Deep Plane Facelift

What Is A Deep Plane Facelift and Its Benefits?

In today’s society, the saggy look that comes with aging isn’t easily accepted. Many people feel young and energetic despite how old they are, but their physical appearance may not match their self-concept. This way, many turn to facelifts.

But what is a deep plane facelift?

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift procedure is a surgical cosmetic technique in which deep facial tissue structures are repositioned. The deep tissue layer is known as the “Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System,” or SMAS. When surgeons tighten the SMAS, they potentially help you attain a lifted appearance by tightening the sagging skin around the cheek, jaws, and neck area.

Aside from giving you an energetic and youthful appearance, deep plane facelifts may help with filling out any hollowness around the eyes due to aging. Moreover, this procedure may readjust the cheek back to its rightful place, giving you high cheekbones for days.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Deep Plane Facelift

The benefits of a deep plane facelift come with numerous advantages aside from just tightening the skin to give you a younger appearance. Those benefits are the following:

A deep plane facelift offers a multitude of advantages, making it a popular choice among those seeking facial rejuvenation. Here are some key benefits to consider:

  •  Softening of the laughter lines and improving mid-face appearance: The deep plane facelift offers significant benefits, notably the effective softening of laughter lines and a noticeable improvement in mid-face appearance. 

This surgical technique targets deep tissue layers, ensuring a more natural and long-lasting rejuvenation compared to traditional facelifts. It results in a fresher, more youthful facial aesthetic, enhancing one’s overall appearance and self-confidence

  • Minimal Scarring: Compared to other facelift techniques, the incisions made during a deep plane facelift are discreetly placed along the hairline and ear,  resulting in minimal visible scarring from deep plane facelift scars.
  • Natural-Looking Results: Deep plane facelifts are renowned for their ability to produce natural-looking outcomes, ensuring that you maintain your unique facial characteristics.
  • Reduced Need for Additional Procedures: Unlike some other facelift methods, a deep plane facelift often requires fewer follow-up procedures, saving you both time and money.
  • Wrinkle Reduction: This procedure effectively targets and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, providing a smoother and more youthful complexion.
  • Enhanced Facial Features: By eliminating sagging skin, a deep plane facelift can enhance your facial contours and highlight your features.
  • Boosted Self-Esteem: Achieving a more youthful appearance can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence, allowing you to face the world with renewed vigor.
  • Elimination of Double Chin: If you struggle with a double chin, a deep plane facelift can help eliminate this concern.
  • Softer Skin: Improved blood circulation post-surgery can leave your skin feeling softer to the touch, enhancing overall skin quality.
  • Fast Recovery: Despite its comprehensive nature, deep plane facelifts typically boast a shorter recovery period compared to other procedures.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of a deep plane facelift is its ability to provide long-lasting results, ensuring you enjoy the benefits of your rejuvenated appearance for an extended period.

How a Deep Plane Facelift Is Performed

The process of performing a deep plane facelift involves several precise steps:

  • Consultation: Before scheduling the surgery, a consultation with your surgeon is essential. During your consultation, you may discuss your goals and expectations, allowing the surgeon to provide personalised recommendations.
  • Anaesthesia: The procedure typically takes place under general anaesthesia, ensuring complete unconsciousness throughout the surgery, administered by a team of anaesthesia specialists.
  • Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions along the side of the face and neck, strategically placed near the hairline and ear to minimise visible scarring.
  • Tissue Separation: The deep tissue layer, known as the SMAS, is separated from the facial and neck skin, revealing the deep plane.
  • SMAS Lifting: The surgeon lifts the SMAS and secures it in place with multiple stitches to achieve the desired results.
  • Incision Closure: The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures to complete the procedure.

Recovery Period Post-Operation

Recovery from a deep plane facelift is a journey that varies from person to person. Here’s a general overview of the recovery process:

Days 2-5:

Predicting deep plane facelift recovery day by day might not be feasible however during the initial days following surgery, significant bruising and swelling are common, though these are typically concealed by bandages. Stitches are removed between days three and five, and any drainage tubes may be removed during this time.

Weeks 1-2:

By the end of the first week, most stitches, clips, and bandages are removed. Swelling begins to subside, and patients can gradually reintroduce minimal makeup. Simple tasks like grocery shopping and light housework can be resumed.

Weeks 3-4:

Swelling continues to decrease, and patients may consider resuming moderate activities. However, heavy lifting and strenuous workouts should still be avoided.

Weeks 5-7:

By week six, you may have your final follow-up appointment with the surgeon. If everything progresses as planned, you can return to your regular activities and routines.

You might be interested in asking  Dr Faisal Salim some questions like how long a deep plane facelift last or other questions. Here are popularly answered FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the Deep Plane Facelift Procedure Complicated?

The deep plane facelift procedure can be viewed as more advanced than traditional facelift surgery. The techniques to correct the ligament’s face, as well as repositioning the SMAS, require greater expertise to achieve natural-looking and long-lasting results. However, from a patient’s point of view, the recovery process is similar to that of a regular facelift.

  • Can Recovery Time Be Shortened?

The recovery from a deep plane facelift is usually around one month, which is relatively short compared to other plastic surgery treatments. However, there are ways to speed up the recovery process. Tranexamic Acid is often prescribed to patients to help reduce bleeding and bruising, which can speed up the healing process.

  • Is the Procedure Only for Women?

Although facelifts are typically associated with women, men can also benefit from a deep plane lift. In fact, many men undergo the procedure to achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

  • Is the Deep Plane Facelift Procedure Complicated?

The deep plane facelift procedure can be viewed as more advanced than traditional facelift surgery. The techniques used to correct the facial ligaments and structural tissues and reposition the SMAS require greater expertise to achieve natural-looking and long-lasting results. However, from a patient’s point of view, the recovery process is similar to that of a regular facelift.

  • Can Recovery Time Be Shortened?

The recovery period is brief for a deep plane facelift is usually around one month, which is relatively short compared to other plastic surgery treatments. However, there are ways to speed up the recovery process. Tranexamic Acid is often prescribed to patients to help reduce bleeding and bruising, which can speed up the healing process.

  • Is the Procedure Only for Women?

Although facelifts are typically associated with women, men can also benefit from a deep plane lift. In fact, there are many men who undergo the procedure to achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.


Contact  Dr Faisal Salim to learn more about facelifts or other cosmetic procedures.