Deep Plane vs Mini: Your Guide to Getting a Facelift in Chattanooga, TN

The natural aging process sure does a number on our skin, doesn’t it?

Wrinkles, sagging, thinning, fine lines, volume loss, jowls, nasolabial folds, excess fat, creases — these are things that we’ll all experience at some point in our lives, no matter how good your skincare routine is.

They’re things that we’re reminded of everytime we look in a mirror. 

And with every seflie we take. 

But what if we told you there was a way to turn back the clock?

Sure, aging skin is something none of us can hide from, but what if we could run from it? What if there was a way to delay the natural aging process and make our skin look youthful — and smooth — again?

Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to talk about. 

And that’s exactly what a trip to your plastic surgeon in Chattanooga, TN can offer. 

After all, everyone deserves to be comfortable (and confident) in their own skin — and if that means undergoing a facelift procedure to regain your youth, then we don’t see anything wrong with that! 

Rhytidectomy: What is a traditional facelift? 

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck by tightening underlying muscles, removing excess skin and repositioning tissues.

It’s not about changing the way you look. 

It’s about highlighting the beauty that’s already there. 

And helping you look refreshed, rejuvenated and young again.

During surgery, incisions are made along the hairline (starting at the temples) and around the ears, before ending in the lower scalp. Sometimes, an additional incision is made under the chin to address the neck.

Once the incisions are made, the excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is draped over the newly repositioned contours before being stitched back together with deep sutures – which are later removed. 

The results are dramatic, but long-lasting. 

And most patients can return to work after two to three weeks.

If you’re considering undergoing a facelift in Chattanooga, TN, then don’t worry — our plastic surgeons can help you navigate the process and determine which type of facelift is best for your desired result. 

What is a deep plane facelift? 

A deep plane facelift is the most advanced and technical facelift we offer at Nease Costmetic Surgery.

Unlike traditional facelifts that focus on tightening the skin at the surface, the deep plane technique works beneath it — lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of facial tissue and muscle, hence its name. 

This layer is known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). 

And it’s because of this layer that a deep plane facelift is sometimes referred to as a SMAS facelift. 

By addressing the root cause of sagging ( not just the symptoms) a deep plane facelift in Chattanooga, TN delivers natural, longer-lasting results without the “pulled” or “overdone” look of a traditional facelift. 

In other words, it’ll be your best look yet. 

And it won’t go anywhere anytime soon. 

The recovery period is slightly longer than with a mini or traditional facelift, but the payoff is worth it. The results can last 10 to 15 years, and many patients say they look like the best version of themselves. 

What is a mini facelift?

A mini facelift — sometimes referred to as a “short scar” facelift or “weekend facelift” — is the perfect option for those who want subtle rejuvenation without the downtime of a full or deep plane procedure.

Think of it as the middle ground between a traditional and deep plane facelift. 

It’s a smaller lift, but still comes with a big impact. 

With a mini facelift, your surgeon makes shorter incisions (usually around the ears) to lift and tighten the lower face and jawline. This helps smooth mild to moderate sagging, refine jowls, and restore definition. 

Because the procedure is less invasive, there’s typically less swelling, bruising and scarring.

In fact, most patients are ready to return to work in as little as one week. 

If you’ve started to notice early signs of aging — like mild jowls or sagging around the cheeks — but aren’t ready for a full facelift just yet, a mini facelift in Chattanooga, TN may be the ideal solution.

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Mini Facelift: What’s the Difference?

By the time you walk into our Chattanooga, TN office, you probably already know you want a facelift. 

The next step is trying to figure out whether you’re a good candidate for a facelift or not — and if you are, which type of facelift (mini facelift vs. deep plane facelift) will deliver the results you’re looking to achieve.

Don’t worry — we can figure that out together. 

While all facelifts are designed to rejuvenate and restore your youthful appearance, they do so in very different ways. So, before you come in for your consultation, let’s take a look at what we learned today. 

Treatment Area. Deep plane facelifts target the deeper layers of the face, including the midface, cheeks, jawline and neck, while a mini facelift focuses on the lower third of the face — jawline, chin and jowls.

Incisions. Mini facelift incisions are shorter and usually confined to the area around the ears, while deep plane incisions start at the temple, continue around the ears and sometimes extend into the lower scalp.

Procedure Time. A deep plane facelift is a much more complex and technical surgery, usually taking between 3 to 4 hours, while a mini facelift is often completed in about 1.5 to 2 hours. 

Recovery. Recovering from a deep plane facelift typically takes about two to three weeks, but recovering from a mini facelift won’t take as long — with most patients returning to normal activities in 7 to 10 days. 

Results. A deep plane facelift delivers dramatic, long-lasting rejuvenation that can last 10 to 15 years, while a mini facelift provides a more subtle, refreshed look that can last between five to 10 years. 

Since every patient is unique in their own way, the only real way to determine which facelift is best for you is to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced, board-certified Chattanooga plastic surgeons.

Looking for a Trusted Plastic Surgeon in Chattanooga, TN?

Is the natural aging process starting to rob you of your youthful appearance earlier than expected? Is the skin on your face and neck starting to droop, sag, hang or fall — almost as if gravity is taking over? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to Nease Cosmetic Surgery — your go-to plastic surgeon in Chattanooga, TN. 

Whether you’re considering a deep plane facelift for a dramatic transformation or a mini facelift for a more subtle rejuvenation, our board-certified plastic surgeons are here to guide you every step of the way.

From your first consultation to your final follow-up, our team takes the time to understand your goals, answer your questions and craft a personalized treatment plan that enhances (not changes) your beauty.

To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (423) 515-3223 or book an appointment online.

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