Why A LiteLift® Is Better Than A Deep Plane Facelift: Navigating Choices In Facial Rejuvenation

LiteLift® VS. Deep Plane Facelift

Remarkable advancements have been made to facial rejuvenation procedures over the years, offering patients a wide range of options to address signs of aging. Among these options, the deep plane facelift, and some short scar SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) techniques such as the LiteLift® stand out above the rest. Both procedures aim to restore youthfulness and vitality to the face. However, they differ in their approach, depth of tissue manipulation, and the recovery time needed.

If you are thinking about any type of facelift procedure, it’s important to compare your options. Let’s take a deeper look at the deep plane facelift and LiteLift, so you can better understand the techniques, the benefits of each, and some important considerations for these popular procedures.

How Is A Deep Plane Facelift Performed?

The deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure designed to address moderate to severe facial aging by repositioning deeper layers of facial tissues, including the SMAS. Unlike traditional facelifts, which primarily tighten superficial layers, the deep plane technique offers significant rejuvenation by releasing and repositioning the underlying facial structures. This is not a new technique and was first proposed by Sam Hamra in 1990.

The procedure involves making incisions along the hairline and around the ears, through which your plastic surgeon accesses the deeper layers of the face below the SMAS. By dissecting between the SMAS and deeper facial muscles, the surgeon can lift and reposition the facial soft tissues more. This results in rejuvenation of the mid-face, jawline, and neck.

By addressing deeper layers of tissue, a deep plane facelift can produce significant improvements in facial contour and definition, while minimizing the risk of a “pulled” or overdone appearance. The longevity of results is often cited as a key benefit, with patients enjoying the effects of their deep plane facelift for many years to come.

Deep Plane Facelift With General Anesthesia 

A deep plane facelift is a far more invasive procedure compared to less extensive options, such as the LiteLift. The surgery typically requires general anesthesia and entails a longer recovery period, during which patients may experience more swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Additionally, because of its deeper dissection, there is the potential higher risk of complications such as nerve injury or hematoma, although these risks are generally low when performed by a skilled board-certified surgeon.

How Is A LiteLift Facelift Performed?

In contrast to the deep plane facelift, the LiteLift is a minimally invasive procedure that targets mild to moderate signs of aging in the lower face and neck. Similar to a MACS lift (Minimal  Access Cranial Suspension Lift), and S-lift, the LiteLift involves smaller incisions and less extensive tissue undermining compared to traditional facelift techniques. The LiteLift was developed by renowned board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Larry Nichter and Dr. Jed Horowitz in Newport Beach, California. 

During a LiteLift procedure, your plastic surgeon makes small incisions around the ears or in the natural creases of the face. Through these incisions excess skin is removed, and underlying SMAS tissues are tightened without dissecting deep as done with a Deep Plane technique. While the LiteLift does not involve the same depth of dissection as the deep plane facelift, it still produces similar improvements in facial laxity and contour. LiteLift patients particularly enjoy the improvements to the jawline, jowls, and upper neck.

LiteLift With Rapid Recovery

One of the primary advantages of the LiteLift is its minimal downtime and quicker recovery compared to more extensive facelift procedures. It can be done in-office under local anesthesia or in a surgery center under general anesthesia or IV sedation. The incisional scar is hidden behind the earlobe crease so that patients can wear their hair up (in a ponytail, for example) or cut short without the tell-tale signs of plastic surgery. The smaller incisions used in the LiteLift result in minimal scarring. Any scarring typically becomes completely undetectable once fully healed. Because the LiteLift face surgery is less invasive, patients often experience less postoperative swelling and discomfort, allowing them to return to their normal activities sooner.

Who Is A Candidate For A LiteLift

It’s important to note that a LiteLift may not be suitable for individuals with more significant signs of aging or laxity in the deeper facial tissues. For example, patients with a large “Turkey Waddle” or “Turkey Neck” (redundant neck skin) may not be the best candidates. However, a LiteLift can be combined with other procedures such as a scarless neck lift (MyEllevate procedure) to achieve maximum results with less invasive surgical techniques. Other popular cosmetic surgery procedures that a LiteLift may be combined with include blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), fat transfer to the face, and chin augmentation with a chin implant.

Choosing the Right Facial Rejuvenation Procedure

When considering facial rejuvenation options patients should weigh the benefits and limitations of each technique during a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Factors such as the extent of facial aging, individual anatomy, and personal preferences will influence the choice between a deep plane facelift and LiteLift. Make sure you select the best plastic surgeon with the most experience, great reviews, and most importantly one you have the maximum trust with following your consultation.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your goals for your results, your anatomy, and the expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed choice to achieve your anti-aging goals.

LiteLift® And Deep Plane Facelift Procedures In Newport Beach

The best facial rejuvenation surgeon offers a range of options to address signs of aging. The deep plane facelift and LiteLift procedures represent two distinct approaches to facial rejuvenation, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. The LiteLift is a newer procedure that gives similar results but is less invasive. Both the LiteLift and Deep Plane Facelift continue to grow in popularity in Newport Beach, California and other areas where the most advanced plastic surgery options are offered. 

Fortunately, both techniques can produce significant improvements in facial contour and definition, tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between a deep plane facelift and LiteLift should be made in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. The best facelift plastic surgeon will take into account your unique anatomy, goals, and lifestyle when considering the downtime needed. 

By partnering with a skilled board-certified surgeon and understanding the nuances of different facelift techniques, you can achieve natural-looking results and restore youthfulness to your appearance. To learn more about the LiteLift, Deep Plane Facelift, and other facial rejuvenation options, you can contact Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach. We offer both virtual and in-person consultations with our board-certified team.   

Take the Next Step

As soon as you step into our Newport Beach office, our welcoming staff will carefully listen to your concerns and guide you through your treatment journey. To learn more about LiteLift® and the innovative treatments offered at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, contact our office by calling (949) 720-3888 or by filling out the consultation request form below.