chosen technique and the complexity of the procedure.

  • Deep Plane Facelift: Involves incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. The surgeon lifts and repositions the underlying tissues, providing a comprehensive rejuvenation.
  • MACS Facelift: Involves shorter incisions around the ears, with sutures used to lift and suspend the underlying tissues vertically.
  • Necklift: Involves incisions behind the ears and sometimes under the chin, with the removal of excess fat, tightening of the platysma muscle, and redraping of the skin.
  • Wound Care: Patients will receive instructions on how to care for their surgical wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.
  • Pain Management: Patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
  • Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery and the extent of the procedure. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, although strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.

Swelling and bruising typically subside within a few weeks, and the final results become more apparent as healing progresses.

The results of facelift and necklift surgeries are generally long-lasting, providing significant improvements in facial and neck appearance. Most patients find that these procedures help them look younger and feel more confident.

Facelift and necklift surgeries can have significant psychological benefits, enhancing self-esteem and body image. Many patients feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance, which can positively impact their social and professional interactions.

Conclusion

Deep Plane facelift, MACS facelift, and necklift surgery are safe and effective procedures for individuals seeking to improve their facial and neck contours by addressing signs of ageing. In Australia, experienced plastic surgeons perform these procedures with great success, helping patients achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Whether addressing genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, or age-related changes, facelift and necklift surgeries can provide transformative results.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our clinic. Dr Atul Ingle has significant experience performing facelift and necklift surgery and is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals and enhancing your overall quality of life.

Dr Atul Ingle is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Townsville.

He has 20+ years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery and holds two Master of Surgery Degrees. He is the Head of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at Townsville University Hospital.

If you have a question about a condition or treatment, or would like to book an appointment, please contact us and one of our friendly staff members will happily assist you.