What is a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical procedure that can deliver natural-looking results compared to some older traditional facelift techniques. It is a more invasive type of facelift procedure as the surgical dissection is deeper, but it is a great option if you are looking to tighten and lift the deeper structures of the face effectively.

Am I suitable for a Deep Plane Facelift?

A deep plane facelift is typically performed on patients who

Are aged 40 years or older
Experiencing sagging of the mid-face
Want to restore volume to the face
Have deep creases that run from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)

Patients considering a deep plane facelift must be in good health, not smoke and have realistic expectations for the treatment.

The best way to ascertain your suitability is to consult with one of our expert facial plastic surgeons. They will assess your face, medical history, and general history to plan a facelift treatment that is best suited to you. The procedure is highly customisable ensuring you achieve the best possible results.

Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift

Less trauma to the facial tissues
Provides more definition to the jawline, cheeks and neck
Redistributes fat and restores volume to the cheeks
Faster healing and less noticeable incisions
Long-lasting results
Less chance of requiring revisional surgery

What does a Deep Plane Facelift procedure involve?

A deep plane facelift is typically performed under general anaesthetic.

Incisions will be made in the hairline at the temples and down around the ears to access the deep planes of the face.

There are three layers of the face, the skin and superficial fat layer, the SMAS layer of fibromuscular tissue that covers the face and then the deep facial plane which is the tissue plane located underneath the SMAS layer which contains facial ligaments and muscles.

This facelift procedure is unique as it focuses on freeing the deep plane from the underlying facia and moving the muscle and skin at the same time to allow for a more extensive lift of the entire midface and jawline. Once lifted and repositioned, the deep plane is then sutured in place.

This can achieve a natural result with tension-free movement.

What is recovery like after a Deep Plane Facelift?

It is recommended that you take 2 weeks off work to fully recover following your deep plane facelift procedure. For the first week, you may need more assistance with general housework, taking care of children and/or pets and other general tasks. You should not be doing any heavy lifting or strenuous work during this time.

Bruising and swelling are common for the first few weeks following your procedure. This should start to settle after 2 weeks but can take 1-2 months to fully dissipate.

Painkillers and antibiotics will be provided to you after your procedure. This will help with any discomfort and post-operative pain. Eating healthy and staying hydrated will also help with your recovery.

You will have bandaging following the procedure which will need to be worn for 2-3 days. Full advice on how to care for your incisions will be provided. You will have a 1-week follow-up appointment where any stitches will be removed.

Most patients will be fully recovered by 4-6 weeks post-procedure. But it can take 3-4 months to see the final results of your procedure.

How long do the results of a Deep Plane Facelift last?

The results of a deep plane facelift can last for at least 10-12 years. It is important to remember that whilst a surgical facelift can make you instantly look younger, it is not able to stop the effects of ageing, these will continue over time.

Is a Deep Plane Facelift painful?

You will be asleep under general anaesthetic whilst the procedure is being performed so no pain will be felt during. The unique technique of the deep plane facelift focuses on repositioning facial soft tissue as a single unit. This results in less trauma to the face, less pain post-operatively and faster healing.

Of course, like all procedures, some discomfort post-procedure is to be expected, this should be easily managed by the pain relief provided and should subside in the days following the procedure.

Deep Plane Facelift at The Private Clinic

Our team of experienced Facial Surgeons can help guide you on which type of Facelift procedure is going to be most appropriate for you and help you achieve the best results.

Mr Dario Rochira, BS, MD. GMC Number : 6130664
Mr Navid Jallali, BSc, MB ChB (Hons), MD FRCS (Plast). GMC Number: 4404969
Mr Mrinal Supriya, FRCS (OTOL-HNS), MRCS Ed, DO-HNS, MS in ENT, MBBS. GMC Number: 6066456
Ms Monica Fawzy, MBChB, MRCS, FRCS (Plast). GMC Number: 6051977