Surgical techniques for addressing changes in facial structure have evolved over time, offering various methods tailored to individual needs. Among the options are the Vertical Restore and the Deep Plane Facelift. This blog provides general information about these techniques to help you understand their differences and purposes.
What is a Vertical Restore?
A Vertical Restore facelift, also known as a VR facelift, is a surgical technique aimed to address facial aging. Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily pull the skin horizontally, the Vertical Restore method focuses on lifting and repositioning the deeper facial tissues vertically.
Key elements of the Vertical Restore:
- Targets the deep fascia layer, which includes muscles and connective tissue, to address signs of ageing in the face, temple, jaw, midface, and neck area.
- By lifting the entire face, including the outer brow, midface, jawline, and neck, the Vertical Restore facelift aims to counteract the effects of gravity and “restore” facial features.
- Aims to avoid the “pulled” appearance sometimes associated with traditional facelifts.
What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced facial surgical technique that aims to target the deeper layers of facial tissues, specifically the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and the underlying muscles.
Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily focus on skin tightening, the deep plane technique addresses facial aging comprehensively by lifting and repositioning the deeper structural elements of the face, avoiding the ‘overdone’ look.
Key elements of a Deep Plane Facelift:
- Releasing key facial retaining ligaments and repositioning the SMAS, fat, and skin as a single unit, allowing for maximum mobilisation of the superficial soft tissues.
- Addressing changes in the midface, lower face, and neck areas, including nasolabial folds, jowls, and marionette lines.
- With a focus on skin tightening, the deep plane technique addresses facial aging by lifting and repositioning the deeper structural elements of the face, avoiding the ‘overdone’ look.
Comparing the Two Techniques
Both the Vertical Restore and the Deep Plane Facelift aim to make changes on the facial skin ageing, but their methodologies and focus areas differ.
Aspect | Vertical Restore Facelift | Deep Plane Facelift |
Primary Focus | Vertical repositioning of facial and neck tissue, aiming to address ageing signs. | Release and repositioning of deeper facial tissues, including muscles and ligaments beneath the SMAS layer. |
Key Target Areas | Outer brow, midface, jawline, and neck. | Midface, lower face, jawline, and neck. |
Approach | Lifting tissues vertically, aligning with facial anatomy. | Structural lifting, addressing deeper facial structures. |
Incision Placement | Incisions around the ears and along the hairline. | Incisions along the hairline, continuing in front of and behind the ears, extending into the lower scalp. |
Recovery Considerations. Note: Recovery experiences can vary from person to person. | Recovery period of several weeks; adherence to post-operative care is essential. | Longer recovery period compared to less invasive facelifts; detailed post-operative care required. |
Why Seek Personalised Advice?
The decision to pursue any surgical procedure should be made with professional guidance. Consulting with a qualified practitioner ensures that your concerns are addressed and that your treatment plan is tailored specifically to your goals. It is also essential to obtain GP referral and BDD screening before proceeding with any cosmetic procedures.
If you want to learn more about facelift surgery techniques, reach out to our Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Jack Zoumaras. During the consultation, he will assess your facial structure, discuss realistic outcomes, potential risks, and provide recommendations based on your needs. Schedule a consultation today.
Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.
Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:
Level V: How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.
The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.