Deep Plane Facelift

• Plastic Surgery
• Face & Eyes
• Deep Plane Facelift

Medically Reviewed 8th January 2026, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is Deep Plane Facelift?

A Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced surgical technique used to address changes in the skin and underlying soft tissues of the face and neck associated with ageing. It focuses on repositioning the deeper facial tissues to address tissue descent, loss of support and changes in facial contour.

Deep Plane Facelift surgery can address changes including sagging of the lower face, jowls, reduced definition of the jawline and changes in the upper neck. By repositioning the underlying facial tissues and addressing excess skin where appropriate, the procedure can restore support and definition while creating a more balanced and rejuvenated facial appearance.

The Deep Plane Facelift technique differs from other Facelift techniques as it involves working within the deeper anatomical plane of the face. The appropriate technique depends on the individual's anatomy, the extent of facial ageing and the nature and location of the changes requiring treatment.

Deep Plane Facelift results can be long-lasting, although the face will continue to age naturally following surgery. A Deep Plane Facelift may be particularly appropriate where there is more advanced skin and soft-tissue laxity and greater loss of facial support. Other techniques, including Mini or Micro Facelift procedures, may be more appropriate for patients with less extensive changes.

During consultation, your surgeon will assess your facial anatomy, the degree and distribution of skin and soft-tissue changes, your overall health and your individual concerns before determining whether a Deep Plane Facelift is appropriate and which surgical approach is most suitable.

Why Do People Have Deep Plane Facelift?

Deep Plane Facelift is designed to address a range of functional or medical concerns and can also deliver several aesthetic improvements to the area:

Medical reasons:

• To address significant tissue laxity following major weight loss or facial atrophy that can cause facial heaviness or asymmetry.
• To treat the symptoms of facial palsy, restoring the function and reconstructing the tissues of the face
• To restore facial support structures after reconstructive procedures or trauma.

Aesthetic reasons:

• To correct age-related sagging of deeper facial tissues
• To rejuvenate the midface, cheeks, jawline, and neck by lifting and repositioning deeper tissues for a natural, long-lasting result.
• To improve facial definition and harmony without over-tightening the skin surface.
• To restore confidence by achieving a refreshed, balanced appearance consistent with the patient’s natural features.

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?

The potential benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift depend on the individual's anatomy, the extent of facial ageing and the changes being addressed. Your surgeon will discuss the expected benefits and limitations of surgery during your consultation.

• Reduction of loose skin following significant weight loss: Where significant weight loss has resulted in excess or lax facial skin, surgery can address appropriate areas of loose skin and underlying tissue.
• Restored facial support and definition: Repositioning the deeper facial tissues can improve support and definition in areas affected by tissue descent and loss of structural support.
• Improved jawline definition: Repositioning the underlying tissues and addressing excess skin can restore definition to the lower face and jawline, including areas affected by jowling.
• Reduction in the appearance of facial folds: By addressing the position and support of the underlying tissues, a Deep Plane Facelift may reduce the appearance of folds and lines associated with facial tissue descent, including marionette lines and smokers' lines.
• A more rejuvenated appearance: Addressing age-related changes in the skin and underlying facial tissues can restore a fresher, more balanced and rejuvenated appearance.
• Natural-looking results: The Deep Plane technique repositions underlying facial tissues rather than relying solely on tension in the skin. Your surgeon will tailor the procedure to your anatomy to achieve an appropriate and balanced result.
• Long-lasting results: The changes produced by facelift surgery can be long-lasting, although the face will continue to age naturally following treatment.
• Individualised treatment: The procedure is tailored to the individual's anatomy and the specific changes affecting the face and neck. Your surgeon will determine which areas require treatment and which surgical technique is most appropriate.
• Psychological wellbeing: Addressing physical symptoms of ageing may contribute to improved confidence, self-esteem and psychological wellbeing in some patients

Who Is Suitable For Deep Plane Facelift?

Your surgeon will assess your suitability for Deep Plane Facelift UK during your consultation. They will discuss your concerns and desired results and examine your face and neck to ensure it is the best procedure for you. 

Deep Plane Facelift is typically suited to patients:

• Who are in their 50s or 60s and are experiencing advanced signs of ageing, especially around the cheeks, jawline and neck
• Looking for significant improvement, but with natural results
• With overall good physical and mental health 

The Cost of Deep Plane Facelift

How Does a Deep Plane Facelift Differ From Other Techniques?

The tissues of the face and neck are made up of a number of layers. Whereas other Facelift techniques focus primarily on tightening the skin, the Deep Plane Facelift tightens the connective tissue known as the SMAS and also releases the underlying ligaments connecting the deeper tissues to the skin.

By releasing the ligaments in the deeper tissues of the face and neck, the surgeon is able to achieve more comprehensive results, as they are able to move the muscles and skin further than is possible in other Facelift procedures. Manipulating these ligaments also prevents the skin from looking overly stretched and unnatural – an unfavourable trait, sometimes associated with Facelift surgery.

As Deep Plane Facelift is a more invasive procedure than some other techniques, the incisions may be more extensive. Your surgeon will place their incisions around the ears, hairline, and occasionally extending into the scalp. As this technique is only performed by the most experienced surgeons, they will ensure the incisions are concealed in discrete areas where once they are healed, they will be as invisible as possible. 

What Other Procedures Can Deep Plane Facelift Be Combined With?

Deep Plane Face Lifting can be carried out as a standalone surgery, but is often combined with other procedures to enhance the final result. Popular procedures that are performed alongside Deep Plane Facelift include: 

• Neck Lift – As a Deep Plane Facelift targets the lower face, a Neck Lift is a complimentary procedure which tightens and lifts the neck to give a balanced result 
• Blepharoplasty – For patients who are concerned about having sagging skin around their eye area, a Blepharoplasty will lift and smooth the eye area, giving a more youthful and open appearance 
• Brow Lift – A Brow Lift targets concerns specifically around the upper face, which combines effectively with the Deep Plane Facelift’s lower face and neck approach 
• Fat Transfer – The natural ageing process leads to a loss of volume in the skin. Fat Transfer to the face restores this volume, giving lift and fullness to the skin. The restorative properties of the fat can also be used to tackle concerns such as wrinkles and skin tone  

Frequently Asked Questions

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