Akinosun Aesthetics
1S660 Midwest Rd. Suite 100
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Phone: (630) 478-0880
Fax: (630) 478-0881
Hours: Monday–Friday: 9 am–5 pm
Saturday: By appointment only
Facial aging is about more than loose skin. Structural changes involving muscle, tissue, and bone density affect your appearance as you age. A deep plane facelift addresses these changes at their source, restoring youthful contours without creating a tight or “worked on” look.
Dr. Moriyike Akinosun is a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon who exclusively performs deep plane facelift surgery in Oakbrook Terrace. She uses this advanced facelift technique to reposition deeper facial tissues for long-lasting results that look natural and balanced.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is an advanced technique that lifts and repositions the deeper layers of the face, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and underlying ligaments.
By releasing and repositioning these deeper structures, the procedure:
- Restores volume to the midface
- Softens nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Lifts sagging cheeks and jowls
- Improves jawline definition
Because the lift occurs beneath the skin, results appear more natural than less complex techniques.
Deep Plane vs. SMAS Facelift
Not all facelifts are performed the same way. While SMAS facelifts and deep plane facelifts both address deeper facial layers, the results and their longevity can differ in meaningful ways.
In a traditional SMAS facelift, the deeper layer is tightened or repositioned separately from the skin. While effective, this approach may place more tension on the skin and can be more limited in how much the midface is lifted.
During a deep plane facelift, Dr. Akinosun releases key facial ligaments and repositions the skin and underlying tissues as a single unit. This results in:
- More comprehensive lifting of the midface and cheeks
- Reduced tension on the skin
- Smoother, more natural transitions across the face
- Longer-lasting results
These benefits are why Dr. Akinosun prefers the deep plane technique. It allows her to achieve more harmonious results that restore youthful contours while preserving natural facial movement and avoiding an overdone appearance.
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Many patients take advantage of flexible payment options offered by our financing partner, helping make treatment comfortably within reach.
Learn More about financing optionsDeep Plane Mini Facelift
For select patients with earlier signs of aging, a deep plane mini facelift may be appropriate. This procedure uses the same deep plane principles but is more limited.
Dr. Akinosun may recommend it if you have mild to moderate skin laxity but aren’t yet ready for a full facelift. During your consultation, Dr. Akinosun will determine whether a full or mini deep plane facelift is best suited to your goals and anatomy.
Combining a Facelift With Other Procedures
Facial aging typically affects multiple features, including the forehead, eyes, and neck. Combining a deep plane facelift with other procedures can often address these additional concerns and enhance overall facial harmony.
Procedures frequently combined with a deep plane facelift include:
- Neck lift to refine the jawline and neck contour
- Facial fat grafting to restore volume
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty to refresh the eye area
- Laser skin resurfacing to improve the skin’s tone and texture
By addressing multiple concerns, Dr. Akinosun creates results that look cohesive and natural from every angle.
What To Expect During Recovery
Recovery after a deep plane facelift is gradual, with steady improvement over the first several weeks.
Week 1
After surgery, you may feel unsteady and sleepy, and your face will be bandaged. Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are most noticeable during the first few days.
Plan to have someone drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night. Take pain medication as directed to manage your discomfort.
Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. Dressings are typically removed early in the recovery period, and most patients return to light activity within about a week. Keeping incisions clean to prevent infection is essential during the first week.
Weeks 2
By the beginning of the second week, most patients no longer need prescription pain medication. Swelling should begin to subside, and you’ll likely feel more at ease moving around. If you’re feeling up to it, light housework is often permitted.
Numbness, tingling, and tightness are all normal following a facelift. During this time, sutures are typically removed. By the end of the second week, many people start to feel like themselves again.
Weeks 3 and 4
You may still experience some residual swelling and tightness, but overall, you’ll likely start looking and feeling significantly better. This is often when patients begin to see noticeable improvements in their facial contours.
By this stage, you can typically resume exercising and enjoy activities with minimal, if any, visible signs of the procedure. Incision sites may still appear slightly discolored as they heal, gradually fading and blending with your natural skin tone over time.
Dr. Akinosun provides detailed postoperative guidance and closely monitors your recovery to ensure optimal healing and results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutrient-rich, balanced diet can promote skin repair and overall healing.
Frequently
Asked Questions
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
The results of a deep plane facelift typically last about 10 to 15 years. Facial aging continues, but you’ll look like you did a decade or so earlier.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort in the first few days after a deep plane facelift, which is often described as tightness rather than pain.
When can I return to work after a deep plane facelift?
If you’re like most of our patients, you can plan to return to work within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your comfort level with residual swelling or bruising and the nature of your job. If you work from home, you can resume desk work earlier.
Am I a candidate for a deep plane mini facelift?
Patients with early signs of aging and good skin quality may be candidates. Dr. Akinosun determines this during your consultation.
Meet With
Dr. Akinosun
A deep plane facelift consultation is the first step toward understanding what’s possible and creating a plan tailored to your features and goals. From the beginning, Dr. Akinosun’s calm demeanor puts patients at ease, while her thoughtful, individualized approach guides you through each stage of the process. Patients visit from Oakbrook Terrace, Naperville, and surrounding Chicagoland communities to experience her personalized care.
