A reflection that no longer reflects your inner youthfulness. For many patients, this is a confronting moment. The majority of patients will first try nonsurgical or less invasive treatments before considering a facelift. This is partly due to the fear that many have of facelift surgery, but also because some patients are not mentally ready for surgery, or simply not eligible for it.
When creams, laser treatments, injectables or sometimes previous facelifts do not provide the results you desire, the Deep Plane Facelift offers a lasting solution. The Deep Plane Facelift is the gold standard facelift for creating the most impactful and natural rejuvenation in your face.
A Deep Plane Facelift targets not only the skin, but also the deeper layers of the face, such as the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) structures that are released in the "deep plane". Instead of simply tightening the superficial skin, the underlying muscles and fat volumes are released and repositioned, returning the face to its natural, younger contours.
The result is a vertical lift that restores anatomy and offers long-lasting, natural results.
Traditional facelift techniques focus primarily on the superficial layers of the face. Skin excess is removed and the remaining skin is tightened over the underlying structures, often without releasing the retaining facial ligaments or fixed areas of the face.
This can produce beautiful results, with wrinkles and sagging skin improving. However, as the underlying layers are not completely loosened, the results may be temporary. In addition, there is a risk of the so-called "wind tunnel effect" if the technique is not performed with care.
A Deep Plane Facelift focuses precisely on those deeper structures. The facial ligaments and adhesions are fully released, and the muscle layers and fat volumes are repositioned, rather than tightened.
Although a Deep Plane Facelift often takes longer and involves an only marginal longer recovery, the results tend to be more natural, refined and long-lasting.
A Deep Plane Facelift is the highest-performing lift to correct a wide range of signs of aging in the face.
Every patient begins with a quest. For many, this is a search for subtle changes - something a cream, injectable or laser treatment can provide. But what if those subtle changes no longer satisfy? What if you no longer just want to camouflage, but truly rejuvenate?
The power of the Deep Plane Facelift lies in its authenticity. Your face does not change, it rejuvenates. You remain yourself, but younger, more vital and radiant. This procedure focuses on restoring the natural anatomy of the face, in those areas and those anatomical planes where aging has left its mark. By treating the face as a whole, the goal is not to change your face, but to rejuvenate it.
The urge to seek conservative solutions to facial rejuvenation goes hand in hand with the dogma that a conservative solution will produce the most natural result. Patients often mistakenly think, "The more conservative the treatment, the less the face changes, the more natural the result."
The crux of the confusion lies in how we define "natural. Conservative treatment means 1. either that only a limited part of the face is treated, 2. or that the face is treated with a more conservative technique. Conservative, however, is not the same as natural.
1. The face ages as a whole, not just in a single area. If only a limited portion of the face is treated, it will almost always produce a visible surgical result. Just as a wall or a room is painted in only one place, this is immediately visible to any observer. The combination of a Deep Plane Facelift with a Deep Plane Neck Lift and a brow reset responds to this by treating the total face. This holistic approach follows the laws of nature and provides the most natural result.
2. Treating the face with a more conservative technique than necessary also does not make sense. Too conservative, or too invasive, does not exist.
Thereis only appropriate or not appropriate surgery. Taking just one size down a pair of pants that are 3 sizes too big still results in pants that are too big. And in the case of a facelift, an inadequate result with a dissatisfied patient. Conservative is not the same as natural.
Dr. Van Genechten strongly believes that a natural result can be found in the enumeration of the following:
In summary, vertical volume lifting across the face in the deep plane will create a natural and impactful rejuvenation. The majority of patients ask for conservative or "controlled underdone" results because they are afraid of unnatural results. Patients don't want conservative. Patients want natural.
It's a question many ask themselves when they begin to notice that their face is showing the first signs of aging. The answer is not always easy. Nevertheless, many patients prefer to have this procedure at this stage, precisely because once features of aging are seen in the face, it is difficult to spare them as a patient.
There are a number of important aspects to considering a facelift at a younger age. For example, it is important to realize that minimally invasive procedures will become less effective as aging features increase. Moreover, they incur recurring costs, do not eliminate the indication for lifting surgery, and, when used inappropriately, can cause unnatural results.
Specific age-related features, such as festoons, deep static wrinkles or horizontal neck bands, may additionally become partially or completely irreversible if not treated promptly. Delaying surgical intervention may thus limit the potential outcome of the surgery.
The earlier aging features in the face are reversed, the better and the longer-lasting the result. After all, a patient who undergoes a facial rejuvenation procedure at a younger stage will always look younger than his or her biological age, and consequently enjoy this result for many more years.
Of course, it is important to discuss this with your surgeon. Honest and transparent advice regarding your suitability for such surgery is essential. However, advanced techniques, such as the Deep Plane Facelift, create natural and unobtrusive results. This can prevent any delays in having your facelift performed because the fear of striking, weird or unnatural results is discussed and eliminated.
A Deep Plane Facelift offers natural results, but additional procedures can make the result more natural and refined. Consider a deep necklift or an brow reset. Here the principle applies: aging works vertically, so does rejuvenation. Tissue excess is therefore moved vertically and thus the different levels of the face often need to be rejuvenated together.
Every patient and every face is unique, just like the aging process, which is influenced by both intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors such as lifestyle.
That's why Dr. Van Genechten draws up a unique treatment plan for each person.
Even in the case of twin sisters, the proposed procedures can differ. In addition, the combination of different procedures offers advantages, such as lower anesthesia costs and only one recovery period.
Additional procedures are:
Do you feel that your face no longer matches how you feel? Do you suffer from sagging cheeks, deep creases or a blurred jawline? If so, a Deep Plane Facelift may be the solution for you.
Both men and women generally qualify for a facelift. Although the average age is between 50 and 60, even younger patients often already see the benefits. In Dr. Van Genechten's practice, the average age is between 45 and 55. So a facelift is certainly not reserved only for older patients.
This procedure provides an effective solution for various facial aging features:
A potential candidate for a Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift must meet certain criteria to ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery period:
You must be in good physical and mental health and not smoke. Smokers are not eligible for surgery unless they can quit at least six weeks before and after the procedure.
Smoking interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications.
Avoiding alcohol both shortly before and after surgery is also very important.
Furthermore, conditions that affect healing, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes or blood clotting disorders, may be a contraindication to a facelift.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not eligible for surgery.
If you take blood thinners, other medications or certain supplements, it is also important to mention this in advance.
The selection of a suitable candidate for a facelift includes not only age, but also takes into account overall health, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol) as well as individual aesthetic goals and expectations.
Since each patient and recovery process is unique, the experience may vary. However, below is a general overview of what to expect.
Limitations, expectations and a treatment plan
This consultation is primarily about the conceptual approach to your facial rejuvenation. It is very important to fully understand the procedure, to know the limitations, to be aware of the risks, and to have realistic expectations about the results and recovery time.
Therefore, Dr. Van Genechten provides an initial consultation to clearly understand your needs and desires, and to work with you to create an individual treatment plan.
Risks and complications
In a second appointment, the possible risks can be discussed in detail. Any questions or concerns can also be clarified during this appointment. If these were sufficiently clarified during the first consultation, a second consultation may be omitted.
When everything is clear and you understand everything, you can make an informed decision to have a procedure performed.
4-8 weeks before your procedure
A final appointment will take place a few weeks before the scheduled surgery. Here practical matters will be gone over, such as medication or supplements you need to stop or take in advance.
Quitting smoking and vaping is crucial: you must remain smoke-free for at least 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery to prevent complications and promote recovery.
On the scheduled day of surgery, you will check in at the appointed time. Our team will guide you through the rest of the process so that you are comfortable and well prepared for the procedure.
You may often go home the day after surgery. However, many patients choose to stay one or more nights in the hospital or at a nearby B&B. In the first week after surgery, we will see you again for check-ups. If applicable, an initial consultation is scheduled on day 3. Then a second consultation follows on day 7 after surgery.
During the first week, swelling, discoloration and mild discomfort are completely normal. The most difficult period usually falls around day 4-5. Patients often experience little pain, but may have a feeling of tightness in the face and neck region, sometimes accompanied by moderate difficulties with swallowing. Numbness of the skin and ears is also a common symptom. On day 7, the first sutures may be removed at the incisions.
In week 2, we schedule a second consultation, during which we additionally remove sutures.
Swelling and discoloration gradually decrease during the second week. In younger patients, who usually heal faster, it is often already possible to resume social or professional activities. In older patients, the healing process may take longer.
Most patients slowly resume social and professional activities during this period. Residual discoloration has often disappeared by this stage. Patients who were worried in the initial period (which is perfectly normal) now begin to see and appreciate the positive effects of the procedure.
Starting at week 3, it is okay to apply makeup over the scars. Swelling may still be present, but is usually much less noticeable.
At week 6, there is often still some swelling, but it is usually subtle. Numbness of the skin will also still be present.
Starting at week 6, it is usually possible for almost all patients to fully return to social and professional activities.
Usually post-operative photos are being taken at this point. Most patients already look remarkably well and are almost always "party proof. However, some tightness or tension may still be felt, although this is usually mild.
Important to know: after three months, the healing process is often only about 30% complete. The full recovery period usually extends over 3 to 12 months.
It is important to emphasize that the vast majority of patients, who undergo a necklift or facelift, do not develop complications. Nevertheless, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks inherent in the procedure.
Some risks frequently described in the medical literature:
Aesthetic facial surgery does not aim to change or improve the patient's mood or emotional situation.
It is crucial that patients communicate openly with Dr. Van Genechten about any concerns, questions, or anything they would like to know more about. This promotes shared decision-making and contributes to a successful outcome of the surgery.
A facial rejuvenation surgery is a choice you make for yourself, not for the outside world.
It is a decision that matures in silence, taken in front of the mirror, not in front of the spotlight.
In our practice, discretion is a given. Privacy is not a detail, but a foundation.
The vast majority of our patients consciously choose not to make their results public. What you see here is exceptional.
Only a small number of patients gave us permission to show their result. Out of respect for their trust and generosity, we want to explicitly name that. They help others make an informed choice.
These images are not a showcase, but a discreet compass, honest and invaluable.
Do you have any further questions? Feel free to ask them!
It is very common to experience swelling after surgery. Remember that your body is healing from surgery and even pronounced swelling is normal.
It may take 4-6 weeks for the swelling to subside. Most swelling will be gone after the first 2 weeks.
The more active you are, the more swelling you may experience. The younger you are, the faster swelling disappears. The older you are, the longer swelling will be present.
Take two light 30-minute walks every day. This will speed healing by reducing postoperative swelling.
Bruising after facelift surgery is frequent. You can cover any bruising with makeup after 3 weeks.
Usually, all bruising disappears within the first 2 weeks.
It is very difficult to find good information about a Deep Plane Facelift on the Internet. Especially after your own surgery, asking Dr. Google or looking up advice on online platforms can lead to confusion or unnecessary concerns.
If you have any questions, feel free to send us a whatsapp or give us a call.
For minimal swelling, we recommend that you sleep on your back. However, if you do not sleep well in that position, we recommend that you sleep in the position that is most comfortable for you.
It will not greatly affect the final result of your facelift.
It is always the case that the skin of your face and the skin around the ear is less sensitive after a Deep Plane Facelift. This is caused because the skin is detached - to a limited extent - from the underlying muscle layer, and the underlying muscle layer itself is always detached from the deeper structures in the face.
This inevitably cuts through the finest, invisible ends of sensory nerves. These take time to recover. Recovery often occurs as patchy.
Full recovery sometimes only is final between 1 and 1.5 years after surgery.
You may shower and bathe the first day after surgery if you gently clean the scars with baby shampoo and do not keep the incisions under water for too long.
Avoid too hot water to keep your blood pressure down.
Make sure your pain is well controlled throughout the day. Be careful about taking naps during the day. Try to plan your activities as normally as possible. If you continue to have problems, please call us.
It is not unusual to feel pressure or tension on your face or neck. Swallowing difficulties is sometimes also present. In rare cases this remains present for several weeks.
To relieve any pressure sensation, make sure you take your antibiotics and painkillers, sleep in an elevated position and avoid strenuous exercise.
As mentioned above, you will experience some bruising and swelling after surgery. You should contact us if your scar begins to give off yellowish or cloudy fluid.
If you experience new pain that is not controlled with your pain medication, if you are constantly cold, have chills, or have a constantly elevated body temperature above 38°C, please contact us.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have an infection, but these are symptoms that we should be notified of.
Skin necrosis is a very unlikely event. In the unlikely event of necrosis, you will see a discoloration of your skin. At first the skin will appear pale and then a dusky tint may appear.
If you think you see signs of discoloration of the skin next to your scar, do not hesitate to contact us. We will then examine the skin as soon as possible.
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The Catershoek Surgical Center offers an exclusive, quiet and discreet environment for aesthetic facial surgery. Located in a serene location, the center combines high-tech facilities with a home-like atmosphere, so that you will feel immediately at ease.
At Catershoek , everything is about you, with personalized support from the same team of specialists from the beginning of your treatment to your recovery.
The Catershoek Surgical Center offers an exclusive, quiet and discreet environment for aesthetic facial surgery. Located in a serene location, the center combines high-tech facilities with a homelike atmosphere, so you will feel immediately at ease.
At Catershoek , everything is about you, with personalized support from the same team of specialists from the beginning of your treatment to your recovery.
Dr. Maarten Van Genechten focuses entirely on aesthetic facial surgery, with the face as his absolute focus. This passion already arose during his medical studies, where he developed his interest in microvascular facial reconstructions.
He expanded his expertise during a fellowship in Brisbane, where he came into contact with different disciplines.
This experience led him to a fellowship in aesthetic facial surgery in Sydney, where his interest in facial rejuvenation surgery arose and has not faded since. Now he specializes in facial rejuvenation surgery, facelift surgery, brow lifts and eyelid surgery, and owns the Catershoek Surgical Center.
Are you ready to discover how a Deep Plane Facelift can rejuvenate your face? Contact him today for a personal consultation with Dr. Van Genechten. During this appointment, he will discuss your specific needs, expectations and the possible results of the procedure. Dr. Van Genechten will take the time to go over all aspects of the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.
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