Temporal Lift + Deep Plane Facelift + Platysmaplasty

This patient had descent across the whole face rather than in one area: the outer brow had dropped, the mid-face had slid down and deepened the nasolabial fold, and vertical bands had appeared in the neck.

A deep plane facelift releases the ligaments that hold the face down and repositions the soft tissue as one layer, rather than pulling on skin. We added a temporal lift for the outer brow and a platysmaplasty to tighten the neck muscle where the bands were forming.

At three months the mid-face sits higher, the jawline is defined, and the neck shows a clean angle. The face reads as rested rather than tightened.

Treating the face without the neck leaves an obvious mismatch at the jaw border, so we plan them together.

Swelling and bruising are extensive for the first two to three weeks and continue to settle for two to three months.

Numbness around the ears and cheeks may last several months.

Scars run in front of and behind the ear and into the hairline. They fade over about a year but are permanent.

Hair loss can occur along the incision within the hairline.

Temporary weakness of facial expression may occur if a nerve branch is stretched. Permanent injury is rare.

Asymmetry, skin irregularity, or a visible scar may require revision.

Hematoma is the most common early complication and may require drainage.

Infection and delayed healing are uncommon.