Natural results

Dr. Kate Impastato is the only board certified female plastic surgeon in Vancouver, WA who specializes in facelift surgery. She empathizes with the profound emotional impact of looking into a mirror and finding a face that no longer aligns with one's inner sense of self. The results obtained through facial rejuvenation with a deep plane facelift (which includes a deep plane neck lift) create a balanced natural appearance that lasers, fillers, and non invasive procedures cannot achieve. At Evergreen Plastic Surgery Dr. Impastato strives to provide the best facelift surgery in Vancouver, WA in a safe, customized, and thoughtful way.

Deep Plane Facelift
Customizable Facial Rejuvination

Frequently Asked Questions

Be The Best Version Of Yourself

What is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgery where an incision is made in front of and behind your ear in order to gain access to the deeper tissues of the face that contribute to the appearance of aging. A deep plane neck lift is done as part of the deep plane facelift through a small incision under the chin in addition to the incisions made around the ear. Facelift surgeries improve the appearance of loose sagging skin of the lower face and neck. In order to obtain a cohesive rejuvenated appearance, facelift is commonly done at the same time as other surgeries to improve the location of the eyebrows as well as the upper and lower eyelids. Facelift itself does not change the appearance of the upper part of the face.

What is a deep plane facelift?

The deep plane facelift is the most advanced facelift available and should only be performed by a facial specialist with extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and significant experience operating on these areas. When done well, the deep plane facelift releases specific ligaments in the face allowing the surgeon to lift the muscular layers of the face to achieve a refreshed appearance. Because the muscular layer is lifted and repositioned there isn't tension on the skin, so it will not result in a windswept appearance. A deep plane neck lift is done in conjunction with the deep plane facelift procedure to address the neck and jawline, resulting in a balanced, natural appearing result. A deep plane facelift does not change the appearance of the eyebrows or eyelids. However, it is common for patients to also have a brow lift and or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) at the same time.

What are the different types of facelifts?

The deep plane facelift targets the deeper tissues of the face, which allows for a more comprehensive lifting and repositioning of the facial tissues without pulling on the skin, avoiding the "windswept" look. In the deep plane facelift the deep structures are actually lifted and physically moved into their former position. This results in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance that can last for many years. Deep plane facelifts provide more natural and long-lasting results compared to other techniques.

The short scar facelift is a misnomer as the length of the scar is oftentimes the same as the length of the deep plane facelift scar. The major difference between these surgeries is what happens on the inside. In the short scar facelift the external scar is the same but instead of elevating and repositioning the deeper structures, those structures are pulled and and fixed in place with sutures. Due to the nature of this surgery the results are not as profound and not as long lasting. This is good operation for women with mild jowls, minimal concerns with the appearance of their neck, and those who will be happy with an outcome that will last 5-7 years.

What is the best type of facelift?

In Dr. Impastato's opinion, the intricate nature of the deep plane facelift and neck lift offers the best, most natural appearing, and the longest lasting results. However, she understands that each patient has different goals so in addition to the deep plane facelift she also specializes is the "Short Scar Facelift" aka MACS facelifts.

What is the ideal age for a facelift?

In the realm of cosmetic procedures, timing is paramount, and the right moment varies for each patient. Some individuals in their 40s may exhibit jowls, a double chin, neck bands, and excess skin that can be effectively addressed. Whereas, other women may not be bothered by these changes until their 50s, 60s, or even 70s. Facial aging must have progressed sufficiently to ensure a meaningful transformation post-surgery. On the other hand, it is crucial to note that delaying a facelift for too long can result in suboptimal outcomes depending on the quality of your skin and any existing medical conditions.

If you're in good health, refrain from nicotine use, aren't on blood thinners, and have a BMI below 35, you likely qualify as an excellent candidate for a facelift.

Am I a candidate for a facelift?

As a board certified Plastic Surgeon, it is Dr. Kate Impastato's number one priority to keep you safe. In order to keep you safe you will be asked to complete a health history questionnaire. During your one-on-one consultation you will also be asked about your health history. Dr. Impastato will want to know what other facial procedures you have had (including radiofrequency treatments, CO2 laser resurfacing, and what injectables you have had). You will be asked about any medications you are on, if you have diabetes, if you have any cardiac history, if you use any form of nicotine, if you use any form of CBD/THC, and if you have any personal or family history of problems with anesthetics among other questions. Based on each patient's goals, concerns, and health Dr. Impastato will make an individualized treatment recommendation to best accomplish your goals while keeping you safe.

Dr. Impastato will ask you to point out what is bothering you and help you to understand what facelift surgery can reasonably obtain and what it will not. She will explain that oftentimes a more natural appearance can be obtained by addressing all of the facial subunits together in some individuals. For patients with evidence of aging in all subunits of the face it is common for the deep plane facelift and deep plane neck lift procedures to be done in conjunction with eyelid or browlift surgeries. Deep plane facelift surgery addresses the underlying structure of the face but it will not change the texture or quality of the skin- for example if you have sunspots those will not be effected by the facelift surgery.

How do patients feel once they've recovered from their Deep Plane Facelift surgery?

This is the best part! In Dr. Impastato's patients' own words this is how they feel...

"Dr. Kate, thank you for this gift you have given me, I hope you know the impact this surgery has on restoring a person's dignity." - Deep Plane Facelift patient of Dr. Kate Impastato (includes necklift)

"This was well worth the investment. I've gotten three compliments in the last week about how great I look. Nobody has asked if I had work done, they just think I've taken good care of myself!" - Deep Plane Facelift patient of Dr. Kate Impastato (includes necklift)

"I love my Mama but I am so happy I don't see her neck in the mirror anymore." -Deep Plane Facelift patient of Dr.Kate Impastato (includes necklift)

"I feel like people see me in a way that matches how I feel for the first time in decades, not like a tired old lady anymore." - Deep Plane Facelift (includes necklift), Brow Lift, Quad Blepharoplasty patient of Dr. Kate Impastato

"I've worked with these women for 25 years, I went on 'vacation' for a few weeks and came back and they all keep saying how amazing and refreshed I look! None of them suspected surgery but were asking what I was doing differently so I finally told them! They were so surprised, they hadn't seen my incisions or suspected that at all! I'm sending them all to you." - Deep Plane Facelift, necklift, and quad blepharoplasty patient of Dr. Kate Impastato

"I am so glad I chose myself over a new car. I am so happy." -Deep Plane Facelift (includes necklift), Temporal brow lift, quad blepharoplasty patient of Dr. Kate Impastato

Are there medications I cannot take prior to facelift surgery?

Prior to undergoing facelift patients cannot take any medications that thin their blood for two weeks prior to surgery. In general any over the counter pain medications (ex. Ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin, naproxen) cannot be taken for the two weeks prior to surgery. If you need an over the counter pain medication during that time, Tylenol is okay to take prior to surgery. Other supplements including Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, ephedra, St. John's wort, Kava, flax seed oil, and fish oil.

What surgeries are commonly paired with facelift surgery?

During your consultation with Dr. Kate Impastato, she will learn about what is bothering you most. She strives for a natural appearing elegant outcome with the least surgery possible. There are times when doing more will actually lead to a more natural appearance by allowing the the components of the face to match. Procedures that are most commonly added to facelift surgery (which always includes deep plane neck lift) are listed below.

Browlift

Browlift is commonly done at the same time as the deep plane facelift surgery. Dr. Impastato will recommend the particular type of browlift based on your anatomy and goals. The goal of the brow lift is to lift the eyebrow into its native position which is usually a subtle elevation, not an exaggerated change that leaves you looking surprised.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift)

Blepharoplasty is very commonly paired with the deep plane facelift. During this careful procedure the excess fat and skin of the eyelid are carefully sculpted to restore a more youthful rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Impastato designs her incisions in natural creases to help make them as unnoticeable as possible, with time eyelid scars are typically imperceptible. This is a great operation for patients who complain that people often think they are upset or tired because of the appearance of their eyelid skin.

Lip Lift

As we age, our upper lip lengthens allowing the pink portion of our lip to roll in. To restore the youthful pout of the lip board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kate Impastato uses a technique known as the 'bull horn lip lift' to shorten the upper lip. By doing this the upper lip rolls out. This technique allows for more of the lip to be exposed but it does not add volume to the lip. For patients who desire fullness, Dr. Impastato recommends lip filler. This can be done during surgery or in clinic.

Necklift

Deep plane necklift is a procedure that can be done on its own in a select group of patients but it is also an important part of the deep plane facelift. During this intricate procedure Dr. Impastato makes a small incision under the chin to access the deep structures of the neck. This allows her to contour these deep structures of the neck and trim and tighten the plastyma muscle to obtain a sleek and well defined neck.

Why does Dr. Impastato need me to stop using nicotine for two months prior to surgery?

As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kate Impastato's main goal is to keep you safe while helping you to achieve your goals. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, patch, gum, or vape) can increase the risks of having problems after surgery that can effect your outcome and even be life threatening.

Decreased Blood Flow leads to Increased Risk For Complication: Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow, leading to a reduction in blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, especially during the healing process after surgery. Restricted blood flow can compromise the body's ability to heal and recover. Insufficient blood supply to the surgical site can delay the healing process, leading to prolonged recovery times and potential complications including infections
Higher Risk of Tissue Necrosis: Nicotine's impact on blood vessels can potentially lead to tissue necrosis, where a lack of blood supply causes tissue cells to die. This is a serious complication that can result in the need for additional surgeries or interventions to address the damaged tissue.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Nicotine use is associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation. Blood clots can pose a serious threat, especially in the postoperative period, as they may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.