Blog  Face/Neck

Why LiteLift is Better than a Deep Plane Facelift: Navigating Choices in Facial Rejuvenation

Introduction

Dr. Larry Nichter
Dr. Larry Nichter

Facial rejuvenation procedures have witnessed remarkable advancements over the years, offering individuals a spectrum of options to address signs of aging and enhance facial aesthetics. Among these options, the deep plane facelift, and some short scar SMAS techniques such as the  LiteLift stand out as long-lasting techniques. Both procedures aim to restore youthfulness and vitality to the face, yet they differ in their approach, depth of tissue manipulation, and outcomes. Below is a  comparison between the deep plane facelift and LiteLift, exploring their techniques, benefits, limitations, and considerations for patients seeking facial rejuvenation.

Deep Plane Facelift: Technique and Outcomes

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 (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). Unlike traditional facelifts, which primarily tighten superficial layers, the deep plane technique offers a 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 the 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  resulting in rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, and neck.

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

However, the deep plane facelift is a far more invasive procedure compared to less extensive techniques, 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 surgeon.

LiteLift: Minimal Invasive Approach with Rapid Recovery

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 undrmining compared to traditional facelift techniques.

During a LiteLift procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions around the ears or in the natural creases of the face, through which excess skin is removed, and underlying SMAS tissues are tightened without dissecting deep to it 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, particularly in the jawline,  jowls, and upper neck.

One of the primary advantages of the LiteLift is its minimal downtime and quicker recovery compared to more extensive facelift procedures and can be done in the office under local anesthesia or in a surgery center under general anesthesia or IV sedation. For example, the incisional scar is hidden behind the earlobe crease so that a woman can wear her hair in a pony tail or cut short without tell-tale signs of surgery. The smaller incisions used in the LiteLift result in minimal scarring, which can be particularly appealing to patients concerned about visible surgical scars. Because the surgery is less invasive, patients typically experience less postoperative swelling and discomfort, allowing them to return to their normal activities sooner.

However, the LiteLift may not be suitable for individuals with more significant signs of aging or laxity in the deeper facial tissues, such as a large “Turkey Waddle” redundant neck skin. Fortunately,  it can provide effective rejuvenation for most patients. Together with ancillary procedures such as a scarless neck lift (MyEllevate procedure) if needed will give maximum results with less invasive surgical techniques.

Considerations for Patients: Choosing the Right Procedure

When considering facial rejuvenation options, patients should weigh the benefits and limitations of each technique in 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 a surgeon with the most experience, great reviews and perhaps most importantly one you have the maximum trust with following the consultation.

Ultimately, the decision between these two techniques should be based on a thorough understanding of the patient’s goals, anatomy, and the expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure. By carefully considering these factors, individuals can make informed choices to achieve their desired facial rejuvenation outcomes.

Conclusion

Facial rejuvenation is a dynamic field offering a range of options to address signs of aging and enhance facial aesthetics. The deep plane facelift and LiteLift 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 techniques can produce significant improvements in facial contour and definition, tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the patient. Ultimately, the choice between a deep plane facelift and LiteLift should be made in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, taking into account the patient’s unique anatomy, goals, and tolerance for downtime. By partnering with a skilled surgeon and understanding the nuances of each technique, patients can achieve natural-looking results and restore youthfulness to their appearance.

Dr. Larry Nichter featured in Time Magazine’s Article “Nip. Tuck. Or Else.”

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Hitting newsstands today and Monday is an interesting article featuring Dr. Nichter and his patient, written by Joel Stein for Time Magazine, discussing the evolution of cosmetic surgery and it’s undeniable relevance in today’s world. The article titled “Nip. Tuck. Or Else” points out how thanks in part to social media we are now on the red carpet 24/7 posting pictures of ourselves on Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, Vine, and more, so it’s imperative to look our best at all times. The social media frenzy is one reason why there has been a spike in the number of non-invasive procedures performed on the younger demographic.  It can certainly be said that no longer are cosmetic procedures just for the aging population.

Here is the full article – Nip. Tuck. Or Else.”

by Joel Stein 

Time Magazine Plastic Surgery Shoot You’re going to have to do it. And not all that long from now. Probably not a full-on, general-anesthesia bone shaving or muscle slicing.

But almost definitely some injections into your face. Very likely a session of fat melting in some areas and then possibly moving it to some other parts that could use plumping. Not because you hate yourself, fear aging or are vain. You’re going to get a cosmetic procedure for the same reason you wear makeup: because every other woman is.

No, it’s not fair that–in 2015, with a woman leading the race for the Democratic nomination for President–in addition to dieting, coloring your hair, applying makeup and working out, you now have to let some doctor push syringes in your cheeks just to look presentable. It’s not fair that you have to put your surgery on your credit card just so the other moms on the playground don’t overestimate your age. It’s not fair that you may risk your life going under general anesthesia just to keep up.

Then again, maybe it’s not fair that some women are born straight-nosed and full-breasted. That some people don’t have trouble staying thin. That workers with above-average looks will make $230,000 more over their lifetime than people who are in the aesthetic bottom seventh, as a study by University of Texas economics professor Daniel Hamermesh found. Maybe it doesn’t feel fair that a man is writing about this, even if more and more males are starting to feel the same kind of pressure that women have dealt with for decades.

“It’s becoming harder and harder to say no without being read as irrational or crazy,” says Abigail Brooks, the director of women’s studies at Providence College, who recently completed research comparing women who undergo antiaging interventions and those whom she calls “natural agers.” The former group described the latter using phrases like “let herself go” and “not taking good care of herself.” Brooks worries that that pressure is not only exhausting but also keeps women forever 21 emotionally. Continue reading “Dr. Larry Nichter featured in Time Magazine’s Article “Nip. Tuck. Or Else.”” →

Restore Volume to the Face with Fillers or Fat

Volume loss to the face is a natural part of the aging process or can happen when an individual experiences significant weight loss. The two options for treating volume loss are injectable fillers and fat transfer. Filler can be done in the office as a “walk-in, walk-out” treatment with no downtime and immediate results. Fat transfer is a surgical procedure that involves removing fat from one are of the body, usually the abdomen, hips or thighs, and placing it in the face where volume is needed. There is a recovery period of a few days to one week. Fat transfer is a permanent long term solution, where fillers are temporary.

Top Three Characteristics of Facial Aging

Three Ways the Face Ages –

Loss of elasticity and gravity over time

Volume redistribution – loss of volume in some areas, fat pockets in other areas

Surface characteristics – sun exposure, acne, etc.

All three of these issues are evaluated by Dr. Nichter during the consultation and recommendations are made as to which procedure or combination of procedures will provide the best outcome. Treatment may include any one or more of the following: facelift, neck lift, fat transfer or fillers, liposuction, laser resurfacing, laser tightening, chemical peel, skin care regimen.

Look More Youthful with Fat Transfer or Fillers

As the characteristics of the face and skin change throughout the aging process,  there becomes the desire to restore ones appearance to a more youthful look.  In areas of the face such as the temples, eyes, and cheeks there can be noticeable volume loss resulting in a hollow skeletal appearance. Using fat from your own body or injectable fillers is the optimal solution for addressing this issue.

Top 5 Characteristics of a Neck Lift

 

Dr. Nichter discusses the Top 5 characteristics of the neck that he evaluates for potential improvement.

  1. Amount of fat beneath your chin – younger patients may just need liposuction.
  2. Platysma bands – Located in the front of the neck. Muscles that separate and present themselves as 2 bands (a.k.a Number 11 bands).
  3. Amount of redundant skin – The amount of loose skin will determine if a surgical or non-surgical procedure is needed.
  4. Skin quality –  Skin texture, acne, age spots or sun spots, broken capillaries, volume or lack of volume, fine lines and wrinkles are all taken into consideration when assessing what treatment or procedure is necessary.
  5. Misc. features – A prominent mandibular gland or recessed chin

Who is a Candidate for a Neck Lift Procedure?

Dr. Nichter talks about the people who may be a candidate for a neck lift in the video above. He states that candidates can range in age from their 20’s or 30’s up to their 80’s. Younger patients seeking neck improvement often times complain of fullness beneath their chin, which is an excess of fat, which can be removed with liposuction. If the skin doesn’t tighten from the liposuction procedure, Dr. Nichter may recommend using the Sciton® SkinTyte laser for additional neck contouring improvement.  Patients who are older who are seeing the effects of aging in their neck, will often times require a combination of procedures to achieve optimal results. The procedures could be any one or more of the following: liposuction, platysmaplasty, neck lift,facelift, or laser tightening.

Who is a Candidate for Injectable Fillers?

Patients experiencing volume loss in their face are typically good candidates for injectable fillers.  In some cases, a patient may have such significant hollowing that fat transfer may be a better option due to the amount of volume needed. Voluma® by Allergan is the first FDA-approved filler for volume replacement, while other fillers such as Radiesse, Restylane, etc. are used to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Injectable fillers are not permanent, so an ongoing commitment is needed to maintain optimal results.

Fat Transfer Compared to Fillers?

Injectable fillers will typically only last 6 months to 2 years depending on the type used, however fat harvested from the body and transplanted into the face is essentially permanent. Not all of the fat cells will survive the procedure, however the ones that do survive are programmed to think they are still located in their previous location. When fat is taken from the abdomen or flanks, these cells are prone to resisting shrinkage, which means that will remain the case when transferred to the face. Unlike facial fat, which is susceptible  to depletion.