Dr. Matthew White discusses the benefits of using a deep-plane technique in facelift surgery to achieve optimal results.
New York, NY – Studies have shown that the face ages on different levels. To rejuvenate these layers during facelift surgery, Dr. W. Matthew White, a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City, emphasizes the importance of operating at a deep-plane level. He says this foundational approach allows patients to achieve the greatest potential from their facelift. Having advanced expertise on the subject of facial aging, Dr. White has developed a signature facelift that involves five essential components:
1. Evaluating the Evolution of the Bone Structure
Dr. White’s foundational approach to facelift surgery leverages the patient’s current, evolved facial structure to create an enhanced look that is true to their biology. By considering this bone structure, he reveals he can better understand how the face will support the redraping of the soft tissue conducted through surgery.
2. The Importance of the Surrounding Fascia
Over time, the foundational tissue begins to descend and stretch, leading to a more aged appearance. Dr. White re-suspends this fascia for a deeper rejuvenation. By doing so, he says he can provide a more natural, subtle lift to the face.
3. Reinforcing the Key Ligaments
Fascial ligaments are what anchor fascia to a person’s bone structure. As research has shown, these facial ligaments gradually loosen over the years. To address this aging concern, Dr. White reinforces the ligaments to achieve a more natural-looking face and neck. He says this also creates longer-lasting rejuvenation results.
4. Preventing an Overdependence on Volume
The natural fat pads that give cheeks their plump, youthful look gradually break down and descend with time. To address this concern, Dr. White repositions the tissue using a deeper surgical technique rather than relying on fat transfer to restore the lost volume. He says this allows him to avoid an “overblown” outcome.
5. Smoothing the Canvas of the Skin
When all of the above components have been addressed, Dr. White has found that patients require a more subtle smoothing of the skin. He notes that many surgeons operate mostly at this surface level and overstretch the skin, resulting in the swept, unnatural look many patients wish to avoid.
By addressing the face's foundation first, Dr. White believes patients can diminish their age-related facial concerns while maintaining the most natural appearance possible. He stresses, however, that patients undergoing facelift surgery should have realistic expectations, striving for improvement rather than perfection. To achieve the best possible results, Dr. White encourages individuals to consult a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.
About Dr. Matthew White, MD
Dr. White is the Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He completed his surgical training at Harvard Medical School, after which he went on to NYU Langone Medical Center, where he completed a Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. White has also studied in a Clinical Research Fellowship in Laser Medicine and Surgery at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is double board-certified and has become an authority on facial aging. Dr. White is also a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the New York Facial Plastic Surgery Society, and the American Medical Association. He is available for an interview upon request.
For more information, visit drmatthewwhite.com.
