A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure applied to remove the signs of ageing in the face and neck area by reaching the deeper tissue layers under the facial skin, that is, to reverse the effects of ageing or to reposition the facial contours. In other words, a deep plane facelift is a facial surgery in which the cheekbones, jawline, and neck are tightened by removing the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), a layer of connective tissue under the facial skin.
In deep plane facelift application, surgeons go under the SMAS layer, loosen the ligaments, open the adhesions, and move the SMAS layer to its former place. Thus, surgeons reduce the prominence of nasolabial lines and correct deep wrinkles and sagging in the facial area.
We will explain some medical terms used in the deep plane facelift application to help you better understand it. However, before explaining these, let's discuss who can have deep plane facelift applications.
Deep plane facelift is one of the most effective surgical procedures for achieving lasting results in facial rejuvenation. On average, the effects of this procedure remain clearly visible for 10 to 15 years. This is because the procedure not only tightens the skin but also lifts and secures the deep muscle and fat tissues responsible for facial sagging back to their youthful positions. These deep tissues are much stronger than the skin and more resistant to gravity, which ensures that the results last much longer.
It is important to remember that no surgery can stop the natural ageing process. However, a deep plane facelift effectively turns back the clock on ageing and slows it down. Even 10-15 years after surgery, you will continue to look much younger and fresher than someone who has never had surgery. In other words, you will never completely return to your pre-surgery appearance; only the youthful and fresh appearance you have achieved over the years will gradually and minimally diminish.
Which technique is ‘better’ depends on the patient's individual anatomy, expectations, and the surgeon's experience and preference.
Some surgeons prefer the deep plane technique because it addresses all layers of the ageing face and provides more comprehensive results. Others may prefer deep plane variations such as high SMAS due to long-term concerns like ‘lateral sweep’ deformity and its better effect on the midface.
Comparison of Deep Plane Facelift with Traditional Techniques
Traditional facelift: The aim of this method is to reduce sagging by tightening the skin. There is almost no intervention in the deep tissues (muscle and fat layers). The skin is tightened, and the excess is removed. Results may not be permanent, as the skin can stretch again over time.
Deep plane facelift: The deep layers of the face (muscle and fat tissue) are addressed. Sagging tissues are lifted and secured in their youthful positions. The skin is then loosely placed over this firm foundation, without tension. This provides a more natural and lasting result.
Natural expression: There is no feeling of tightness in the face; facial expressions and gestures remain completely natural.
Volume gain: Fullness is restored in the cheek and cheekbone areas. There is no ‘flat’ appearance.
Effective solution: Deep lines running from the sides of the nose to the mouth and sagging in the jawline are more noticeably improved.
As the skin is stretched, a ‘mask-like’ or ‘startled’ expression may appear on the face. Over time, the skin may sag again, and the results may be short-lived.
Deep plane facelift: Deep tissues (muscle and connective tissue) are much more resilient than the skin. Therefore, results last 10-15 years or longer.
Traditional method: As it relies solely on skin tightening, results may diminish within an average of 5-7 years.
Nerve damage: As work is performed on deep layers, there is a higher risk of temporary or permanent damage to facial nerves. However, this risk can be greatly minimized by an experienced surgeon.
Swelling and bruising: The recovery process may be longer, but long-term healing is better because the nourishment of the deep tissues is preserved.
The risk of nerve damage is lower, but necrosis (tissue loss), noticeable scars, or an unnatural appearance may occur on the skin.
The incision strategy for a deep plane facelift is a perfect example of the plastic surgeon's artistry: the aim is to conceal the scars within the natural lines of your hairline and the creases of your ears. While the deep plane technique works on the deepest layers of your face, incisions are carefully planned to be as inconspicuous as possible.
Incision locations:
The incision starts at your sideburns or temple hairline (the hair on the sides of your head, above your ears). The surgeon carefully follows the pattern of your natural hairline.
Placing the incision here prevents your sideburns from being pulled upwards or backwards, which is a tell-tale sign of an older facelift technique. In women, it prevents the odd appearance of hairless skin in front of the ears.
Starting from the earlobe, the incision curves downwards and follows the natural, fine curve just in front of your ear. It follows the curve of the tragus (the small, hard cartilage protrusion in front of the ear canal).
This is a critical step for invisibility. The surgeon meticulously places the incision along the natural curves and contours of the ear, ensuring that the scar is camouflaged once healed. Rather than cutting straight down, the incision ‘wraps’ around the anatomy of the ear.
Where: The incision continues below the earlobe. This prevents tension in the delicate earlobe tissue, which could otherwise cause a ‘fairy ear’ deformity (where the earlobe is pulled forward and appears attached to the face).
The incision is made upwards towards the crease behind your ear, where the ear meets the scalp.
This crease is a natural hiding spot. When you look at someone, this area is completely invisible.
The incision extends backwards and slightly upwards towards the scalp at the back of your head. It follows your natural hairline to prevent a prominent or visible scar.
Hiding the end of the incision within the hair ensures it remains completely undetectable, even when your hair is tied back.
The recovery process after a deep plane facelift varies from patient to patient but can generally be divided into specific stages. This technique has the potential to offer less bruising and optimized recovery parameters compared to superficial techniques, as the dissection is performed in a relatively avascular plane and the mobilized soft tissue is well vascularized. The recovery process and expectations are as follows:
• The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
• After the surgery, the face and neck may feel tight and painful. This discomfort can be managed with simple painkillers.
• To reduce postoperative swelling, it is recommended to keep your head elevated and sleep with extra pillows under your neck for a few days.
• A pressure dressing is applied, and drainage tubes may be inserted to allow any fluid or blood to drain out.
• Patients can get out of bed and perform light activities on the day of surgery.
• On the morning of the first day, the dressing is changed, and usually two small drains are removed.
• Numbness around the incisions is normal and begins to improve within a few weeks or months. Sensory nerve damage usually resolves spontaneously within 12 months.
• Swelling of the face is expected and lasts at least 10 days. Initially, your face may appear slightly swollen and feel strange and tight.
• Activities should be minimised and rest should be maximised to optimize the healing period.
• A compression garment should be worn day and night, except when showering.
• Suture lines are gently cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, and topical antibiotic ointment is applied three times a day.
• On the 4th day, visible sutures in areas such as the temporal hairline, under the chin, and in front of the ears are removed.
• Most of the remaining stitches are removed on the 7th day. Some stitches in the temporal hairline or behind the ears may remain for a few more days.
• Camouflage makeup may be useful to cover postoperative bruising.
• Showering and washing your hair are permitted from the second day after surgery, but you should be quick and gently dry the area.
• Light activities (such as driving) can be resumed after two weeks.
• Most patients can return to work and social activities within a few weeks.
• Incisions are initially red and may become more reddened within the first 6 weeks. They turn purple over the next 3 months and then fade to white.
• The initial tightness in the skin of the face and neck usually returns to normal within six weeks.
• Intense exercise should be avoided for up to six weeks. Swimming and more strenuous exercise can be resumed after 6 to 12 weeks, with the surgeon's advice.
• Temporary nerve dysfunction (such as weakness in the muscle that pulls down the lower lip or the forehead muscle) usually resolves on its own within a few weeks or months.
• It takes approximately six to nine months to assess the outcome of the surgery.
• Numbness persists, and you may experience prolonged loss of sensation in front of your ears, but recovery continues. Sensory nerve damage usually resolves within 12 months.
• Incisions are closed with colloidal or other tissue adhesives and paper tape once they are considered sufficiently mature. After 12 weeks, moisturizer can be applied daily to the scar and surrounding skin.
• Mild hair loss or reduced hair growth may be observed in the temporal region, but this does not usually pose a serious problem.
• Although deep plane facelift results are intended to be long-lasting, the natural ageing process continues, and additional surgical interventions may be required in the future.
• Permanent nerve damage is rare, but in rare cases, long-term muscle weakness or facial paralysis may require additional treatments such as neuromodulators or facial reanimation procedures.
• Long-distance travel should be avoided for 6 weeks before and after the procedure.
While offering effective and lasting results, deep plane facelift surgery carries certain risks, as does any surgical procedure. However, these risks can be minimized when performed by an experienced surgeon.
• Facial nerve damage: This is the temporary or permanent impairment of the nerves that control facial expressions. The risk is low with the deep plane technique because the nerves are in a more protected area. The rate of permanent damage is less than 1% and usually manifests as temporary numbness or muscle weakness. Experienced surgeons minimize this risk with their anatomical knowledge.
• Sensory loss: Temporary numbness around the cheeks and ears after surgery is normal. It usually resolves within 6-12 months, but permanent loss of sensation in front of the ear is rarely seen.
• This is the most common complication. It is more frequent in men and those with high blood pressure. Small hematomas resolve spontaneously, while large and painful ones require drainage. Discontinuing blood-thinning medication before surgery and controlling blood pressure reduce the risk.
• It is quite rare (less than 1%). The risk of infection after surgery performed under sterile conditions is low. If it occurs, it is easily treated with antibiotics.
• Skin necrosis (tissue loss): More common in smokers due to impaired subcutaneous circulation. Quitting smoking at least 3 weeks before surgery greatly reduces this risk.
• Poor scarring: Incisions are hidden in the natural folds of the ear and within the scalp. With good surgical technique, scars become indistinct. Rarely, scars may widen or become more prominent.
• These are general risks applicable to any surgery (allergic reaction, blood clot, etc.). These risks are minimized with a detailed preoperative check-up and assessment by an anesthetist.
Asymmetry: Minimal differences may rarely occur on both sides of the face.
Noticeable deep stitches: Very rarely, stitches may be felt or visible on the skin.
Dissatisfaction with the result: Results may not meet expectations. Therefore, it is important to clarify expectations with the surgeon before surgery.
Choosing a surgeon for a deep plane facelift is one of the most critical decisions you will make on your aesthetic journey. Dr Onur Ogan stands out as the preferred choice for this procedure for several important reasons:
Dr Ogan has highly specialized training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and is an expert in the deep plane facelift technique. This is not a procedure that every surgeon performs; it requires in-depth knowledge of the complex layers of the face, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) and the delicate network of facial nerves.
This expertise enables the specialist to navigate these complex structures safely, minimising risk while maximizing the technique's renowned impressive and long-lasting results.
Utilizes the most advanced surgical protocols to ensure an effective and efficient procedure, prioritising patient safety at every step.
Your health is our top priority. Dr Ogan and his team provide a seamless and safe experience from consultation to full recovery.
Each procedure is tailored to your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Comprehensive consultations are conducted to ensure you are a good candidate and that your expectations align with what the procedure can deliver.
Surgeries are performed in accredited, fully equipped surgical facilities that meet the highest safety and hygiene standards.
Care does not end when the surgery is complete. We provide detailed postoperative instructions and remain accessible for follow-up to ensure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
A good surgeon is also an artist. Dr Ogan possesses a refined aesthetic understanding that guides him in enhancing your natural beauty without altering your fundamental identity.
He does not believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. He meticulously designs each surgery to harmonise with your unique bone structure, facial contours, and personal preferences, ensuring you remain yourself—just a more rested and vibrant version.
Dr Ogan has built a strong reputation based on consistent, exceptional results and positive patient experiences.
He is known for his honest, transparent, and empathetic communication style. He takes the time to answer all your questions, ensuring you feel informed, confident, and respected throughout your journey.
Based on observed results exemplifying the distinctive features of deep plane facelifts—restored mid-face volume, a defined jawline, smooth neck contours and completely natural movements—it is debated in the media whether the celebrities listed below have undergone a different type of facelift procedure, combined multiple procedures (such as fat grafting and mini facelifts), or simply possess excellent genetics and skincare routines, as discussed in the media.
Jennifer Aniston: She is often cited as a textbook example of a potential deep plane result. Her ageing appears graceful, the volume in her cheeks is preserved, she has a defined jawline, and there is absolutely no sign of a ‘tightened’ appearance. She looks like herself, just refreshed.
Nicole Kidman: In her recent appearances, there has been a noticeable softening from a slightly overly plumped look to a more natural, lifted, and structured appearance, sparking speculation about a skilful revision or deep plane procedure.
Julianne Moore: As she has aged, she has developed an incredibly natural appearance; consistent with a well-executed structural lift, she has smooth lines and no distortion in her facial features.
Paul Rudd: Male celebrities also seek natural results. With a firm jawline and natural forehead movement, his seemingly ageless appearance often sparks debate about subtle and expert work.
Cate Blanchett: Known for her graceful ageing, Blanchett bears the traces of a potential expert intervention that prioritises preserving natural structure and movement over radical changes.
If you have obvious signs of ageing in the middle and lower part of the face, such as deep nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and double chin, and you are over 40 years old, you may be suitable for deep plane facelift. However, you should make the decision together with your doctor.
Since the surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the surgery. However, as with any surgical procedure, some discomfort and pain may be felt after deep plane facelift application. You can use pain medication prescribed by your doctor to relieve pain.
The ideal age is between 40 and 60 years. However, it can also be applied at an earlier age than 40 years due to genetic problems, etc. The upper limit of the age limit can be extended up to 75 years of age depending on the general health status of the person.
To get more and detailed information, it's best to consult a board-certified Op. Dr. Onur Oğan experienced in performing facelift procedures.