Optimizing Facelifts: The Deep Plane Approach

Posted on February 3, 2016

NYC Plastic Surgeon Emphasizes Foundational Approach to Facelifts

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Dr. W. Matthew White discusses the benefits of utilizing a deep plane technique when approaching facelift surgery to achieve optimal results.

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New York, NY – Studies have shown the face ages on different levels. To rejuvenate these different layers during facelift surgery, Dr. W. Matthew White, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City, stresses 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 takes advantage of 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 is able to 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 provide a more natural face and neck appearance. 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 correct this concern, Dr. White repositions the tissue in 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, causing the swept, unnatural look many patients wish to prevent.

By addressing the foundation of the face 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 – not necessarily perfection. To achieve the best possible results, Dr. White encourages individuals to seek the expertise of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can help them achieve their aesthetic goals.

About W. 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 continued to the 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 the topic of 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 interview upon request.