Deep Plane Facelift

What the deep plane technique is

Under the skin of the face lies fat, and below it the SMAS, a sheet of muscle and fascia that supports the cheeks, jaw and neck. Ageing is largely the story of this layer: the ligaments weaken and the tissues slide down. A deep plane lift goes beneath that layer and releases the retaining ligaments, so the cheek block can be lifted as a single unit, together with the overlying skin.

Because skin and SMAS move together, the skin itself carries no tension. That is one of the reasons the deep plane technique is associated with a natural, un-pulled look.

Who it suits best

The technique earns its extra complexity where the problem sits in the midface: flattened cheeks, deepened folds between the nose and mouth, a jawline that has lost its line because the cheek tissue has descended over it. Releasing the ligaments allows a more vertical lift than a standard SMAS plication, which mainly re-tensions the lower face.

If your main concern is the neck alone, or mild early jowls, a smaller operation may be enough. There are contraindications to any surgery, and the doctor decides which technique fits your anatomy at the consultation.

How the operation is performed

At our centre surgical facelifts are done under general (inhalation) anaesthesia. The incisions follow the hairline and the edge of the ear, as in other facelift techniques; the difference lies in the depth, where the surgeon enters beneath the SMAS and frees the ligaments before repositioning the tissues. Excess skin is trimmed and the incisions are closed in layers.

The exact plan, the depth and the extent are decided individually at the free consultation and written into the contract together with the final price.

Preparation starts earlier than the date: blood-thinning medicines pause on written instruction, smoking stops well in advance, because nicotine worsens the healing of skin flaps, and the evening before stays simple, with no alcohol, a light meal and an early night. The surgeon reviews your blood pressure and your usual medicines at the last check before surgery.

Recovery after a deep plane lift

• Days 1–10. Rest, a compression bandage and reduced physical activity.
• Weeks 2–4. Swelling and bruising fade over this period.
• About 2 months. Full recovery for most patients.
• Months 3–6. The face takes on its final look.

Deep plane work is more extensive than a short-scar lift, so the first week is usually more swollen than after smaller operations; the surgeon sets your personal checkpoints at the consultation.

Deep plane or SMAS: how the choice is made

The two techniques are relatives, not rivals: both lift the deep layer rather than just the skin. The standard SMAS lift re-tensions the lower face and neck effectively and is the base method our surgeons use, with results lasting 7–10 years. The deep plane adds midface reach where descent has gone further. The choice depends on your anatomy and goals, on how your cheeks and ligaments sit, and it is made after the surgeon examines your face, not by fashion.

Questions worth bringing: which layers your face needs lifted and why the deep plane is or is not necessary, where the incisions will hide given your hairline and ear shape, and what a realistic change looks like for your midface rather than for a photograph of someone else. The answers set the plan that goes into the contract.

Deep plane facelift price

At our medical centre a surgical SMAS lift of the lower face and neck starts at $2,400; a deep plane lift is quoted individually, because its extent depends on your anatomy. The exact price is set at the free consultation and fixed in the contract with no hidden charges. Coordinators answer in Telegram and WhatsApp around the clock; send your photos and they will arrange the first assessment with the surgeon.

Deep plane facelift: the way from consultation to the final look

1. Step 1. Free consultationThe surgeon assesses the cheeks, ligaments and skin, confirms the deep plane approach and fixes the price in the contract.
2. Step 2. Work-upPre-operative tests and booking of the surgery date.
3. SurgeryGeneral inhalation anaesthesia; the ligaments are released and the skin-SMAS flap is lifted as one unit.
4. Days 1–10Rest, compression bandage, reduced activity.
5. Weeks 2–4Swelling and bruising fade.
6. Around 2 monthsFull recovery.
7. Months 3–6The face takes on its final look.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a deep plane facelift cost?

It is quoted individually after the consultation, because the extent depends on your anatomy. For reference, a lower face and neck SMAS lift starts at $2,400; the final figure is fixed in the contract.

What makes the deep plane different from a normal facelift?

The surgeon releases the retaining ligaments and lifts the skin and SMAS together as one flap, which allows a vertical lift of the midface. A standard SMAS lift re-tensions mainly the lower face and neck.

Why is the result said to look natural?

Because the skin travels with the deep layer, no tension sits on the skin itself, which is one of the reasons the deep plane is associated with an un-pulled look.

How long does recovery take?

The first 7–10 days need rest and a compression bandage; swelling and bruising fade in 2–4 weeks; full recovery takes about 2 months, and the final look arrives at 3–6 months.

How long does the effect last?

A surgical lift of the deep layer gives a long result; at our centre the SMAS facelift effect is described as lasting 7–10 years. Your personal outlook is discussed at the consultation.

What anaesthesia is used?

General inhalation anaesthesia, as for all surgical facelifts at our centre, so you feel no pain during the operation.

Related procedures

• Mini facelift of the lower face
• Neck lift (platysmaplasty)
• Facelift: techniques and prices