Deep Plane Facelift: the revolution in natural facial rejuvenation

The Deep Plane Facelift is a surgical technique that repositions deep tissues without stretching the skin, achieving natural and long-lasting rejuvenation. It differs from traditional techniques by working beneath the SMAS (rather than on its surface), precisely where sagging originates.

It was described by Hamra in 1990 in his article “The Deep Plane Rhytidectomy”, although it has evolved over time, progressing through the Extended Deep Plane Facelift to reach the Preservation Facelift.

Because it works on the deeper layers, repositioning tissues back where they belong instead of just stretching them.

Traditional facelift techniques (including SMAS-based approaches) primarily address the more superficial layers of the face, often failing to correct the underlying sagging caused by descent of deep structural tissues.

By working at a deeper anatomical level, the Deep Plane technique doesn’t rely on forcefully tightening tissues but rather on repositioning them, achieving a significantly more natural outcome while simultaneously reducing the risk of hypertrophic scarring.

This evolution from traditional methods to the Deep Plane approach represents a qualitative leap in facial rejuvenation. If you’re curious to understand how these techniques compare in detail and which might best align with your goals, I provide comprehensive explanations in this Guide.

It involves releasing and repositioning facial soft tissues to restore them to their proper place.

Unlike conventional techniques, the Deep Plane Facelift represents a fundamental shift in philosophy: it aims not to stretch tissues, but to reposition facial structures to their original anatomical placement, typically without requiring additional volume with fillers.

Achieving this requires detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and a profound understanding of the age-related changes that occur over time.

Whilst both are procedures for facial rejuvenation, the approach and results of Deep Plane lifting and SMAS lifting are remarkably different.

The fundamental difference lies in the depth of dissection. Whilst SMAS lifting works on the muscle’s surface, Deep Plane operates beneath it, accessing the facial retaining ligaments directly. This enables us to reposition tissues rather than simply stretching them.

The result? Rejuvenation that doesn’t merely lift, but restores your face’s youthful anatomy, delivering naturalness and longevity that are vastly superior.

The indication for Deep Plane lifting doesn’t depend on age, but rather on your goals and whether you value naturalness above all else.

We’ll consider Deep Plane lifting suitable for you if:

• You seek a natural result that rejuvenates your face whilst respecting your original anatomy
• You prefer to avoid the “stretched” or “tight” appearance of other facelifts.
• You want a lasting solution for sagging.
• You’re particularly concerned about nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jawline sagging (jowls).

Still unsure? Discover the 5 signs that indicate you might be a candidate.

• More natural results: by working in a deeper plane, it doesn’t apply tension to the skin, avoiding the “stretched face” appearance typical of SMAS lifts
• Longer-lasting results: by supporting the retaining ligaments, the effects of time are slowed
• Minimal scarring: by not applying tension to the suture, scars heal more favourably, becoming practically imperceptible after a few months
• Superior effectiveness: by correcting the stretching of retaining ligaments, it can address nasolabial folds and jowls

With no tension on the suture, healing is finer and naturally camouflages within the ear folds and hairline, becoming practically imperceptible after a few months.

This is one of my patients’ main concerns, but when they see photographs of the evolution, it disappears instantly.

Would you like to know exactly where they’re placed and how to care for them to achieve the best possible result?

I explain it all in this guide

I understand that financial investment is an important factor in your decision. The price of a Deep Plane Facelift isn’t fixed, and depends on many factors: it depends on your case’s complexity, whether it’s combined with other techniques like blepharoplasty or neck lifting, and above all, on experience.

I want you to have all the information clear from the beginning. That’s why I’ve created a detailed guide where I break down the factors that influence the investment and approximate ranges.

While one might assume recovery is more challenging than with traditional facelifts, the Deep Plane technique typically involves a very manageable recovery process because it’s anatomically more respectful.

In fact, the subcutaneous dissection (which is responsible for most swelling and bruising) is much more limited than in traditional facelift techniques.

That said, it’s important to follow specific postoperative guidelines which include:

• Relative rest (approximately 15 days)
• Home care of incision sites
• Sun protection
• Follow-up appointments

Make an appointment and check out, among hundreds of patients, cases similar to yours to discover the result we can achieve together.